Hellobee Boards

Interesting, I had no idea and had never really thought about it before but I guess it makes sense. I think I am on board with the current rule (as you explained it) of no record but you can petition for a special circumstance. If it was something unrelated from 10+ years ago it's hard to see how that would change that person's ability to provide great care and respect the environment. At the same time, if the person were convicted of stealing prescription drugs it might be different.

Question though, does this rule apply to everyone involved in nursing or just RNs? I sort of know a person that I believe just became an LPN and I cannot possibly imagine she doesn't have a record since I know she has been involved in drugs, had her children removed from her home as well as other unsavory things. It kind of makes you worry...

Interesting, I didn't know! I'm a bit torn on the issue. My first instinct is that it is too harsh and that people should be evaluated on a case by case basis. I'm a lawyer and (in Ohio anyways... but I think everywhere?) in order to take the Bar Exam you have to go through a "character and fitness" examination where they do a background check, you have to send in references, and then you have an interview with people. There are really no hard and fast rules, but it is generally known that stuff like a DUI or prior criminal record or even a history of bad debt CAN keep you from being able to sit for the bar exam. But it is very case by case, and you can appeal the decision if they deny you permission to take the exam.

On the other hand, I'm sure that process is really time/personnel intensive and also is not super fair across the board because maybe some interviewers are tougher than others? So for that reason I wonder if maybe a general strict rule with the ability to appeal is better?

I am in favor; with the caveat being that I’m more in favor of disqualification for certain types of offenses rather than across the board.

I think this is pretty common in many industries; especially those where the employee is placed in a position of trust or has access to confidential private information and/or the customer (or patient) is “vulnerable”.

Many states have laws about the length of time an employer can look back (or hold the offense against you), so it shouldn’t be a free for all / 1 minor thing disqualifies you for life.

Health care providers are put in a position of intimacy and trust with patients; I think it’s totally fair to check and make sure that none have been convicted of crimes that would violate that trust (like, violent crimes, abuse of any sort, etc.). I don’t think someone who shoplifted as a teenager but never did anything else should be denied a license at 30; but I don’t really think that disqualification would generally be allowed. (Maybe I’m wrong though?!)

I'm a healthcare professional and I don't really agree with it. I mean, sure, if I'm convicted of a violent crime or molesting a child, then yeah I understand not being able to practice. But a DUI I got in college?? Or even if I got one now, I don't think that should affect my license to practice. From what I was told in school, if we get something like a DUI we could have our license taken away.

My SIL is a nurse practitioner and has a DUI from her college days. Not sure if she had to petition or not.

@dc yoga bee: you can't take the bar with any outstanding CC debt or is it just defaulted payments? Major irony there considering the amount of student loan debt most of my lawyer friends have

I think we're held to a higher standard because we have human lives in our hands, and from that perspective-- all things being equal, I'm going to choose applicants who are squeaky clean rather than someone who has shown questionable judgment in the past. I'm all for rehabilitation for past mistakes, but not in this case.