Bipolar Type II Support Group

I have been very worried lately about my future employment possibilities as a Registered Nurse. I will be graduating in December from a highly accredited university with my nursing degree. The problem is...less than 10 years ago, I got a misdemeanor for making a phone call, which broke a restraining order my ex had out on me...we both had restraining orders on each other...this was a 'bad' relationship and highly emotionally-dependent. The crime was a PHONE CALL.

I am worried I won't get hired in a hospital because of this. At my school, you have to have a clean record to go there, and they use the FBI for background checks. Through the FBI, I have no record, I'm guessing because it's so minor. But, I have done background checks on myself and it shows up. The applications ASK, 'have you ever been arrested/convicted of a crime?' I have heard it's best to be honest in case they find out otherwise. The Board of Nursing won't restrict me getting licensed because it's not a "disqualifying" crime...so you think I'd be ok...but I know all hospitals have their own rules.

I am very worried, because I am in alot of debt and really need this career. I even checked out alot of hospitals before going to school and they all said it depends on the type of misdemeanor and the most disqualifying crimes are associated w/health care, drugs & abuse.

I'm trying my best to leave my future in God's hands. I'm a christian and have a strong faith in God, but I'm also human and worry too.

Anyone with experience in this area or helpful advice is much appreciated. Thank you.

I wouldn't think that a phone call would keep you from getting a job. That would just be dumb of them to hold that against you. That's crazy that it comes up in your background check. I would probably be honest if there is a chance that they would find out. Then it would look like you are lying to them. I'm sorry that happened to you. It's something so small to even put on a record, but I guess they have to record those things. I hope everything turns out okay and you get the job you want! Good luck!!

I know it's very minor, but it still shows up, and I'm wondering if that is a red flag on my record. The head of the nursing dept at the school I go to said it's not a red flag, but I just can't help but be worried about it. When I lost my job in 2008, I had trouble finding another position & I don't know if it was because of the misdemeanor or because of the economy. It's a very unfortunate thing that I have it on my record...I wish I could do it all over again. If the situation were reversed, I wouldn't have pressed charges against him for calling me...I just feel really down about it.

If anyone knows of someone who has a misdemeanor but it didn't hold them back, I'd really like to hear from you.

It was so long ago, it may not be on your current record any longer. I would not check it probably but then tell them when they review my application at an interview. Of course, that might be a damper on the interview. I don't know. That's a tough thing to be faced with. It will be interesting to hear more ideas about it.

Each employer pulls their own background checks...and it's impossible to know if it will show up or not. Through the FBI, it does not show up and I'm thinking because it's a minor thing. But, I would say not all hospitals use the FBI for background checks. I already know the board of nursing will let me get certified, or I wouldn't have gone back to school...I'm just concerned about the hospitals and whatever rules they have.

I just thought in the bipolar community...more people would have some knowledge/experience about this...trying not to worry and have faith. If I can get certified by the state, certainly I can get a job too.

I have a felony & two lesser crimes on my record from when I was 16 yo. I became a computer tech. for one of IBM's research & development labs. I am currently employed as a state employee and am DCI certified which means the state bureau of investigation has taken my finger prints, done a thorough background check, and cleared me to work on marine patrol computers. I wouldn't think having a minor infraction on your record would be grounds for not hiring you.

That's really great to hear. Thank-you for sharing. I just wonder if it's any different since that happened when you were a teen. I guess I'm worried because after I lost my job in '08, I had trouble finding another one...but that could've been the economy too.

I was tried as an adult, not sure why, I guess to make an example of me. oh well it's in the past now and I've learned to live with it. I have proven that I am not that person I was in my teens.

Oh I see. Yeah, I know what you mean. Well, that's very encouraging you work for the state now and it didn't keep you from getting employed. I'm probably worried for nothing but then one of the nursing directors did tell me that the rules are getting more strict for nursing homes and hospitals. But, I had to pass a background check thru the FBI to get into the nursing program...that should be proof enough.

Thanks for responding.