A nursing background check is often a requirement when applying for nursing programs, state licensure, and some jobs. What should you know if you’re in the process of submitting a background check? And what should you do if you’re worried that a background check will find something? Find the answers to these questions and more below.
What Are Nursing Background Checks?
Nursing schools, state nursing boards, and employers use background checks to assess the risk of accepting or hiring a potential candidate. Because patients are vulnerable, nurses need to be evaluated for their judgment, and a background check is one component of this assessment.
Comprehensive background checks vary by institution, but they can include any of the following components:
- Criminal history: The most common element of a background check, which searches for previous arrests, charges, and convictions.
- Sex offender registry status: Ensures that a candidate is not barred from care due to previous abuse charges.
- Verification of employment: Checks work history to ensure it matches a candidate’s resume.
- License verification: Confirms a candidate is eligible to work with an active nursing license.
- References: Collects testimonials from previous coworkers, managers, and employers.
- Checks for exclusion: Ensures a candidate isn’t barred from working in federally funded areas.
- Drug screening: Tests for illegal substances, typically using urine.
- Fingerprinting: Verifies identity and can authorize a more thorough criminal background check.
- Verification of certifications: Ensures a candidate has the credentials they claim to have.
The Background on Background Checks for Nurses
Criminal background checks were not common for nursing students until the late 90s, when a nursing student committed a violent crime against another student and was found to be wanted for second-degree murder in another state. The head of the nursing department campaigned for nursing programs to more thoroughly investigate students and deny entry to those convicted of violent crimes.
Health institutions also often require criminal background checks, so they can be a requirement for clinical rotations. While a nursing student may not be employed by the hospital, the facility may be held responsible for a breach of care that occurs during a patient’s stay. Background checks help facilities ensure that patients are safe.
Today, most nursing schools, facilities, and state nursing boards outsource background checks to agencies with massive databases of criminal records. These organizations are regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which requires that individuals consent to a record check and have the opportunity to contest any errors, among other rights.
Background checks are not necessarily complete documents, and they need to be reviewed carefully to avoid discrimination. For example, an arrest may be on file, but the final judgment on guilt or innocence may not be included. If records are not thoroughly investigated, this can lead to the inappropriate exclusion of a candidate.
Background checks also can’t catch everything. For example, they didn’t stop over 7,600 nurses from using fake diplomas to gain licensure in Florida. Some checks are more comprehensive than others, and they’re not a complete measure of someone’s past or character.
What to Know About Getting a Background Check For Nursing School
Getting a background check done can make you feel nervous, even if you don’t have a criminal record. The good news is that the process is generally straightforward, and most candidates pass.
If you have a criminal record, it’s best to disclose this before a background check finds something. What types of charges might be a problem? Look up your institution's guidelines for specifics. Below are some of the offenses that may disqualify you from nursing school:
- Misdemeanor theft crimes in the past 5 years
- Crimes of violence in the past 7 years
- Unlawful sexual behavior in the past 7 years
- Domestic violence within the past 7 years
- Elder or child abuse within the past 7 years
What if a background check finds something you didn’t expect? Depending on the crime, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of the running, but you should be open and honest about your record. The data is encouraging on this topic: Some schools have a more restrictive admission process than others, but in general, the prevalence of criminal records in nursing school is similar to the prevalence in the general college-aged population.
How to Complete a Nursing Background Check
There’s little you need to do for a background check, and your end of the process may only take a few minutes. Most employers will complete this process for you, but you will need to sign a disclosure first. If a background check finds something, there will be additional steps to contest your case. Typically, you can contest the results of a background check by contacting the agency that performed it.
Step 1: Review Background Check Requirements
First, get clear on the requirements for your institution. If you’re applying for nursing school, you may just need to authorize the check and pay a fee. Many state nursing boards require fingerprinting alongside a background check. And if you’re submitting a check for an employer, a drug screen is common. Review specific requirements to determine the agency you’ll need to go through.
Step 2: Submit Background Check and Pay Fees
Depending on the agency that performs your background check, you’ll need to log in and create an account in order to begin. A typical background check authorization form includes areas where you can disclose criminal history. You’ll also probably need to pay a fee in order to submit the results. Most background checks take a few days to weeks to complete.
Nursing Background Check FAQ
Can you be a nurse with a criminal record?
Yes, but it depends on the charges. If you’re not sure whether you can become a nurse or not because of a prior conviction or arrest, check with your state nursing board and review their criminal record policies. Learn more about whether you can be a nurse with a felony.
How far back does a nursing background check go?
It depends on many factors — the agency performing the background check, your jurisdiction, and the extent of the offense. Some checks can even find juvenile arrests. If you’re nervous about a previous charge, it’s generally best to disclose it on the front end.
What if a background check finds something?
Being honest is essential and will give you the best odds of being admitted. It’s your right to contest a background check if you feel it does not accurately reflect your history. And even if a previous charge is accurate, it may not prevent you from entering nursing school. Contact your institution to learn more about contesting a background check.
How common is it to fail a nursing school background check?
It’s quite rare for a nursing program background check to flag anything. Only about 3.4% of criminal background checks yield any findings, and a very small minority are serious felonies.
What’s the most common reason to fail a background check for nursing school?
Substance use makes up the majority of flagged criminal background checks, followed by disorderly conduct, property crimes, and crimes against persons. These charges may not bar a candidate, and the decision-making process needs to be holistic and non-discriminatory.
Can a background check show driving violations?
Driving violations like speeding tickets generally will not show up on a criminal background check, unless it includes a driving record. But if an accident resulted in criminal charges, a background check will likely find them.
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