What criminal record stops you from being a nurse?

Certain criminal convictions can prevent an individual from obtaining a nursing license or working as a nurse. These typically involve offenses related to patient safety, honesty, or moral fitness. The specific laws and criteria vary among jurisdictions, but common offenses that may disqualify an individual from nursing include:

Felonies: Serious crimes such as violent offenses, theft, fraud, drug trafficking, or sex crimes.

Crimes involving patient abuse or neglect: Any conviction related to mistreatment, abuse, or neglect of patients or vulnerable adults.

Substance abuse-related offenses: Drug convictions, DUI, or certain alcohol-related offenses.

Moral turpitude offenses: Crimes involving dishonesty, deceit, or moral wrongdoing, such as theft, embezzlement, fraud, or forgery.

Sexual offenses: Any conviction related to sexual contact, misconduct, or exploitation.

Crimes against children or vulnerable adults: Offenses involving physical or sexual abuse, endangerment, or any crime targeted towards children or vulnerable populations.

Financial crimes: Depending on the severity and context, certain financial crimes such as money laundering or grand theft may also impact eligibility for a nursing license.

It's crucial to note that each jurisdiction has its own nursing laws and regulations, so the specific criminal offenses that disqualify an individual from nursing may vary. Furthermore, some jurisdictions may consider certain factors such as the severity of the crime, time since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation when evaluating an individual's suitability for nursing.