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What disqualifies you from being a nurse?

By Justin Parker - Mar. 13, 2023

Several things can disqualify you from being a nurse including having a felony or criminal record, a history of documented substance abuse, physical or mental health issues, certain forms of unprofessional behavior, and falsified information. Here is a look at each of these things that can disqualify you from being a nurse:

  • Having a felony or criminal record

    In most states, you can not become a nurse if you have a felony on your record. This might vary depending on which particular state you are trying to become a nurse in. In general, though, having a felony conviction on your record is most likely going to mean that you are ineligible for nurse certification.

    Many states do not allow individuals with criminal records to become nurses. This might depend on the specific charge, its severity, and several other factors, but there is a strong chance a felony will make you ineligible. This strict policy is because nurses often work with vulnerable populations, such as disabled individuals and senior citizens.

    Nurses are expected to perform their jobs with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict ethical medical code. Certain felonies are almost always going to keep you from becoming a nurse, such as ones:

    • Involving violence

    • Involving sexual misconduct

    • Some involve theft or fraud

    • Involving the sale of illegal or prescription drugs

Some states might grant leniency to individuals who have felonies outside of these areas. To get accurate information on your particular state's policies you should contact the health board or your local government for specific details concerning this issue.

  • A history of documented substance abuse

    Documented drug or alcohol abuse can also disqualify you from becoming a nurse. This can also cause some nurses to lose their licenses, however, in some circumstances, nurses can regain their licenses if they participate in drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs.

  • Physical or mental health issues

    Some individuals who are physically impaired or disabled are ineligible to become nurses since nursing involves highly physical tasks where nurses remain on their feet for many hours at a time. Certain mental health issues and conditions can also disqualify people from becoming nurses.

  • Unprofessional behavior

    Histories of documented unprofessional behavior can also hinder your ability to become a nurse. This depends on the severity and specifics of each case but includes situations like breaching the confidentiality of a client, patient, or company or engaging in inappropriate work relationships.

  • Falsifying information

    If you provide untrue information on a nursing license application and are found out, you most likely will be disqualified from becoming a nurse. This can also happen to current nurses if they provide false information during a license renewal process.

  • What disqualifies you from being a nurse?

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