My friend was arrested and charged for assault with a deadly weapon, gang affiliation, and possession of a deadly weapon while in college. All the charges were dropped and she would like to get back into a school and eventually become a nurse. Her lawyer said the only thing that will be visisble is that she was arrested. Will this affect her nursing carrer goals??

Usually when you apply for nursing school they do go into an extensive background check, they will see that she was arrested for the charges, but not convicted, however, usually, any history with that kind of situation affects the chances of being accepted into programs or getting jobs.

The fact she was not convicted helps but as Charlotte says it's not going to be easy for her to be a nurse. Would you want someone like her handling narcotics? I wouldn't with a background like that.

Usually anyone with a drug issue in their history or a history of violence in any way will not be accepted to a program for nursing students.. they do drug testing and background checks and it's serious business.

Hello v:

I absolutely disagree with the above. You were not convicted. Therefore, you did NOTHING. In this country, you're innocent until proven guilty. That doesn't mean they HAVE to give you a job. It just means you should fight for your rights.

Believe me, there are hospitals out there that aren't stupid, and there are some that are. Yes, she can become a nurse.

excon