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Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

punkypingu — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 12:08:39 GMT

Hello there, first of all I apologize if this isn't in the right forum, I'm new to this website.
I am 35 years old, all my life I have dreamed of becoming a nurse, but have never been in the position to go for it. Not one for the sympathy vote, but I've been through alot. I lost my baby daughter in 2003, then went on to have my son. I came out of an abusive relationship with the father of both babies, which forced me to, leave all my possessions behind & relocate. I've always had a job, never been in trouble with the police or anything. During the time in which I moved away, I started working 16hours a week In a bistro , which I did for 5 years.
Sorry to go on, to cut a long story short, I got interviewed under caution for benefit fraud, which then led to me going to court and been served with a court fine, an 8 week curfew order & obviously having to pay the money back ( £3,000)
It was an awful ,embarrassing time for me. All down to the fact that I just assumed the hours I did over, would tally up with the weeks where I didn't work, due to summer holidays , kids been off school etc .
Anyway, I've not been in trouble since, I don't even claim benefits anymore. I am still paying the money back monthly . My head at the time of all this, was all over the place. I was still very much grieving for my baby girl, I'd never had counselling for it, so was very confused about life.
I'm now in a better place, I'm now married to an amazing man, who that's me & my son wonderfully & we have since had a baby boy together. I am now in a position to go back to part time education & fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse . I want to make something of my life & make my kids proud of me.
The only thing stopping me is this conviction. Where do I stand? Is it possible to still become a nurse or am I best just trying something completely different ? I've always had jobs where I've been trusted to lock up, cash up, etc . Ive never been in trouble before.
I'm so confused at the lack of information available for someone in my position.
If anyone could help me, I'd be ever so grateful .
Thanks in advance.

RE: Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

george5WR — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 12:08:39 GMT

I don't understand why it should be a problem because of it. Talking of hospitals and nursing sphere of business, you should care about your new clothes and shoes at new working position, isn't it? You may visit this vegan nursing shoes article, to read more about that shoes, and how they can help your legs avoid traumas, being the most comfortable shoes ever been produced.

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

Cutehs2 — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT

Hello Nathan,

Thank you. I've had a chance to read the guidance notes provided by the university, and you are correct, the information is shared with the local NHS Trusts.

"Persons entering professional programmes must meet the requirements of good character. This is based on conduct, behaviour and attitude, as well as consideration of previous convictions and cautions.

Criminal Records Bureau checks are carried out on all prospective students prior to entry onto professional programmes. In normal circumstances once a conviction is spent, this does not have to be revealed. However to protect the vulnerable, certain professional programmes are exempt from this provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), and so information about all previous convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings must be disclosed, regardless of when these occurred.

You are also required to declare if you are currently the subject of proceedings, which might lead to a conviction, an order binding you over or a caution in the UK or another country.

Failure to declare information will result in a provisional place being withdrawn, or if discovered once on the programme may result in termination of training.

Possession of a criminal conviction does not necessarily make an applicant unsuitable for undertaking a professional programme, and a person’s suitability for training will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the School of Health Fitness for Practice Panel. This will include representation from the university and a local NHS Trust.

The following issues will be taken into account when reaching a decision about suitability for entry to a professional programme:

• Whether the conviction or caution was disclosed
• The degree of risk posed to patients/clients
• The length of time since the offence
• Whether the applicant has a pattern of offending
• How the applicant’s situation has changed since the offence was committed
• The circumstances surrounding the offence
• The applicant’s explanation of the offence
• Evidence submitted by the applicant, or referees of good character

The applicant’s commitment to work safely and effectively upholding the trust and confidence of patients and clients.
• The relevance to the post in question
• The age at which the offence was committed".

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

Cutehs2 — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
It all depends on the university and their policy. My application was successful.

Yes, Fraud is a filterable offence.

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

nathan — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
Hi Cutehs2

I hope you don't mind me asking, but I was really surprised that they didn't disclose to the individual Trusts. I would have thought risk assessment trumped data protection (nor do I see how this is legit data protection, bearing in mind it would be the Trust location if anything untoward were to happen).

I am a slightly bitter 'wannabe' nurse. Was told I'd never get put on the registered training, did something else and whilst wouldn't have a problem now, couldn't afford the salary cut whilst training.

Hope your career goes well.

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

nathan — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
Hi Pingu

I don't think so, in all honesty.

Fraud is a pretty bad conviction for a nurse. Think of the vulnerable patients involved. The fact that you were in your thirties when this happened shows you did this whilst you were mature enough 'to know better'.

I don't know if Fraud is a filterable offence, but then you are still looking at 8 years before completely filtered. As Cutehs2 says, you would have to disclose it to an employer.

My advice? Study for an associated degree in Biology preferably. Potentially do a MSc if you can afford it. In 5 years, apply to be a nurse, this will then give you 8 years clear of conviction and a strong academic record. This will substitute for experience to a degree.

Apply for nurse training, then f you get through this, your conviction will have filtered and you will be professionally registered with a MSc behind you. That would be a very good attractive candidate for a nurse.

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

Cutehs2 — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
Punkypingu,

There is a section on the UCAS form that will enable you to disclose the mistake that you made, tick the 'yes' box. Once your application has been processed, your chosen universities will be notified. What happens thereafter varies considerably depending on the institutions policy. In my case, the university suspended my application, i had to provide a written account of what happened etc.

The university will undertake the DBS checking process, not the NHS, clearance permits you to go onto placement. With that in mind, confidential information will NOT be shared with the NHS. However, once you qualify, you will have to disclose the mistake on your application for employment.

I also completed an Access course prior to my degree, you don't have to disclose at college, just enjoy the experience :)

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

punkypingu — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
Sorry, another question...I'm just wondering how you told your uni about the conviction? Was it at the interview or on the application forms? I'm thinking of doing a Distance learning course, I don't know if I have to tell them or not? I don't want to get to your end of it all and it all be for nothing. It's all making me feel sick as I've never wanted something so badly. I understand at University , you do work placements too? Does the University disclose the information to the employers or do we have to do that?? Again sorry for all the questions. Thank you x

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

Deb S — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
Hi Punkypingu

I'd agree with Cutehs2 - just be up front and honest and try as best you can to explain the reasons that led to the conviction. You've changed your life around (an amazing husband and a new baby) and hopefully this will demonstrate that having dealt with the 'issues' that led to your offence you are unlikely to reoffend or be any sort of risk to your colleagues, patients or the organisation.

Wishing you the best of luck - let us know how you get on.
Need Unlock's advice? Visit our self-help information site or contact our helpline

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

punkypingu — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
Morning, thank you for sharing that. I want to start ASAP really . I will have to do an access course first. I'm not getting any younger, I wish I'd have applied years ago, but as I said, I've never been in the right position to do so. At what point did you declare your conviction? I'm sorry to ask you all these questions, it's just such a relief to see someone who has been through this & has gone on to to nursing training.

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

punkypingu — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
Oh thank you so much, that's reassuring. Can I be cheeky & ask if your conviction was as bad as fraud though?

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

Cutehs2 — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
I also have a fraud conviction, False Representation. There are a few people on my course with assault and drink driving convictions. Just be honest like i said, this is viewed positively, though not quite as positive if you fail to declare. When are you thinking to apply for your Nurse training?

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

Cutehs2 — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
Hello,

I am currently a student Nurse with a conviction. I disclosed the mistake that i made from the outset, i was then asked to provide a written account of the circumstances that led up to the event, and what i had learnt front the experience. This information was passed to a panel, and i was cleared to proceed. I am now in my second year. Just be upfront and honest, you will be fine.

Good luck.

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

punkypingu — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
Does anyone else know any more on this please?

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

punkypingu — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
Ok, thank you. I will do that later. I've a horrible feeling your right though :(

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

Square — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
I don't know the answer for sure, but Google the professional body and ask. They won't be shocked, and will respond appropriately. Nothing to worry about.

If I was going by my gut feeling I would say it would be hard to become registered. Fraud is fraud, and being a nurse you would be working with vulnerable people. This being said, you will not know unless you ask.

Becoming a nurse with a previous spent conviction??

punkypingu — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:55:41 GMT
Sorry, the conviction was in July 2012