Background checks for nursing licensure and employment typically review criminal history and professional records for seven to ten years, though this can vary by state and employer. Some states and agencies may review records without a time limit, especially for serious offenses.
Most state boards of nursing conduct comprehensive fingerprint based criminal background checks through both state and federal databases, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These checks often include all reportable criminal history, regardless of when the offense occurred. While many states follow the standard seven year lookback period for general employment screening, nursing is considered a position of public trust, so licensing boards frequently examine entire adult criminal records.
Certain offenses—such as those involving violence, sexual misconduct, drug diversion, fraud, or abuse—may be reviewed regardless of age. Even expunged or sealed records may need to be disclosed on nursing applications, as failure to report can result in denial of licensure.
In addition to criminal history, background checks for nursing may include:
- Verification of nursing education and prior licenses
- Disciplinary actions from other state boards
- Exclusion from federal healthcare programs
- Child or elder abuse registry checks
Applicants must typically disclose all relevant information on their licensure application, and providing false or incomplete information can lead to disqualification, even if the underlying offense might have been waivable.
It is essential to review the specific requirements of the state board of nursing where you are applying, as policies on lookback periods, reportable offenses, and rehabilitation considerations differ. When in doubt, full transparency is the safest approach to ensure eligibility for licensure and employment.