Arrested in Nursing School? What You Need to Know About Your Future License

Arrested in Nursing School? What You Need to Know About Your Future License

If you're in nursing school and you get arrested, it can feel like your entire future is crashing down around you.

You might be thinking:

• “Can you even be a nurse if you went to jail?”
  
  

• “Will the Board of Nursing reject me automatically?”
  
  

• “Is it even worth continuing school now?”

These are incredibly common questions, and you’re not alone in asking them.

Nursing school is stressful enough without legal trouble. But the truth is, getting arrested during nursing school doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t become a nurse. It does mean you’ll need to be proactive, honest, and strategic about how you move forward.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly what you need to know if you’re a nursing student who gets arrested. We’ll cover how it can impact your school, your license application, and your long-term career—and what steps you can take right now to protect your future.

And if you’re already licensed and worried about what an arrest might mean for your practice, we’ll share resources for that, too.

Can You Be a Nurse If You Went to Jail?

Let’s start with the big question that keeps people up at night.

Can you still be a nurse if you were arrested, charged, or even convicted?

The short answer is: Yes—it’s possible.

Boards of Nursing don’t automatically deny you a license just because you have an arrest or conviction. They generally look at the whole picture. That means they evaluate:

• The nature and seriousness of the offense
  
  

• Whether it was a misdemeanor or felony
  
  

• How much time has passed since it happened
  
  

• Whether you completed probation or other requirements
  
  

• Your overall record and evidence of rehabilitation
  
  

For example, a single misdemeanor shoplifting charge from five years ago is typically viewed very differently from a recent felony assault conviction.

Boards want to know: Can this person be trusted to care for vulnerable patients? Are they honest and accountable?

Boards of Nursing Look for These Key Factors

Most Boards of Nursing use a "good moral character" standard. They’re assessing whether your criminal history indicates you might pose a risk to patients or the public.

When reviewing your case, they often look for:

✅ Responsibility: Did you take ownership of what happened?
✅ Insight: Do you understand why it was wrong and how it affects your profession?
✅ Rehabilitation: Have you shown you changed your behavior?
✅ Candor: Were you honest in your disclosures?

In short: They don’t expect you to be perfect. They expect you to be honest and responsible

Honesty is Non-Negotiable

One of the biggest mistakes students make is trying to hide their arrest or conviction.

Most states require you to disclose any criminal history—even if it was dismissed, reduced, or expunged. Some states even ask about arrests without convictions.

If you lie or omit it on your application, and they find out during your background check (which they will), that dishonesty can sink your application faster than the offense itself.

Boards typically see lying as a major red flag.

Tip: When in doubt, disclose it.

Even if it feels embarrassing. Even if you think it was “no big deal.” Better to be upfront and explain it well than be caught hiding it later.

Nursing School Policies Vary

Beyond licensing, don’t forget your nursing program has its own rules.

Many nursing schools have codes of conduct that require you to tell them if you’re arrested or charged. Check your student handbook carefully.

Schools may:

• Require immediate disclosure
  
  

• Conduct an internal conduct review
  
  

• Place you on probation or suspension
  
  

• Require documentation showing the case outcome
  
  

• Help you plan for Board disclosure
  
  

Policies vary widely. Some schools are very supportive and will help you navigate the Board process. Others may have stricter discipline policies, especially for certain offenses.

If you’re arrested:

Review your school’s policy carefully
Meet with your advisor or student conduct office if required
Be prepared to share legal documents

Clinical Placements Can Be Tricky

Even if your school allows you to continue in the program, clinical sites often do their own background checks.

Some charges may restrict your ability to be placed in certain clinical settings, especially:

• Pediatrics
  
  

• Behavioral health or psychiatric units
  
  

• Home health
  
  

• Correctional facilities
  
  

• Any site with vulnerable populations
  
  

You may need to work with your school to find a placement that accepts your background.

This is a key reason to be upfront with your program early. It’s better to plan placements that will work for you than to scramble at the last minute.

What To Do Immediately If You’re Arrested

If you’re in nursing school and get arrested, it can feel overwhelming.

Here’s a clear, realistic plan to help you get your feet under you:

1. Don’t Panic

It’s stressful and scary, but you have options. Many people in your shoes have successfully gone on to become nurses.

2. Get Legal Counsel ASAP

Hire a criminal defense attorney, preferably one experienced in professional licensing. Don’t try to navigate this alone.

Your attorney can help you:

• Understand the charges
  
  

• Negotiate plea deals or reduced charges
  
  

• Get documentation you’ll need for school or the Board
  
  

• Prepare your written explanation
  
  

3. Check School Policies

Read your student handbook to see if you’re required to disclose the arrest. If so, notify the school promptly.

4. Document Everything

Keep copies of:

• Arrest and booking paperwork
  
  

• Court records
  
  

• Sentencing orders
  
  

• Probation completion certificates
  
  

• Letters of recommendation
  
  

You’ll need this for your licensing application.

5. Plan for Disclosure

Start thinking about how you’ll explain this to your Board of Nursing. Be honest. Show responsibility and insight.

Writing Your Explanation for the Board

Most Boards require you to submit a written explanation about any criminal history.

This is your chance to show them you’re safe, responsible, and honest.

Take ownership. Don’t blame others.
Explain what you learned.
Highlight changes you’ve made.
Share evidence of rehabilitation.
Be professional and respectful.

This letter isn’t about making excuses. It’s about showing you understand the gravity of the situation and why you’ll be a safe, trustworthy nurse.

How Boards Review Your Application

When you graduate and apply for licensure, the Board will usually:

• Run a criminal background check (often including FBI fingerprinting)
  
  

• Compare your disclosures with the results
  
  

• Request court documents
  
  

• Review your written explanation
  
  

• Possibly ask for letters of recommendation
  
  

• Sometimes conduct an in-person hearing
  
  

This might sound intimidating. But remember: The goal isn’t to punish you forever. It’s to protect patients.

If you show rehabilitation and responsibility, you have a strong chance of being approved.

What Types of Offenses Are More Concerning?

Not all offenses carry the same weight with Boards.

Charges that often trigger the most concern include:

❌ Violent crimes (assault, battery, sexual offenses)
❌ Crimes of dishonesty (theft, fraud)
❌ Drug-related offenses (especially diversion or trafficking)
❌ Multiple repeat offenses
❌ Recent, unresolved cases

But even these don’t automatically mean you’ll be denied. Boards consider:

• Time since the offense
  
  

• Age at the time
  
  

• Steps taken toward rehabilitation
  
  

• Professional character evidence
  
  

Can You Be Denied a Nursing License?

Yes. Boards can deny your license if they determine you lack good moral character or pose a risk to patients.

But denial is rarely automatic.

Most Boards prefer to grant conditional approval or place restrictions (like probationary licenses) if they see rehabilitation.

The best thing you can do is be prepared, honest, and proactive.

Planning for Your Future Career

Being arrested in nursing school is a huge stressor, but it doesn’t have to end your dream.

In fact, this experience can make you a more compassionate, ethical nurse if you handle it well.

Be honest with yourself and your school.
Take responsibility early.
Document everything.
Show evidence of change.
Build a strong support network of faculty, colleagues, and mentors.

Think of this as part of your professional growth.

For Working Nurses: Help Is Available

This blog is primarily for students—but what if you’re already a licensed nurse who gets arrested?

You might be facing:

• Mandatory reporting requirements to your Board
  
  

• Disciplinary investigations
  
  

• Hearings about suspension or revocation
  
  

You don’t have to navigate that alone.

➡️ Visit Nurse Defender to learn more about how you can protect your nursing license if you’re facing trouble.

Nurse Defender Pro offers resources, guides, and support to help nurses through Board of Nursing investigations and disciplinary processes.

If you’re in nursing school and you get arrested, it’s normal to feel scared, ashamed, or even hopeless. But it’s important to know this:

You are not the first, and you won’t be the last.

Many excellent nurses have blemishes on their records. What matters is how you handle it.

Take responsibility.
Get the right help.
Prepare to tell your story honestly.
Show the Board—and yourself—that you’re committed to being a safe, ethical, compassionate nurse.

Your career is still possible. And it’s worth fighting for.