to hope that I might have a shot at this

[5StoneDown]

Ok, tried this on education but alas no response.

I want to study nursing, have suitable education to get onto the course but have a criminal record for theft (from employer) when I was 18. I don't need to be told how idiotic that was, I am fully aware of my stupidity and regret the incident sorely.

I recieved a condtional discharge and paid back the money (approx £700)and have not repeated this behavior at all since. I am now 25, had the same responsible cash/large value car handling job for 5 years where I am trusted and respected.

Am I being unreasonable to think I might be able to get on the course and then be employable? I'd rather have the truth so thought here might be a good place to start.

Thanks

i think you will get asked if you have a criminal record, I'm not sure what the rules are for how many years ago a crime has to have been to be 'spent'

i studied as a nurse (sadly didnt finish the course though ) and as far as i can remember, at the interview/application stage they ask you to declare any criminal records and they then decide on individual merit whether they will accept you or not.

but the key is to be honest, as a friend of mine on the course was done for shoplifting and didnt tell them, but they then found out and kicked her off the course, as it was the dishonesty as much as the fact she had a criminal record.

but good luck with it, you should apply I think. and good for you for wanting to better yourself.

Why not call them to ask - you don't have to give your name.

I'd be honest and express your regret, then it can never bite you on the bum.

Were you fined? If so your conviction should be spent and there is no need to declare it - there are exceptions though and nursing may well fall under that.

I have called, the admission lady said she 'thought it would be ok'and to say at time of application, which I would obviously do.

However I have concerns with regards to giving up a frankly pretty decent job, then being asked to leave the course after the admissions panel review.

I believe this happened to someone at Northumbria Uni and I think the CRB/panel thing is done at the beginning of the first term, so I'm quite cautious about it all.

I would call one of the nursing unions anonymously to check just on case.

BUT a conditional discharge is not a conviction and does not have to be declared as such. There has been a case on it which concerned a police officer who had one for shoplifting. If you are completing an application form and it asks if you have any convictions you can say no.

I'm pretty sure even 'spent' convictions need to be declared and agree with other posters that you need to be completely honest with the Uni. It shouldn't stop you from doing your training provided you tell them.

If you don't declare it and later get found out you are likely to be dismissed from the course and struck off by the NMC before you even qualify as dishonesty contravenes the NMC Code of Conduct.

It also shouldn't cause any problems applying for jobs, as the NHS consider each case on merit. If I were you I'd contact the NMC and check with them, but don't worry too much. I'm a nurse and have worked in the past with nurses with convictions for various offenses.

just wanted to say good luck

I have just been trying to see what I can find out for you...

It would appear that the 'Rehabilitation Period' for a Conditional Discharge is one year, after which time it becomes 'spent' and you are no longer required to disclose it, however there are several exemptions and nursing is (unfortunately) one of those exemptions.

I really think though, if you are honest about it at the interview, it wont be a problem. Employee theft at 18 is not really relevant to nursing in the same way something like GBH or something like that would be. Just be very contrite and I am sure you'll be fine.

Willbean - the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974/2001 does count a Conditional Discharge as a conviction (well, it certainly seems to, to me)

However, if I were you, I would post again with a relevant title asking for help from our wonderful, qualified, legal brains - not just those of us guessing/surfing the internet!

ChippingIn- just looked at the ACt yep the wording is confusing, but it is correct that it is only considered to be a conviction for the purpose of those particular proceedings and does not have to be declared as such afterwards.

See here

Thanks for the advice.

I will give it a try in the legal section, I was just trying to get some people to have a look today after my failure to get reponses in the education section!

I am feeling positive about this, well more positive than usual about it!

Why don't you phone the Royal College of Nursing and ask their advice. They should be able to give you a definitive answer.

Good luck!