DWI and CORI check

I was in the process of changing career paths and have signed up for a ASN at a local college. This past semester I began taking some academic requirements for the program (A&P I & Human Development), then towards the end of the semester, I received a DWI. The charge is pending, and I have a lawyer. I am strict about drinking and driving, but this was purely impulse, and I don't believe it's a detriment to my moral character. It's a decision I regret immensely, and needless to say, lesson definitely learned.

However, if I am charged will this result in a failed CORI check? I live in MA (not sure if it varies from state to state).. I've been searching online for this answer weeks, but to no avail. Also, my court date is scheduled after the start of the Spring semester. I had planned to take A&P II a Microbiology, but if I have no shot at becoming a nurse (or even working in allied health in general), then I would like to drop said classes before being charged for them.

ANY input would be greatly appreciated!

Its very hard to keep this kind of thing on the DL. I recommend you keep your nose clean and get your record expunged when you can.

Then again, you should probably consult your lawyer.

Cheers,
Mario
www.dwiblogger.com

wookieyear in boston, Massachusetts said: I was in the process of changing career paths and have signed up for a ASN at a local college. This past semester I began taking some academic requirements for the program (A&P I & Human Development), then towards the end of the semester, I received a DWI. The charge is pending, and I have a lawyer. I am strict about drinking and driving, but this was purely impulse, and I don't believe it's a detriment to my moral character. It's a decision I regret immensely, and needless to say, lesson definitely learned.

However, if I am charged will this result in a failed CORI check? I live in MA (not sure if it varies from state to state).. I've been searching online for this answer weeks, but to no avail. Also, my court date is scheduled after the start of the Spring semester. I had planned to take A&P II a Microbiology, but if I have no shot at becoming a nurse (or even working in allied health in general), then I would like to drop said classes before being charged for them.

ANY input would be greatly appreciated!

DWI cannot be expunged, ever. it is my understanding that you've been arrested, & you will more than likely lose your drivers lic. yet, the good news is that, you will NOT go to Trail, you want to settle out of court. Please do not let this ONE DWI stop you from taking the required steps to become a Nurse, your DWI will NOT RESULT in failed CORI check. Since you've reported Lesson Learned that's GREAT. go ahead and take all course nec. to become a nurse, do not stop now. Study hard, & pass. When the time arrives to fill out applications, then, be honest, indicate, DWI, settled out of court & GO interview for a nursing position, DO stress that you've learned a great deal from that experience and will be able to bring that experience with you when working with various clients. Update us, what happens.

I had an opiate addiction via car accident..I was left with severe nerve damage and was put on opiates for months and months, when my doctor abruptly stopped giving me opiates, it was then that i realised i had an addiction....because i was so sick both mentally & physically, sick with pain...I decided to forge a prescription..I got caught, went to court, and was found not guilty but continued without a finding..I was ordered 1 yr. monitored probabtion..I want to be a nurse and i have entered a course..will anything at all show up on my cori, even if i was not found guilty, so no felony...Is it possible that the whole court issue could show on my cori? thanks

I did some research for your question in relation to CORI check. A CORI check means that the the employer asks the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board for a copy of your criminal record. What employees would see would only be convictions and open cases. But some employers, as in your case like nursing homes, are also allowed to see charges you were not convicted of. Public housing authorities are also allowed to see CORI, but they can only see convictions and open cases.

I am in my 2nd yr of Nursing School and today in class they were talking about taking the licensing exam and how they look at youor CORI check and such offenses as a DWI can possibly stop you from even taking the exam, 6 years ago I got an OUI in the state of MA when I was just 21 years old...I went to trial and it got dismissed, that was the only time I have ever been in trouble. Because the charge was dismissed does it still show up on my CORI????? Help:-(

Be honest about you past. if you don't explain it to the board and they find out, they will question fraud. The board will review all information and determine if you should become a nurse. The boards know that nobody is perfect and look at the big picture. Don't hide anything and have a letter explaining in your words what happened, how you made it past that and where you are or are going with your life. Don't worry too much about it and good luck

relax. I'm a Registered Nurse and I've had a DUI in Ma. They don't care. However you won't be able to work in Ma. not for five years unless you appeal their refusal and since your conviction is non-violent you will win your appeal barring outstanding circumstances that i am not aware of. Ma. is one of the three hardest states to get licenced in. none of the other states will bat an eye at a DUI cause everyone gets them. it's the drug and violent crimes that will stop you from being a nurse. Further, CORI isn't pass fail, it's just a the method Ma. uses of providing criminal background info. it's a quick $35 that they can charge per request for them to spill the beans on you. If you have a DUI conviction, it'll show up. Just don't lie and you're fine. Everything you've done wrong in Ma. will be on there.
couple of things to note, hospitals don't like >3 misdimeanors and they really don't like felony's. Violent history is bad and drug use too. Alchohol issues are frowned upon but everyone makes mistakes and they will easily waive a single DUI. Mine was in 1997 and I was 18. I havn't had a single traffic violation of any kind since. Sometimes my kid is in the car with me when I drive and sometimes my pregnant girlfriend is too. Daily, she goes out on the road to make her way to work and back. Please don't drive drunk anymore. We don't want you to kill us.

Hope this info helped.

you have to disclose it. it clearly states on the application that they want to know of any continued w/o finding jazz. go to the mass state board of nursing website and look up the application.
you might not want to go into nursing because i can tell you, i handle opiates CONSTANTLY and were i less ethical it would take no effort to get myself into SERIOUS trouble.
And I would DEFINATELY get caught.

I'm in nursing school in Massachusetts now but I did do part of my undergrad in NH where I was convicted of operating after suspension of license (I forgot to pay a speeding ticket and they suspended my license without ever notifying me). The conviction was in NH will that affect my CORI check in Massachusetts?
Thanks.

Curious in Boston, Massachusetts said: I'm in nursing school in Massachusetts now but I did do part of my undergrad in NH where I was convicted of operating after suspension of license (I forgot to pay a speeding ticket and they suspended my license without ever notifying me). The conviction was in NH will that affect my CORI check in Massachusetts?
Thanks.

I saw my own cori recently.
There was an offense that I had in NH and it didn't pop up on the cori, so I think you will be ok.

Can anyone tell me if past drug convictions (felony) and dui's would absolutely prevent a person from going to work as a medical coder/biller? I've been clean and sober for quite a few years now and am looking to change careers. I'm taking some classes and doing very well. Is it to late for me to change or what?

good guy in Natick, Massachusetts said: Can anyone tell me if past drug convictions (felony) and dui's would absolutely prevent a person from going to work as a medical coder/biller? I've been clean and sober for quite a few years now and am looking to change careers. I'm taking some classes and doing very well. Is it to late for me to change or what?

Absolutely will not stop you from being a biller or a medical records coder. It may well stop you from working in a facility setting, as they do criminal background checks...

Weirdo in Woodland Hills, California said: Absolutely will not stop you from being a biller or a medical records coder. It may well stop you from working in a facility setting, as they do criminal background checks...

this may not be accurate check here public-records.wetpaint.com/page/Cori+Massachusetts+Background+Check+(checks)+Search+ma+mass+cory+corey

wookieyear in boston, Massachusetts said: I was in the process of changing career paths and have signed up for a ASN at a local college. This past semester I began taking some academic requirements for the program (A&P I & Human Development), then towards the end of the semester, I received a DWI. The charge is pending, and I have a lawyer. I am strict about drinking and driving, but this was purely impulse, and I don't believe it's a detriment to my moral character. It's a decision I regret immensely, and needless to say, lesson definitely learned.

However, if I am charged will this result in a failed CORI check? I live in MA (not sure if it varies from state to state).. I've been searching online for this answer weeks, but to no avail. Also, my court date is scheduled after the start of the Spring semester. I had planned to take A&P II a Microbiology, but if I have no shot at becoming a nurse (or even working in allied health in general), then I would like to drop said classes before being charged for them.

ANY input would be greatly appreciated!

I'd pull out of there. Nursing Boards need reform on their punishment of these offenses, but its not going to happen anytime soon. Many people have blown a lot of money trying to repair their lives after dwi. The Board will encourage you to continue the courses, but they will require you to pay a lot of money in random urine checks for a year, and having mentoring about your "problem." You'll be expected to label yourself as an alcoholic for the rest of your life. Trust me, nursing is not worth all that!

shira in Bat Yam, Israel said: this may not be accurate check here public-records.wetpaint.com/page/Cori+Massachusetts+Background+Check+ (checks)+Search+ma+mass+cory+corey

I dont know what link you are referring to, but I am a medical records coder and background checks are done and extensively so for any facility you want to work in.

wookieyear in boston, Massachusetts said: I was in the process of changing career paths and have signed up for a ASN at a local college. This past semester I began taking some academic requirements for the program (A&P I & Human Development), then towards the end of the semester, I received a DWI. The charge is pending, and I have a lawyer. I am strict about drinking and driving, but this was purely impulse, and I don't believe it's a detriment to my moral character. It's a decision I regret immensely, and needless to say, lesson definitely learned.

However, if I am charged will this result in a failed CORI check? I live in MA (not sure if it varies from state to state).. I've been searching online for this answer weeks, but to no avail. Also, my court date is scheduled after the start of the Spring semester. I had planned to take A&P II a Microbiology, but if I have no shot at becoming a nurse (or even working in allied health in general), then I would like to drop said classes before being charged for them.

ANY input would be greatly appreciated!

Hello: You should have your Attorney plead you to a lessor violation (such as reckless driving or another)which may inviolve XX hours of community service and/or 1 or more months probation. The laywer will usually make this agreement with the prosecutor before you would go before a judge. The law does not to have to punish you beyond the intent and seriousness of the alledged offense. If a DWI would preclude you becoming/ completing your degree and you are otherwise a responsible citizen, then this is the best route to take. Cost should be from $1000.00 to $2000.00. I wish you luck. Steven

person in Winston Salem, North Carolina said: I'd pull out of there. Nursing Boards need reform on their punishment of these offenses, but its not going to happen anytime soon. Many people have blown a lot of money trying to repair their lives after dwi. The Board will encourage you to continue the courses, but they will require you to pay a lot of money in random urine checks for a year, and having mentoring about your "problem." You'll be expected to label yourself as an alcoholic for the rest of your life. Trust me, nursing is not worth all that!

Where did you get this information from? Is this the same for someone who has a DUI that is years old?

Hello " Nursing is not worth that!"
Your last remark says it all for "your outlook" on nursing.

There are those peole for whom it is well worth it. A person may only have a few things in life JUST EXACTLY the way they want it; therefore for them this would be a method of "Having your heart's desire."

This defence is how the near-wealthy and very wealthy achieve their
way in this society! Steven

I have been convicted of a dwai and marijuana possession in nys and a dwi in nj. I am graduating from Binghamton University 2009, but I contacted the NYS board and they informed me as long it is not a misdeamnor or felony, I don't have to list it on my RN license application. The only problem is getting hired becasue it depends on the hospital.

Hello: It is a curious fact that when a employer runs a criminal history check on a prospective employee, the return data they get is YOUR ARREST (which follows you for the rest of your life.) They do not get your CONVICTION RECORD. So you could be ARRESTED for a charge even by mistake, or have the charge plea bargined to an alternate violation;
however the ARREST RECORD remains the same for the rest of your life.

An employer may accept a record of a person's conviction as an explanation, or maybe not.

If you have a D.W.I or drug conviction already before enrollment; you have to ask yourself if you can repeatedly assume the life and death decisions and responsibilities of the job you seek without being impaired by alcohol or drugs in the future.

A alcohol or drug conviction now ONLY punishes you or the choices you make for yourself. But if you graduated in a HELPING SERVING field of employment and had another conviction (Alcohol or Drug); THEN you would be punishing others for the choices you made for yourself. (And that is a punishable criminal offense in itself.)

There is an old saying in medicine or nursing that the caregiver (you) cannot BE MORE NEEDY than the person (care receiver) that you will be taking care of. Sorry to sound harsh, Steven

I understand completely what you are saying but believe me when I say I don't want to touch any of these things ever. I do not want to ever go through the experience of being arrested ever again. I never thought of myself as a "hardened" criminal but employers may see differently. I was just happy to learn that I could still obtain a RN license after putting a lot of hard work and time. I already feel the difficulty of obtaining a position in a local hospital especially when everyone in my class are getting offers. I would never put a patients life in trouble as it would affect the only means I have of earning a decent salary. If I am able to obtain an interview, I would make it a point to tell perspective employers to test me anytime, anywhere. They could test me everyday for all I care.

Just FYI. I am a R.N. in Texas. The Board here is totally unforgiving. I got a PI charge after my grandparents were murdered and went to jail in Austin, Texas where the R.N. jailer sent my name to the Board. From there I was investigated for a year. I had 2 DWIs 16 and 18 years ago abut did not report it and my license was suspended for a year. I now have a probated license which means I attend AA every week, call a 800 number every day for a random drug test and have so many restrictions on my license I can not get a job.

You should call the MA board of nurses and ask to speak to an investigator. Ask them directly what that DWI will do to you.

Good Luck & be happy you do not live in Texas.

Annette

I definately think tour suggestion is very good advise for MA person!
Steven

I was just accepted to a BSN program in California. I have worked very hard to get accepted due to long waiting lists here. My question is, will a Marijuana ticket back in 2003 prevent me from getting licensed?

I'm a nurse graduate and has applied for my nursing license and is going crazy to know if i'll be permit to take the NCLEX Exam i've been arrested in 1993 for being in a van with some friends. highway patrols pull us over search the van and fing some stolen articles, such as, clothing and caps and other less significant items. these items belongs to a couple of guys that was in the van. i was innocent to the knowledge of these items. but i was also charge with a misdemeanor. and had to pay a fine of $145.00. Would my past prevent me from being a nurse. I'm living a very decent life putting God first.

annette in Dallas, Texas said: Just FYI. I am a R.N. in Texas. The Board here is totally unforgiving. I got a PI charge after my grandparents were murdered and went to jail in Austin, Texas where the R.N. jailer sent my name to the Board. From there I was investigated for a year. I had 2 DWIs 16 and 18 years ago abut did not report it and my license was suspended for a year. I now have a probated license which means I attend AA every week, call a 800 number every day for a random drug test and have so many restrictions on my license I can not get a job.

You should call the MA board of nurses and ask to speak to an investigator. Ask them directly what that DWI will do to you.

Good Luck & be happy you do not live in Texas.

Annette

Damn....that sucks....How come doctors get off some much easier? Anyway I just had a question...did you get your Dwi and PI while you had the RN license or before it?

anna in Brooklyn, New York said: I'm a nurse graduate and has applied for my nursing license and is going crazy to know if i'll be permit to take the NCLEX Exam i've been arrested in 1993 for being in a van with some friends. highway patrols pull us over search the van and fing some stolen articles, such as, clothing and caps and other less significant items. these items belongs to a couple of guys that was in the van. i was innocent to the knowledge of these items. but i was also charge with a misdemeanor. and had to pay a fine of $145.00. Would my past prevent me from being a nurse. I'm living a very decent life putting God first.

I'm from NY also.....if its a misdeamnor on the NCLEX application they want to know if you have any convictions that are Misdemanors/Felonies........it will require more documnetation and more time, but you should be able to still get a license. If I was you just contact the Board of Nursing NYS.

wookieyear in boston, Massachusetts said: I was in the process of changing career paths and have signed up for a ASN at a local college. This past semester I began taking some academic requirements for the program (A&P I & Human Development), then towards the end of the semester, I received a DWI. The charge is pending, and I have a lawyer. I am strict about drinking and driving, but this was purely impulse, and I don't believe it's a detriment to my moral character. It's a decision I regret immensely, and needless to say, lesson definitely learned.

However, if I am charged will this result in a failed CORI check? I live in MA (not sure if it varies from state to state).. I've been searching online for this answer weeks, but to no avail. Also, my court date is scheduled after the start of the Spring semester. I had planned to take A&P II a Microbiology, but if I have no shot at becoming a nurse (or even working in allied health in general), then I would like to drop said classes before being charged for them.

ANY input would be greatly appreciated!

I live in the state of Indiana. Any DWI on your record out here you will not be accepted in any medical programs. I don't know if it is different in your state. Better to ask the school before you pay for those classes.

I live in California and a DWI will make it harder, though not prevent you from getting licensed. A good friend of mine got one a few years ago and he was told he needs some letters of recommenedation and to be prepared to explain himself in front of a panel, but that he can still get licensed. He actually just started the RN program a few months ago. Good luck!

studentnurse in Oakhurst, California said: I live in California and a DWI will make it harder, though not prevent you from getting licensed. A good friend of mine got one a few years ago and he was told he needs some letters of recommenedation and to be prepared to explain himself in front of a panel, but that he can still get licensed. He actually just started the RN program a few months ago. Good luck!

I just graduated from a nursing program, is it difficult to get your RN license in California. I getting my RN from NYS

Telisha in Gary, Indiana said: I live in the state of Indiana. Any DWI on your record out here you will not be accepted in any medical programs. I don't know if it is different in your state. Better to ask the school before you pay for those classes.

What about a RN who wants to practive there but has a DWI before being licensed?

Timmy in Binghamton, New York said: What about a RN who wants to practive there but has a DWI before being licensed?

Well in the State of Indiana a DWI is a felony, they do not take lightly to DWI's. A felony keeps you out of any medical program so you wont event be able to apply for the program.

Hello All.
I am a 25 year old Penn State Grad who has a bit of a past. Unfortunately, I was an opiate addict for a couple years in college and managed to rack up a few misdemeanors. No felonies, no theft charges, no distribution or anything like that - just a handful of paraphernalia and possession of a small amount of marijuana charges. I am having trouble finding a job that I like, so I am considering going back to school for nursing. I love helping people and I think the career would be very rewarding and fitting for me. Will these black marks on my past prevent me from perusing a career that I may truly love? What should I do?
Thanks in advance.

As Recovering Alcohols know by heart, You must not be around what you have/ have had an addiction toward. I very strongly advise/recommend that you should not persue a nursing career because you would always and forever to around the very substances that you have already been tempted by. Besides being a temptation to you; it would jepordize the patients who would be under your care. There is an old axiom in nursing: the nurse cannot be more needy than the patients they care for. Sorry, 1mrnurse

You did not answer my question at all. I know where to get those substances and could if I so chose daily. My brother is a type one diabetic so there are needles all over the house. They rub it in my face as much as anything could. I have made the active decision to no longer use. I am over the temptation. My question is, **will the board consider me?** Not can I handle the job myself, oh wise one.
Not to mention the fact that it would be absolutely ridiculous to risk my entire career over stealing medication... I pitty people with that little self control.

It is so great that you are not confused by that response. Be yourself, trust your heart, mind and your spirit. Because you have done some mistakes in the past, they should be in the past. Any organization, institution or person that still hold mistakes of the past in the present has lots to learn. Its their problem not yours,

Best,

Telisha in Gary, Indiana said: Well in the State of Indiana a DWI is a felony, they do not take lightly to DWI's. A felony keeps you out of any medical program so you wont event be able to apply for the program.

You should check your source!

I so much agree with you. You have a person's life in your hands @ all times. This is not a job to play around with. Sorry if I upset anyone.

The problem is many people seem to automatically assume that once you get a dwi, you are an Alcoholic. This could further from the truth depening on the case. If you were to look at this statistically, I think many of the people who are arrested for dwi's young adults who were drinking because they were partying and/or socializing. It is completely wrong to assume that people with dwi's are alcoholics. There are people who have never committed a crime in their life besides dwi. This is not to say that this acceptable but they are not violent criminals. To keep someone out of the profession is completely wrong. Do you have any idea how many doctors are caught using illegaL substances, but you never hear about it because they have diversion programs set up to help them overcome their addictions and still allow them to practice medicine. So, to all the peoplewho feel so strongly against the licensing of medical professionals who have/had substance abuse problems, where's your logic now? IF doc's can get away from it, then why can't nurses have a similar opportunity to help themselves. Seems like a double standard to me. If you have ever been convicted of a crime you can always tie it to job performance. I could connect disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, blasting loud music, etc to risky behavior in a medical profession. Therefore, the incentive of changing your life goes out the window.

Hi all. I just recently graduated with my BSN and was recently charged with a DUI (a.k.a. DWI) in California after celebrating with classmates one night. The charges are still pending with the court here in California. It was a horrible mistake to drive even though I thought I was the most sober one out of everyone. Stupid me. I should've, could've, would've done things differently that night, but it's too late now. I have been going crazy thinking about my recent misdemeanor charge (my first one). I'm so terrified of the fact that I won't be able to get my RN license now. My question for you guys is, will I be able to still take the NCLEX board exam to get my RN license? I know California is one of the toughest states to get your RN license in. The Boards in California ask for the date/recency of each time you've been arrested, convicted, and even dismissed charges all of them with detailed explainations, letters of recommendations, and proof of rehabilitation. I want to know if I should consider moving to another state to take the board exam to get my RN license, and if so, which states are less strict on getting licensed with a DUI or DWI. I still want to become an RN more than anything and would do just about anything to be able to take the board exam to become licensed! I would hate for my BSN to go to waste over one DUI misdemeanor. I already learned my lesson. I will never forget this experience. I am trying to move on with my life now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hello: One thing you said stood out prominently. California wants arrest record, then convictions listed. Most citizens are not aware that even if you were found totally innocent of DWI, your employer would FOREVER (40,50 or 100 yrs) should show your arrest for DWI. How many people know that fact. 1mrnurse.

Hello: As you should know, an arrest record will forever show any, any, any arrest you have ever been arrested for. You do have the option of showing by certified court record that the charge was dismissed. But how many employers would even ask; most presume that if you were arrested for a charge obviously you were guilty.
It is not fare but it is true. 1mrnurse

Yes 1mrnurse. That is why I listed that fact. California is that strict. Even if my DUI was dropped, which I doubt will even happen, my arrest for the DUI would need to be disclosed to the California Boards. I am totally aware of this. Any arrest even if NOT convicted MAY hold me back from being licensed in California. That is why I am terrified that I may never become licensed in California. I have never been so devastated. :(

Advice anyone? I am still losing sleep over this dilemma.

"You have a person's life in your hands @ all times. This is not a job to play around with. Sorry if I upset anyone."

You only upset me because you sound like an idiot. Clearly we all feel the job is important and I would assume that we all understand someone's life is nothing to toy around with. Once again, most of the people here on this board are looking for advice on how to overcome mistakes they have made in their PAST. Thanks for the holier than thou commentary though, I'm sure you've never done anything wrong in your life...

Seriously though, here is an example of our horrible "justice" system at work. One of my closest friends does the hiring (of Therapeutic Staff Support) for a company that helps children with autism. She interviewed a candidate who was practically perfect for the job. She was excited to get him on board and excited that he was even more qualified than the people she usually hires. However, when her company ran a background check, he failed because in 1972 he was arrested for possession of a small amount of marijuana. He could have been the best TSS ever. Helped hundreds of kids all over the autism spectrum. Changed and potentially even saved lives. BUT company policy prevented her from hiring him (because they are a bunch of closed minded idiots.)

These types of situations are heinous. Sad. Unjust.

If he was hired, I don't think he would have "played around" with his job either.

This same closed minded logic is keeping me and many others from advancing our careers. Can anyone justify this ridiculousness??? I'd like to hear you try.

your should keep your logic for yourself. Don't sell it

hello: As you say, it probably cannot be justified; BUT it is reality. Their are so many things in this world that should not be but ARE. Just to let you know any miscues I have had, real or imagined in the eye of the beholder, I surely have bourne the price 1001 times. It is the cost of "doing your thing." If one cannot pay the price over and over again, they probably should not work in that particular kitchen. 1mrnurse

Hello: I could only sell it to those who could buy it.
Reality is a harse task master and many times in life, as a nurse, one is subject to the other's concepts of reality. 1mrnurse

i got charge of property theft in Cali while i was working as a cashier in a retail store 2 yrs. ago it was really stupid. I didn't even steal anything, i just rang a coworker knowing that he was changing prices on the items. It was really stupid of me for doing it and i learned my lesson.

My question is, once i get my misdemeanor expunged, do i still need to tell the RN Licencing Board about my arrest or will my misdemeanor record still show on the background check even though its been expunged?

hellO; Of course you should check with the local police department by requesting your own "arrest record" from them. This will be the same information given to a licensing board and EACH prospective employer for the rest of your work career. Arrest records ALWAYS show what you have been arrested for; NOT what you have been convicted for, or had expunged. You must request yourself your conviction record in that applicable court.Even if as you say "it was expunged," tou need to have your documentation ON-HAND IN ADVANCE if questioned by a licensing board or prospective employer. 1mrnurse