drugs convictions-ever spent?

[dgazza69]

i have a conviction for possession of cannabis dating back to 1993. its the only time ive been in trouble with police. i was just turned 18 at the time, it was a joint at a party.

ive now almost completed my nurses training, but am worried about getting a job. think anyone will employ me as a nurse?

i know that drugs convictions have to be declared for thses kinds of jobs even if they are spent. i want to know if it'll ever be the case when i dont have to declare it?

someone mentioned that you dont have to after 20years, which would mean another 8 years for me.

[Buenchico]

Employment within the 'caring professions' is exempted from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, so you'll always have to declare any past conviction when you make a job application. It's possible, however, that there may be guidelines used by health authorities, and other employers, relating to how they should regard past convictions. (i.e. while you'll always have to declare the conviction, it's likely that potential employers would regard a conviction such as yours as irrelelevant due to it occurring so many years ago).

The real experts in such matters will be the legal staff at the Royal College of Nursing. I hope that you've already joined, in which case they'll be pleased to help you. Even if you're not a member, the RCN might still be prepared to advise you (on the basis that they'll be hoping you'll join!).

Chris

[karenb]

i would have thought any employer would be would be ok about this. You obviously had to declare it to get on the degree course. So as long as you declare it, they will probably ask you about it and you explain that it was once, when you were young and syupid and they will probably not say very much about it.

That is what happened with me anyway. I was given a conditional discharge and a fine when I was 15 for causing criminal damage to our school. There were a bunch of us. I was petrified when I applied for my nurse training, but always declared what I had done. They asked me about it, and basically said that it was a very expensive marker pen! They do realise that people make silly mistakes when they are young but as long as you learned from it. No Problem

[dgazza69]

Thanks for you answers.

Yes, the uni did quiz me about it at interview, but were satisfied that i had matured since the time of the conviction.

My worry is that my job application forms will be scrapped as soon as potential employers see "Misuse of Drugs Act" on the form.

I guess,I just have to hope that someone will give me an interview and i get the chance to explain how trivial it really was.

Once again thanks for the advice. i will get in touch with RCN Chris.

Good luck in your career Karen.

[Polotoo]

Hello!

Just thought I'd let you know that I used to work for the NHS (in HR) and we would have considered you for the post against any other applicants, in the normal way.

It is better to be honest and declare it on your equal ops form, it doesn't go to those scoring your application, just to the HR department who may want to discuss it further with you. If you're not honest you will be found out and loose any chance you have.

We were all young once - I don't think it will be an issue!

Good luck with you jobsearch!

[dgazza69]

Thanks polotoo, thats reassuring!

So, would it be good to put an explanation as to how the conviction came about, on the application form?

or best to wait and see if im asked about it?