Thread: CRB Checks and Nursing. (Nursing Career over before its even started???)

Hi guys, you have helped me immensely in the past and hope you can do the same with this query I have.
I am contemplating starting a course this September(Access to Higher Education), with a view to going to University next year (Sept 2010) and starting a degree in Nursing as a mature student.
I am aware that the NHS and indeed the Universities themselves carry out an enhanced CRB check prior to offering you a job and a place on the course respectively.
My problem is when I was 14/15 years old I was cautioned for shoplifting along with a friend. As it happens I did not steal anything, but just happened to be with my friend and ran off when the security chased us. But that is besides the point, I was cautioned and I accepted this at the time, where my fingerprints and photo was taken. The police didn't take any further action, no rehabilitation or a court day, just cautioned me. Now this even occurred perhaps 15 or 16 years ago as I am now 30 years old. Since that time I have never been in trouble with Police whatsoever.
Also since then I have applied for 2 jobs when I was around 17 years and 22 respectively I didn't enclose any convictions on the application form and got the jobs without problem. These jobs were in a well known fast food restaurant, and a retail shop.
I have the following questions:

1.Would I be able to see what is on my enhanced CRB record prior to taking up my studies, so I waste no time and money on studying when no hope of getting the job? Any way through the freedom of Information act group perhaps? It seems strange that I am unable to check before any studies to save myself , prospective Universities and the NHS time and money.

2.Would the information, if there is any about the above events on my enhanced CRB record be detrimental to 1st of all studying for a Nursing degree, and 2ndly to actual be employed a Nurse in some capacity?

3.I am considering, studying/working in either one of the branches of Nursing including Mental Health and Learning Disability Course, would this kind of study/work be a no go area for me because of any information held?



Sorry for the length for this post, but I figured the more information I gave, the better answers you would be provide for me.
This has been really worrying since yesterday when I found out, I was looking so forward to studying and having a career in Nursing as well......

I would appreciate if you guys are honest, as I don't to study hard for 4 years only to be told I can't work in a job that I would dearly love to.
Thanks in advance, best regards.

Be open and honest during the recruitment process and emphasise that it was youthful indiscretion.

It will probably show on an enhanced CRB check, but is so old and minor that it shouldn't stop you getting the job/course.

A CRB disclosure does not have to come back 'clean'; the type and age of any offences have to be considered by the employer.

There are only a few offences that you deny you your career of choice forever.

Bless you Pat, thanks for the advice.
So do you think I should enrol on the course regardless, and have a good go at it.
Maybe I can turn this into a positive by stating on my UCAS form that, even though I knew I wasn't guaranteed a place at University due to the enhanced CRB check I took risk in taking my current course as a result of my enthusiasm for the profession?

Thanks for your advice Andy, you have both put my mind at rest regarding the fact I can still pursue a career in Nursing. I guess I will just have to bite the bullet when being interviewed and discuss it is as openly and honestly as possible, whilst displaying the regret and remorse that I still feel.
I wonder whether the better universities will reject my applications as a result.......ah well I guess I am no position to be choosy.

I was in a similar position (but worse) and declared it on a cover letter to the university admissions team, I had to attend for an interview (additional to the school of nursing interview) but was accepted. I declared it to the NMC when I registered and declare to employers when I apply for a job.

I have been promoted numerous times since qualifying and now hold a senior position so don't let it hold you back - what you did when you were young should stay in the past - as long as you are honest - don't consider not declaring as this could get you in serious bother later.

Good luck x

Thanks poppynurse, this coming straight from the horses mouth has certainly made me feel more confident.
By the way I am sure you are much more attractive than a horse....... ;-)

Poppynurse - I found myself in a very similar position about five years ago. Before starting my course I made a Subject access request (costs £10) to the data controller for the police force for the area that I lived in when I was 16. I specifically asked for all information covering the time period when I lived at that address.

Because the offence should have removed after 10 years my record was corrected to show no cautions so I have a clean CRB - this link might help: Youth Information Criminal records

Dear All,

I stumbled on this thread when I was searching for advice; and I have to say that it's been more help than CRB.org.uk!

My Boyfriend would like to start working in the nursing field after a horrific traffic accident that meant he couldn't go back to being a tree surgeon.

It's been a daunting task trying to find something that he would like to pursue... Anyways, to cut a long story short - He now has his heart set on being a nurse at the tender age of 40!

I am really worried about his CRB check as he had a couple of criminal records - a couple of drunk and disorderly, and the main one being threating behaviour back in 1989.

Like Joe Bloggs - I really want to know if he would be accepted on to a course and find employment due to his criminal records!

I really don't want his dream to be dash after a horrid couple of years trying to get well from his accident and have something to look forward to...

Hi old_andrew2007,

Many Thanks for taking the interst in my thread...

He is interested in Adult nursing rather than mental health or children - and hopefully enventually in a couple of years specialise in trauma.

We live in London, so he will be looking to study and working in the Greater London area.

how does it work declaring past convictions that are spent under the rehabilitations of offenders act

you fill in a job application
it asks about past convictions
you put no as they are spent
down the line you get sacked for not declaring it

how do you know what to declare

just for my own curiosity this

meny thanks