Moral Character and Nursing
by Scott Thompson, Demand Media
Some states require candidates for nursing licensure to demonstrate good moral character as a requirement for obtaining a license. Because of the subjective nature of any assessment of moral character, you should study your state's requirements carefully before applying. Some nursing programs have their own moral character policies as well, and they may differ from the state licensing requirements.
Moral Character Compliance
Not all states require nurses to prove moral character before receiving a license and states that do have a moral character requirement may define the concept differently. The moral character requirements for some states only require the applicant to have no criminal record or pending criminal charges, and may grant an exception to this requirement pending an investigation. Other states, such as Massachusetts, require nursing candidates to submit extensive evidence of good moral character.
Submitting Evidence
In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, candidates for a nursing license must submit evidence of good moral character when applying for the license, when applying for an additional license as an Advanced Practice Nurse, and in any situation where an ethics complaint has been filed against the nurse. The burden of proof is placed on the nurse or applicant, who must provide evidence of honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, accountability, reliability, responsibility, the absence of aggression and the ability to distinguish right and wrong. This evidence takes the form of written letters of reference from those in a position to know the character of the applicant, such as supervisors or instructors.
Exclusions
Convictions for any violent crime, drug trafficking or exploiting anyone legally defined as a vulnerable person can result in a permanent exclusion from nursing licensure under the good moral character requirement. Convictions for lesser or nonviolent offenses can result in a temporary exclusion depending on the specific circumstances. If you have a criminal record for a misdemeanor, you will be asked to provide extensive documentation on the facts of the case, references from your probation officer if you have one, and other evidence of your moral character.
State Requirements
If you plan to practice nursing in a state other than the one you first obtained your license in, you should check the moral character compliance requirements for the state you're thinking of moving to before you commit to the move. For instance, a single misdemeanor conviction for a nonviolent crime such as marijuana possession might not result in permanent exclusion in Massachusetts, depending on the judgment of the licensing board. However, any conviction or plea of no contest, non vult contendere, nolo contendere or non vult to any drug charge would automatically exclude you in New Jersey, regardless of the circumstances.
http://work.chron.com/moral-character-nursing-8948.html