A time comes in everyone’s life when they need a second chance, and for a lot of people, becoming a CNA is that second chance. Using your second chance at life to improve the lives of others is an incredibly inspiring sentiment. But for people who are trying to walk away from past mistakes, the level 2 background check may be discouraging. This can be a challenging topic, and we hope to offer some encouragement here.

What Is a Level 2 Background Check?

Here in Florida, there are two levels of background checks. The first level is mostly a state- and name-based search. It focuses on local criminal history, credit scores, and whether you’re on the sex offender registry. The second level is more extensive, involving a fingerprint and an FBI search and focusing on misdemeanors and felonies—especially breaches of trust in previous job positions.

Why Do CNAs Need to Pass a Background Check?

A lot of jobs require a background check. These jobs, such as those in the finance, education, and government industries, require a greater depth of integrity than others. CNAs are in the same boat.

Nature of the Patients

CNAs work with some of the most vulnerable citizens. People who are sick, injured, or suffering from dementia are entrusted into the care of CNAs. These are people who are easily hurt and taken advantage of. It would be nice if every person who professed to want to help these people had genuine motives, but unfortunately, history has taught us differently. Protecting these individuals is the highest priority.

Nature of the Information

The patients themselves are not the only sensitive factors involved. CNAs regularly have access to medical, financial, and other personal information. It’s often important for CNAs to have this information, but any company providing CNA services needs to be able to give every assurance that the people handling this paperwork are trustworthy.

None of this is to say that if you’ve made mistakes in the past that you aren’t trustworthy or that you have bad intentions toward your patients. It’s also not to say you don’t have a chance of becoming a CNA. That isn’t why CNAs must pass level 2 background checks. It only means you may need to take extra steps.

What If I Have a Background?

After you have paid the fee to take the CNA exam, you’ll have to undergo the background check. If something is amiss, you may be asked to appear before the Board of Nursing. In this meeting, you’ll be able to give your side of the events and allow the board to determine whether you’re able to continue to take the test. Having to appear before the board is not an automatic disqualification; in fact, like nursing, it gives you a second chance.

If you’re ready to start your nursing journey, our CNA courses in Jacksonville, FL, are here to help you take the first steps.