[gizmatti]

I need some input....several years ago had a problem with the law that resulted in a felony conviction. I volutarily relinquished my nursing license prior to this happening. Since that time, two years ago I went before the nursing board and they reinstated my nursing license. Has getting my license back been for nothing????? I am trying to find a position, however, I am having a difficult time because of the felony. Does anyone have any advice on where I should look? I have had so many doors slammed in my face that I don't know what I am going to do. I have worked very hard to straighten my life out and want to be able to do what I love for a profession. Any insight that you all can share would be greatly appreciated....Thanks.

[TJohnson5035]

I'm just replying b/c I'm about to be in the same boat as you! I'm not a nurse yet, but I just turned 20, and I'm getting ready to start nursing school. I was stupid when I was 19, and stole some stuff, and now I'm probably going to have a felony conviction. So I'm actually at the point right now where I don't know if I should start all this nursing school stuff if I'm not even going to be able to get a decent job!! So i'm wondering if I should defer my admission for another semester, and then I can decide whether or not I need to change my major.

I mean I know we don't have the same story, but it is really really frustrating. Not all people with felony convictions are horrible people. I have a great heart, and have done some great things in my life. Just sometimes good people get mixed up with bad crowds, and mistakes are made. But I mean I didn't hurt anyone or rob a bank or anything...I did something as dumb as to steal, not knowing the seriousness of the consequences....and now it could prevent me from doing what I wanted to spend my life doing!

So alls I can say if don't get your hopes down. I know it seems really hard, but believe it or not, there's someone out there who gives 2nd chances. So I guess just keep looking. Letters of recommendation couldn't hurt either, expecially ifthey came from medical professionals that you've previously worked for.

Best of Luck!!

[Lonnita Mcdonald]

****o, My name is Lonnita and I went threw the same thing just a little different mine was possession. Same as you, I never been in trouble until I was 28, and that was only dealing and trusting too many people even ones I barely new, too kind hearted got me caught up in somethings I had no Ideal about. But of course I had to be the one to suffer for it. What I wanted to no from you was How did you get your Nursing license back after you got the felony? Is your record expunged? Are you currently off probation? My Certified Nursing license was revoked, I had them since 1999. They got revoked in 2003, All I wanted to be was a nurse and can't because one incident and one word "felony" controls my life. Even when they can look back onto my background and see out of 27 years i never did anything wrong, and no this time either it's just someone had to take the blame and that somebody had to be me. So I no what you going through and have been through. If I find a way or someone whom can helps us i'll write back to put you on. If you can tell me what you did to get your license back I will appreciate it. Good luck.

[necole]

Originally Posted by gizmatti

I need some input....several years ago had a problem with the law that resulted in a felony conviction. I volutarily relinquished my nursing license prior to this happening. Since that time, two years ago I went before the nursing board and they reinstated my nursing license. Has getting my license back been for nothing????? I am trying to find a position, however, I am having a difficult time because of the felony. Does anyone have any advice on where I should look? I have had so many doors slammed in my face that I don't know what I am going to do. I have worked very hard to straighten my life out and want to be able to do what I love for a profession. Any insight that you all can share would be greatly appreciated....Thanks.

I'm not for sure what state your in, but in the state of Illinois that have what is called a medical waiver for convicted felons. You should contact either your local aldermans office for assistants or your secratary of state office. I my self am a convicted felon, it has been over 7 years for me so I have contacted a attorney to represent my case in front of the governer to have my case expunged and sealed, which can still take up to 2 year to be complete, but it really the only chance that I myself have.

I hope this info is helpful to you
Necole

[sab]

Hi, my name is Brianna and i am as well about to start nursing school, I have a defered judacation on my record, What my question is, is will i be able to go to school and when and if i do, will i be able to get a decent job? I think that there are people out there willing to give you a second chance you just have to find them.I know what i did 6 yrs ago was wrong and my life has changed so much during that 6 yrs and nursing is what i would love to do.

[CABAYRN]

I personally know a RN with a felony related to diverting dating back 7 years. This person successfully completed diversion and has a rock solid program. I happily report this person is now back in patient care with full access. Hang in there! All things are possible!

[tia speller]

thanx cab...because after i read the first 3 issues i got really discouraged but thanx to u my i feel a little more confident

[cougarnurse]

It all depends on your State BON. Illinois also has the PANN network for those nurses with drug addictions.

[garjazz]

Hi I just found this forum and would like to ask a question I have been a nurse for 28 years Mostly critical care. However, I am in recovery and during my addiction I acquired several felony convictions. the thing is ,is that I have a active licenceand the board is aware of my problems. I am perfectly legal to work. What stops me is i can't get passed human resourses because of the backgroung check. I have had several interviews and things go well until I have to explain that I am a convicted felon. I want to work soooo bad. It is all I have done my adult life. Anyone have any insight or info that might help? I thank you in advance! Gary

[CABAYRN]

Gary, it may relay a lot on the culture and area in which you live. I have a friend (RN) who successfully completed CA diversion program however received a felony. This RN worked in non patient care for 7 years before applying to return to patient care. This RN was completely upfront in the interview and provided a copy of the letter stating her successful completion. Fortunately, the Nurse Manager really wanted to hire this nurse and was able to do so. Good luck to you and I hope you find something that makes you happy.