Discuss criminal past here....

[cougarnurse]

Originally Posted by SoldierNurse

Do you want me to list all the states that will not accept CA RN license?

I'm not making this up.

I'm sure you're not making this up, Soldier. You don't have to list ALL of the states; a few would do (hehe).

I really have never heard of this, as a former co-worker (bumped into the fool through 2 agencies) was going to CA to practice after the Excelsior exams. First thing I thought was, 'Excelsior problems?'

[cali510]

Would be interesting to hear what, if any, problems your friend with the Excelsior background runs into, when they try to get a license to practice in CA. I would think that their travel agency would take care of this situation for them one way or the other.

[cougarnurse]

Actually, he wasn't a friend; just a co-worker. Last I saw/heard of him was maybe 12 years ago or so?

On an aside note, read this post re: Georgia: Excelsior students facing licensing woes

Now back to the original thread.

Soldier, did any of the states who will not accept CA nurses specifically mention the criminal bit, or was it something else?

[SoldierNurse]

Originally Posted by cali510

I had only heard of the CA 30 unit option RN license not being accepted by other states. Otherwise, unless one is licensed in a compact state and going to another compact state, I thought all states require a person to endorse their license into the new state of residence. Another exception would be those who work for the VA. VA employees don't have to change their license if they continue to work for the VA. What else could you mean here? Please elaborate.

In order to apply for a nursing license in a new state of residence that nursing board must recognize the applicants prior nursing education, or lack of. Most other state nursing boards outside of CA have a problem with CA R/T the practice of testing out rather than completing an entire nursing program.

[Ricu]

I'd like to comment on the issue around licensure especially as it pertains to educational requirements. I've long had issue with antiquated thinking around academia. There are many healthcare workers out there who have education which directly overlaps much of what is taught in nursing school. I know because I was one of them. After having no meaningful conversation with three local schools of nursing and through perserverence, I found the University of the State of New York School of Nursing- now Excelsior University. I completed this program in record time and flew through the NCLEX. Like every other Registered Nurse in the United States, I have met the requirements set by the ALN and have been granted the credential. I meet all licensure requirements for my state of residence and have never committed an act which would jeopardize my standing. By all reasonable- ane relevent standards, I should be able to secure a license to practice in any state of the union but cannot. What LEGITIMATE reason can any nursing board give for this?

[cougarnurse]

Ya know, Ricu, I have no idea what the reasons are. However....when I do find something about what my state says, I will post it in the GA nurses thread.

Back to the regular thread....

[Ricu]

Originally Posted by cougarnurse

Ya know, Ricu, I have no idea what the reasons are. However....when I do find something about what my state says, I will post it in the GA nurses thread.

Back to the regular thread....

Hi Cat,

I appreciate your interest in factfinding for those in the perdicament however, for the moment, I feel no compulsion to move. For the record, I think that more states accept "alternatively" acquired nursing degrees than do not.

Too bad for the loss.

R

[adamdsm]

How can some of you discriminate against the past of another? We are in a profession that is rooted in compassion, yet you offer none? Under some of your definitions a person has no chance at redemption. There are 71 million U.S. citizens with a criminal record. Only those with a criminal past are subject to government discrimination!

[cougarnurse]

Originally Posted by adamdsm

How can some of you discriminate against the past of another? We are in a profession that is rooted in compassion, yet you offer none? Under some of your definitions a person has no chance at redemption. There are 71 million U.S. citizens with a criminal record. Only those with a criminal past are subject to government discrimination!

OK....back to the ORIGINAL thread: Criminal past no bar to nursing in California?

I was asking for a discussion on that. Somehow thread got waaay off track. Please read the story.

As for Goverment involvement.....well, read the story.

[Ricu]

Originally Posted by adamdsm

How can some of you discriminate against the past of another? We are in a profession that is rooted in compassion, yet you offer none? Under some of your definitions a person has no chance at redemption. There are 71 million U.S. citizens with a criminal record. Only those with a criminal past are subject to government discrimination!

Hi Adam,

From your statement, it sounds like you would like all criminal activity to be considered essentially equal but I'm sure that's not what you mean. To my way of thinking, I cannot make a shoplifting or "white collar" conviction bear the same weight as assault and battery with deadly weapon, or sexual abuse.
Each conviction must be carefully considered and then compared against the individuals record. Anyone can make a mistake and certainly should be forgiven but that doesn't absolve the offender of making restitution. When offered, the person has to be deserving of that second chance especially when we're talking about a license to practice nursing. Individuals working in this profession are expected to be of high moral standing and extremely responsible.

We've spent a lot of time talking about drunk driving and while it sounds pretty innocent especially as a first offense, I myself, look at it pretty harshly. Does it warrant loss of nursing license? Not necessarily. It depends on how severely impaired the driver is. Regardless, it does deserve all other punishment rendered.

R