Nursing Jobs for Felons

[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!!

[necole]

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.

[whattheydokid]

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

so after seven years in the state of Illinois a felony can be sealed?

[d-ann1]

so after seven years in the state of Illinois a felony can be sealed?

I was wondering how things were going for other nurses with felonies, and I wanted to post an update in regards to my situation. In my last posting I stated I had a full time job and I was working for a small nursing agency on the side, and they were well aware of my 1992 felony conviction. I worked for them from July 2009 to March 2009. I left on a good note, because the amount of travel I had to do was becoming very time consuming and costly. It was all for the best because I will begin my RN program in Jaunary 2010. I am so excited. Yes, I still have the felony in my background, but I figured if that agency hired me, I am sure there is another one that will take a chance on me too. In a couple of months I will make application to the Governor for a full pardon (for the second time). To be honest with you, I don't think getting a full pardon actually removes your name from the nursing registry they have recently established for nursing employers to check, but I am going to go for it anyway. In my state of residency, evening RN programs are hard to come by. I have been on a waiting list for more than 2 years. I was so scared i was going to be denied once they did my background check, but all is well. I begin classes in a week. The way I see it, anything is possible with a little faith and a lot of determination.

[rnj454]

I wish you the best of luck with RN. I have 2 semesters. It is not easy. As to the work...I am from a small town, so I have to travel to other areas to work. I have a military b.g. if you know of any overseas jobs or lead to them.