Convicted felons and nursing

PhoenixTech, LPN · Jul 24, 2011

The guy who kidnapped Jaycee Dugard had commendations from the corrections department for being 'rehabilitated' and his wonderful cooperation on parole..... granted he is an extreme example....
So many variables to ensure safety of the public, but also be sensible about who is branded for life.
I know he wasn't in nursing- but some people can 'look' good on the surface, and be lying in wait for the opportunity to reoffend.

The OP spoke of felony convictions and the health care field. Despite his commendations, he isn't in the health care field. Sex crimes are extremely different, it's been proven that they cannot be rehabilitated so I doubt very seriously that he would have been licensed. It's interesting to note that his partner worked as an aid. Did she have a criminal history? Also, if you've seen him, nothing about him 'looked good', the police in his town were lazy and incompetent. BON are far more responsible in who they authorize as nurses.

You are right, there are many variables and that's why case by case investigations take place. I say let them do their job. Any truly rehabilitated person can and will go 5, 7, 10 years with no other transgressions. Someone faking the funk will be in trouble within a year or two. Let's not get outrageous with this. I believe I've addressed both groups and some of the safeguards in place, but if not, revisit the original post. None of those people had convictions at the time of licensure or acquisition of their jobs.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Jul 24, 2011

I replied in part saying that we have to be sensible about who's branded for life.....

Revisit my own post? I'm not following.... :confused:

And 5-10 years without reoffending is good enough?

PhoenixTech, LPN · Jul 24, 2011

Yes, that was a case of mistaken identity that I've since fixed. As far as the time frame, these are accepted time frames listed on a couple of BON sites as to what will be accepted as far as licensure and criminal history. Before a new law was passed, anything on your report past 7 years was not included in the standard background check. If you know anything about recidivism, repeat offenders offend within 1-2 years of first offenses. If someone goes for 5 years without offending, received help or instruction to correct themselves and can provide character references or whatever constitutes evidence, why can't they be rehabilitated? I'm not talking about sex offenders.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Jul 24, 2011

I think it's great if they can do it :)

My DON at a drug/alcohol rehab had been in prison for (I'm pretty sure) something to do with drugs- and while he wasn't always a joy to work with, he wasn't doing anything criminal. I'm not sure if he'd been a nurse when he ended up in prison or not...

wazeout · Jul 24, 2011

I hear where your coming from OP, but would like to encourage you to, and all others, to take a look at PBS FRONTLINE: The Plea. It's an eye opener!

IMHO, I think, besides sexual predators, the worst criminals to healthcare are the greedy finacial criminals, because they affect groups of people, instead of one or two here and there, and they most often do not have a criminal background, but even if they do, it's usually over-looked. :twocents:

OhioCCRN, MSN, NP · Jul 24, 2011

http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/195739/45/Investigator-Nurses-aide-says-abuse-complaints-ignored

Update on the situation + insight into State law....

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Jul 24, 2011

That's really sad. And inexcusable. :crying2:

With a nursing license, if abuse of children or the elderly isn't reported, and it comes back that you knew- your license can be yanked in a heartbeat.

http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/manda.cfm