My story

Mikeperkins_rn · Sep 14, 2009 12:45 AM

I am a convicted felon in massachusetts. I was arrested with possesion of marijuana with intent to distribute. I was 19 and thats that. Went to school after and got a 3.89 gpa associates in liberal arts and then went on and got an associates in nursing.

After finishing school I applied for the boards and was denied because of this felony charge. After about 4 months I got all my papers together, references from probation officer, and even tracked down the district attorny I applied again and was good to go.

I have always been straight up on every job interview Ive ever had about this issue. I think I might not of gotten one job because of it, a hospital in newton wellsley.

IVe been a nurse for over 5 years and my advice to anyone who has a felony or past convictions is to be very up front about this issue.

Anyway good luck.

Pegasus65 · Sep 15, 2009, 06:23 AM

Congratulations to you Mike. I hope that eventually I will obtain my license.

Mikeperkins_rn · Sep 19, 2009, 12:08 AM

Gluck. Just apply and send letters of recomendations from teachers, from people involved with your case. dont ever give up.

Pegasus65 · Sep 19, 2009, 09:25 AM

I truly do not understand what the holdup is. EVERYONE in my class has already received their license including one person who had a lot worse charges than I did (mine was a DUI 26 years ago when I was 18 and nothing on my record since then). Every time I call the nursing board it is the same spiel.. I will have to be patient.. it is being reviewed blah blah blah. Basically it is like one hand doesn't know what the other one is doing. I have tried really hard to be patient, but I must confess it is really wearing thin. I had planned on continuing my education and pursuing my RN also, but not sure I want to go through all this again. I worked for the USPS as a mail carrier for three years and didn't have to go through this type of hassle

Have a great day!

WadeRN · Oct 06, 2009, 07:30 AM

Hey Mike, Thanks for your story I needed to hear. I have been a nurse over 15 years and recently I committed a misdemeanor. I was working at a facility where I got paid for days not worked, it was a common practice and during an independent audit this came to light and i was charged with theft. The board reviewed my case and thank god, they didnt revoke my license but they did place it on probation without restrictions. Tomorrow I have my first interview. My question is when and how do I bring up this past indiscretion?

Mikeperkins_rn · Nov 12, 2009, 12:41 AM

Always. Be very upfront about it. I think honesty in these cases is a lot better then them finding out about it with a cori check. I have found that managers respect that and so does human resource.

Sheryl Blanca · Nov 12, 2009, 02:16 AM

have u read the rainmaker by j. grisham? quite same story as yours...

AnxiousStudent · Nov 17, 2009, 02:16 PM

Thank you so much for sharing your story Mike...it gives me hope

My story

My story

Nursing News

how EMS is adapting to the obese patient

Health Officials: Hep C outbreak caused by nurse

school nurse saves kindergarten student

HRSA Study Finds Nursing Workforce is Growing and More...

Nurses Confront Violence on the Job

Nurse arrested for slapping quadriplegic patient.

Mom's Death Manslaughter

Hitting the Road Nurses may want to consider relocating to...

Nursing Articles

Motherhood, Death and Nursing

When everybody knows your name

10 years later.. Remembering my first clinical patient

Dear nursing student

I am meant to be a nurse.

A Nursing Students’ Convocation Address to Families,...

Eight essential tools and tips for incoming nursing students

Why i have chosen nursing as a career

Patients' Perceptions of Nurses' Skill

Murphy's law experienced

Tagged Topics