Advice on reinstatement of license.

[acirocin]

I need some help or advice on trying to get my license back. I have been a registered nurse for over 15yrs and my license was just revoked in Florida. I could not afford an attorney to prevent it getting to this point but now I am faced with having to appeal the decision of the board. I was wondering if anyone has dealt with this before and if I am able to file the appeal myself.

I have spoken with a few attorneys, none of whose fees I can afford, and at this point they all keep telling me that I should have contacted them earlier and that filing an appeal will be very costly and lengthy. I am not working at the moment and have about 2 more weeks to get this appeal filed so I am desperate for any advice. If I can do this myself, I would prefer that since I am strapped for cash. If not, does anyone know of any attorneys who might help me for a lot less than the $4000 minimum retainer fee I have been quoted. I can even make payments if there is anyone willing to accept that. Help please.

[nurse4ever08]

Members can't give legal advice on here. Have you tried going to the law library and finding an advanced law student to help? Students do take cases for free for clinical hours or look for a pro bono lawyer. Try talking to the BON investigator as well. Good luck.

[dekyrn]

I cant give you advise on your situation but i can share my personal experience with you. In 2010 (with a lawyer) i was offered an alternative treatment program, and my license was temporarily suspended pending the outcome. 6 months into the program i picked up a new charge and was placed in a stricter program that i basically flunked out of and my license was continued suspension until i petitioned the board to have it back. In 2013 (a year and a half after being done unsuccesfully with any treatment) i hired a lawyer and petitioned the board to get my license back. The baord made their opinion very clear (my lawyer was essentially useless in my case). I was given a 5 year suspension, mandated to a monitoring program, and required to have a substance abuse and mental health evaluation and domestic violence counceling as well as to follow all treatment recommendations with the ability to repettition the board in 1 year to have the suspension lifted for probation. this year i petitioned the board (without a lawyer) and my suspension was lifted and i have a continued 4 year suspension. I dont know what the right choice is for you but i do with you the best of luck!