Anyone with juvenile felonies get their license in the state of Florida?

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Hello. I'm not really sure if I can get a license in Florida for nursing. I am 25 now and I'm thinking about going to school to be a nurse. It states the following on floridasnursing (dot) gov website:

"  *Please note: Per section 464.0095, F.S., applications who have a Felony conviction (regardless of adjudication), do not qualify for a Multistate License in any company jurisdiction. " 

When I was 13 I got arrested for (1 incident, 2 charges) burglary 2nd degree and grand larceny 4th degree (IDK what the degree means exactly). Both considered felonies in New York. Also (still 13 yrs old) was arrested for another 2 misdemeanors (1 incident): petty theft and crim. possession of stolen property. Then when I was 15 (in Florida state now) I was arrested for resisting arrest w/out violence and disturbing the peace. Both misdemeanors. Again 1 incident, 2 charges.

I have not gotten in trouble with the law since. All of these records are sealed but I guess that doesn't really matter in this instance. In New York they do not expunge records so getting the 2 most serious charges erased, the 2 felonies, isn't possible. I know that I can get into a nursing program but when it comes to getting my license, that's what I'm not sure about... Would I literally just have to find out? Meaning go to school, get a degree, etc. and then apply for a license and hope they forgive my past? 

Any help would really be appreciated. I want to go back to school for something in the medical field. Thank you.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

The statute you are refencing refers to a multi-state license. A little complex to fully explain but the short version is that many states participate in the 'nursing license compact'- meaning that you practice in many states with a multi-state license without obtaining a license in each of the states. 

Example- I live in Indiana and my multi-state license would allow me to get a job across the border in Kentucky without going through the process of KY licensing.

The reason states bar the issuing of a multi-state license to persons with criminal backgrounds is so each Board of Nursing (BON) can decide for themselves if they will license and under what conditions persons with criminal backgrounds. 

So you MAY be able to be licensed in Florida someday, but if you wish to practice in another state down the road, you will have to present your case to that state's BON for review and approval. And this makes sense. 

I hope this has been helpful and I wish you well. 

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I see. Makes sense. Who can I contact to get a definite answer on this matter? Or is this just one big crap shoot? This really, really sucks.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
13 hours ago, wako227 said:

I see. Makes sense. Who can I contact to get a definite answer on this matter? Or is this just one big crap shoot? This really, really sucks.

The only reliable source is the board of nursing. Boards usually take these case by case, so it's unlikely they could even tell you now if you aren't applying for licensure. Yes, basically a crap shoot. 

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Wow. Thank you. Back to square 1... I don't know if I can bring myself to take that risk. What the hell... Have you ever heard of anyone from being banned for life from nursing for instances like this? 

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Is there any other career in the medical field where it requires a lesser degree/schooling but has the same background checks and stringency as nursing? That way if I were to be denied I wouldn't have wasted so much time and money? I don't mean to sound like I'm trying to be lazy or take shortcuts but I would hate to spend $10,000's and 4+ years of my life only to be told that I'm banned from practicing because of very stupid mistake I made 10+ years ago... 

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Being that all of those are juvenile offenses and you've had a clean record since (and intend to keep it that way) I would honestly say you have a decent chance. 

NOT that they might not make you jump through some hoops and do some heavy-duty explaining of what happened and how you've changed. 

But be prepared to explain your situation over and over to schools and licensing boards. 

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I appreciate the info. 

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Sometimes you have to step out on faith. We all make mistakes. I received Florida license with a record. I was in a bad situation with small children  and had to do what I could to take care of my children. I wrote a letter to the Judge, FBON etc. I was able to get licensed in Alabama & GA. Don't give up. Keep pursuing. Letters of recommendation  will help also. 

Best wishes!  

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