Can I get an R/N job in Texas with a felony conviction?

suzanne4, RN · Nov 16, 2005

The only thing that any of us can tell you is that you need to contact the Board of Nursing directly. They decide each case on its own merit and they have final jurisdiction as to whether they will grant a license or not. My suggestion is to speak with them before you start school.

This is the same for any state.

irshnrse · Nov 16, 2005

Most states will grant you a hearing before you go to school, or attempt to take your boards, to determine your eligibility. I completely agree with the previous post that, before you go to school, find out. That could be a long hard road for naught.

jmss2003 · Nov 17, 2005

Thank you both for giving me direction.

JMSS2003 :)

m4rtin · Nov 24, 2005

Contact BNE, here are some contact info: http://www.bne.state.tx.us/phone.htm

sherreys · Jan 18, 2006

jmss2003 vbmenu_register("postmenu_1397145", true); ,

I was in the exact same situation as yourself about 4 years ago, the diffrence being time elasped since the crime occurred. I was convicted of felony posssesion of cocaine in 1988. No prior convictions, not even a traffic ticket and no further convictions. I graduated with my ADN in the summer of 2004. I followed the BNEs rules and regs to the tee: a forensic psychological evaluation at the price of $988., a polygraph $728. " of course you should use their approved sites to do this because no one else knows exactly what they are looking for", and a course of psycological evaluation after employment $ 210. I passed all of their tests with flying colors. I thought the worst was over... that was until I began looking for jobs. I applied for about 150 positions prior to being hired, was honest with all, have to be, the BNE is more than happy to give out your info. People are afraid to give you a chance. I too live in TX, Houston, so I don't know what to tell you but be ready for a very bumpy ride.

elkpark · Jan 18, 2006

sherreys is right -- getting the license is only the first hurdle. Most healthcare employers now do criminal background checks on applicants (many states require this; mine is one), and it is entirely their right to refuse to hire you because of your criminal record, if they choose to do so.

Some employers will be willing to take a chance, some will not. It sounds like your conviction didn't involve any violence, predatory behavior, or drugs (not by you, that is), so you may be okay. There's no way to predict how you will fare, though.

Best of luck!:)

NeoNurseTX, RN · Jan 20, 2006

I don't want to make another thread for this because it's about the BNE thing, but would someone with OCD have to file a declaratory order?