career advice needed by new grad with criminal conviction

[ngozibrian]

I came to the US in June 1993 for the first time and got a job as a cashier. However on the 2nd day of job, I was approached by two undercover agents to cash food stamps which I did out of ignorance of the law. I was convicted of a 3rd degree felony in january 1994. Although, I have passed my board exam and fulfilled all stipulations for licensure, I have not been able to get a job interview, not to talk of a job. I heard some hospitals hire nurses with my circumstance that are over 10 years, but I have not come across any of such hospitals. I'll appreciate any form of help in this regard.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

You might not ever be able to secure employment at a hospital since they tend to do thorough background checks.

However, perhaps you may wish to apply for employment at small nursing homes, clinics, and doctors' offices where the background checks are not as stringent. In addition, you may want to contact a lawyer about trying to get that criminal conviction expunged. Good luck to you, and I dearly hope you are able to get a nursing job soon.

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

I've lived here all my life and I haven't a clue how food stamps work. If I were you I'd apply where I wanted to work, and include your description above in the application. Up front and honest helps. Any place that won't hire you for a mistake like that isn't a place you'd want to work anyway.