Didn't know I was prohibited from practicing.....ADVICE NEEDED

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Oh my where do I begin. I passed NCLEX back in October- I didn't know what was happening with my license number well into December. Finally around Christmas I got a hold of someone at the Illinois BON and they told me my # was being help because they wanted info about and underage drinking charge I had well over 10 years ago. The man on the phone told me exactly what I needed to do and where to send it. During the time I was obtaining the documents which took forever, a friend told me to work at a nursing home license pending so I did. Working two weeks I was working as an RN and moved into a house with my kids. The state supposedly sent me the deficiency letter during this time but between work and moving I never received it. In February I received the information from the county I got arrested in those years ago and in early march I drove three hours to deliver it to the BON personally....once they posted my license however they dated it to the day I arrived in springfeild and not the date I originally applied for the license. My employer informed me this was a problem cause the. For 4 weeks I was technically working without a license. I'm freaking out. I called the state naturally to inquire why they did that and they told me that I was technically prohibited from practicing all together during this!!!!! I didn't know!!!! Honest to God didn't know! I told my employer and they didnt fire me but reported everything to corporate and told me to sit tight that my future with the company was on their hands. My DON if fighting for me to stay as I'm a great nurse. She gave me a number to the manager of the BON here in Illinois but I'm not even sure I should reach out. I should've gotten the letter which clearly states I should've never got a job. The guy on the phone that told me all of this to begin with didn't even tell me! That's a pretty big part to leave out don't you think?! Idk guys. You think I should reach out to the state or is that like telling on myself and not worth it? I already have other job offers but really want to stay where I am

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You need to get a lawyer. Practicing without a license is illegal, punishable by jail time and large fines. You say that you 'called the state' to 'inquire why they did this;' I'm guessing that means that the BON is already aware of the situation?

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but a lot of the topics you misunderstood seem like common sense and due diligence; I don't know that the BON will sympathize with you. It seems like common sense not to assume your license active until you receive verification that it is actually active. Also, it seems obvious that your license would only be active beginning on the date that it is approved, not the date that you applied for it. Simply applying for your license does not make it active or guaranteed, especially with past criminal charges.

To be fair, your employer should also have done their due diligence and HR should have verified that your nursing license was active before allowing you to start working. My guess is that they're determining with corporate whether or not they'd be held accountlable for criminal charges by allowing you to practice without a license. Or maybe they'll try to sweep the situation under the rug to avoid implicating themselves. Did you tell them when you started that you had an active license, or did you tell them that your license was pending?

I'd be less concerned about losing your job, and more concerned about criminal charges and losing your license. Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

OP, you need a lawyer, and you need one YESTERDAY. Practicing without a valid license is a crime, regardless of whether it was accidental. And the BON is not the nurses' friend; do not think that if you could just explain to them in person, that they will understand and make it all go away.

You can find lawyers versed in dealing with BONs here: TAANA Executive Office - Home.

Best of luck.

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Referral service here: TAANA Executive Office - Home

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

This is exactly why every damn nursing school should require prospective applicants to pass a damn background check.

OP, you now know not to ever listen to friends again when it concerns your livelihood.

I just can't imagine how this fell through the cracks time after time...oh wait...did you say Illinois :yawn:

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It was irresponsible of you not to have your mail forwarded before you moved. Claiming you didn't get the letter is no excuse. Why did your employer think you were an RN? I've never heard of a person being able to fully work as an RN with license pending.

When I graduated and before I was officially licensed I worked with a graduate nurse status but could not perform RN duties.

You are in a heap load of trouble and need a lawyer now to keep you out of jail and fines. Passing NCLEX does not make you an RN in the eyes of the state. A license number does which you did not have.

Good luck and I hope you get it sorted out.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Get a lawyer yesterday. Not today. Yesterday. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. One of the things that boards of nursing tends to be more sensitive/critical about is nurses practicing without licensure, along with drug diversion, felony convictions, etc.

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Honestly, I don't believe a lawyer will help her... practicing without a license is ILLEGAL, no matter who tells who what. All I can recommend is to read the rules and regs from your state and be prepared to face the consequences where then an attorney may help you.

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