Felony Conviction in TN

Nurses General Nursing

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I called the Board of Nursing three years ago before I started school and was told over the phone that my felony drug conviction would not stand in my way because 1) There was no victim; 2) It had been a considerable length of time (11 years) since the conviction; 3) I completed the court ordered rehab program. I went even farther, I earned a degree in social work and worked with newly recovering mothers in a rehab center.

I was supposed to graduate in a few weeks but I failed my finals last semester and will have to repeat the last year of the RN program I am in. I have to go to work. I applied for CNA classes today not only for the money but because I need the patient contact. I was turned down because of that conviction. The nurse conducting interviews there told me that the state of TN will not allow anyone with a felony conviction to take state boards. I called Nashville when I got home but all I could do was leave messages and now I can't sleep without answers.

I need reassurance!

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I'm confused did u get turned down for NURSING boards or for CNA classes??? I don't know about Tennessee but up here in PA it clearly states If you have been convicted of a felony you cannot get a liscence unless 10 years have past and you showed the board you are rehabilitated.If you are turned down for the cna classes It seems as if maybe she wasnt aware of what the board told you

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Well in the first place, if the state board told you it wouldn't stand in your way, I would take their word for it over someone who is conducting CNA classes and may not even know.

If the state told you it wouldn't stop you, then believe them.

I do understand your fears.

I assume you told the person teaching CNA classes of your conviction?

Just go somewhere else they are giving CNA classes, register, and start your class.

You can contact the Board again in the meantime.

Obviously YOU CAN become a nurse with a felony conviction or the license applications wouldn't ask that question.

Good Luck! You can do it.

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My ex had a felony conviction in CA in 1989 and did some jail time. In 1994 (or thereabouts) he took RT classes and applied for his license. He had to jump through some extra hoops --- provide transcripts and other court documents, etc. --- but he was able to get his license. Good luck.

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Specializes in pure and simple psych.

The two boards I have licensed with (CA & OR) had a list of all crimes that affected a candidate. Some totally precluded licensing forever, like crimes of violence, others have time limits involved. Call and ask for the list. It's hard for me to believe the board has two different standards, so what works for CNA should apply to RN as well.

Best of luck.

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Specializes in CCU, Trauma and forensic, Home Hospice C.

I don't get it.I know that misdemeanors are not counted against you and that charges of violence or moral terpitude( like soliciting etc) can keep you from being an RN but CNA? Are you in a BSN program because after the first two years and level ones are done you automatically qualify as a CNA is some states such as this one. Good luck!:nurse:

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Specializes in Pediatrics (Burn ICU, CVICU).

This is something to consider. I don't what kind of program you are in, but if you are in an ADN program, you should be able to get CNA employment after your first semester of clinicals without having to take a CNA course.

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Were you turned down for the CNA class because of a BON ruling or because the course provider has their own policies?

At any rate, I am sorry you are having this anxiety and hope you get it resolved IN WRITING soon so you can go on with your life.

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Specializes in Level III cardiac/telemetry.
Were you turned down for the CNA class because of a BON ruling or because the course provider has their own policies?

At any rate, I am sorry you are having this anxiety and hope you get it resolved IN WRITING soon so you can go on with your life.

You should also be able to take the LPN boards after the first year of a 2 year program. Check on it. It would pay better than CNA!

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You need to contact an attorney and have your felony conviction exspunged, preferably an attorney/RN.

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