Have past conviction for conspiracy to sell drugs, need to find employment

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

I'm not understanding why your 40-year-old conviction for conspiracy to sell drugs is suddenly hindering your employment opportunities, primarily since you've worked as a nurse for 30 years.

Given your extensive experience and the challenge of a decades-old conviction, employing a multi-faceted approach to job hunting is essential. Here are some detailed steps and resources to help you find employment:

Networking and Professional Connections

• Reconnect with former employers and colleagues. Reach out to people you've worked with over the years. Personal recommendations can be powerful.
• Join professional associations. To network, join nursing associations like the American Nurses Association (ANA), and attend their events.

Target Employers with Inclusive Hiring Practices

• Research inclusive employers. Some healthcare providers and hospitals have inclusive hiring policies and are open to hiring individuals with criminal records. Examples include healthcare systems with a focus on rehabilitation and community health centers.
• Contact human resources. Contact HR departments directly to discuss their policies and explain your situation proactively when applying.

Leverage Online Job Boards and Resources

• Healthcare-specific job boards: Use platforms like Health eCareers, and Indeed's healthcare section.
• General job boards. Sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Use filters to find positions that match your qualifications.

Utilize Staffing Agencies and Travel Nursing Agencies

• Staffing agencies. Agencies such as AMN Healthcare, Aya Healthcare, and Cross Country Nurses specialize in placing nurses in temporary or travel roles, which may be more flexible regarding background checks.
• Travel nursing agencies. Continue to pursue opportunities through travel nursing agencies, emphasizing your extensive experience.

Legal and Professional Advice

• Expungement or record sealing. Consult a legal professional to see if your conviction can be expunged or sealed. Organizations like the Georgia Justice Project offer assistance with this process.
• Licensing board consultation. Contact the Georgia Board of Nursing or equivalent in other states to understand their policies and any possible steps you can take to improve your standing.

Strengthen Your Application and Interview Skills

• Resume and cover letter. Highlight your 30 years of experience, emphasizing your dialysis and long-term care specialties. Include any continued education and certifications.
• Interview preparation. Be ready to discuss your convictions openly and honestly. Focus on your rehabilitation, the time that passed, and your professional achievements since then.

Consider Non-Traditional Nursing Roles

• Non-clinical positions. Look into roles in case management, education, administrative positions, or community health programs. These may have different hiring criteria.
• Telehealth. Explore remote nursing positions in telehealth, which may offer more flexible hiring practices.

Continuing Education and Certifications

• Keep your license up-to-date. Ensure your nursing license is current and includes all required continuing education.
• Additional certifications. Consider obtaining additional certifications that could make you more attractive to employers, such as Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) or Wound Care Certification.

Explore Nationwide Opportunities

• Willingness to relocate. Be open to relocating to areas with a higher nurse demand, which might have more lenient hiring policies. States with nursing shortages might offer more opportunities.
• Federal and state resources. Utilize resources from the Department of Labor and state employment agencies, which can provide job listings and placement services.

Persistence, resilience, and leveraging all available resources and networks will be crucial in your job search. While it may be challenging, many employers value your extensive experience and skills. Keep applying, networking, and exploring all avenues to increase your chances of finding suitable employment.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth