Hope for people with a felony

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I just wanted to take a moment to share my story:

When I was 18 years old I took it upon myself to walk into an open garage and take an item that did not belong to me. A few days later, I turned myself in and was charged with the felony of burglary. I plead guilty and went to a boot camp for first time non-violent offense.

This was done in 1999. Today is 2011. I have gotten my AA degree, a Bachelors degree, and now just finished my practical nursing certificate. By the way, I had no problem getting into a nursing school or clinicals with this felony on my background. Primarily due to length of time since the incident.

I finished the program and sent in my application to the board of nursing. In a few days I got my ATT to take my boards. I studied for a week and took them, and passed! But a license did not come. I called the state board of nursing, worried that my felony was preventing me from getting a license after all that hard work.

I was told the process just takes a long time due to all the investigating that is required. 3 weeks later I received a call from the board of nursing; I was granted licensure! My license does not have any probation or restrictions, it is a full blown, valid and active license!

I wanted to share this for those of you out there that have made a mistake in their past that there is hope out there for us. Just because I made that mistake 12 years ago does not make me a bad person today. Also, another bit of hope, I found a job within 6 days of getting my license! I disclosed my past to them and they were just so impressed with my character/personality that it did not matter to them. I was offered a job that exceeded my salary expectations! As a new grad of LPN, I am making a salary that is at the top of what LPN's make! I also got in to work days and in the field that I wanted into.

So do not listen to those who tell you that there is no hope that you will ever get a license to be a nurse. Every applicant is reviewed on an individual basis. Length of time since the crime and nature of the crime are considered...

Thanks

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Specializes in LTC.

Thank you for sharing this. It was honorable of you in the first place to own up to your mistake, and I'm glad you are happy in your new career :yeah:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.

I'm so glad to hear that it's possible for people to have a life after their mistakes. Good for you for turning your life around as well!

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Thank you for posting that. What struck me a lot was that you were charged with a felony for snagging something at a garage sale... yeah, theft is wrong, but I think that charge was a bit of overkill.... you turned yourself in- that needed to count for something :)

I'm glad you were able to do so well, and that a mistake of youth (even if a legal adult) didn't blow it for you :)

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Congrats, Mark!

I just wanted to take a moment to share my story:

When I was 18 years old I took it upon myself to walk into an open garage and take an item that did not belong to me. A few days later, I turned myself in and was charged with the felony of burglary. I plead guilty and went to a boot camp for first time non-violent offense.

This was done in 1999. Today is 2011. I have gotten my AA degree, a Bachelors degree, and now just finished my practical nursing certificate. By the way, I had no problem getting into a nursing school or clinicals with this felony on my background. Primarily due to length of time since the incident.

I finished the program and sent in my application to the board of nursing. In a few days I got my ATT to take my boards. I studied for a week and took them, and passed! But a license did not come. I called the state board of nursing, worried that my felony was preventing me from getting a license after all that hard work.

I was told the process just takes a long time due to all the investigating that is required. 3 weeks later I received a call from the board of nursing; I was granted licensure! My license does not have any probation or restrictions, it is a full blown, valid and active license!

I wanted to share this for those of you out there that have made a mistake in their past that there is hope out there for us. Just because I made that mistake 12 years ago does not make me a bad person today. Also, another bit of hope, I found a job within 6 days of getting my license! I disclosed my past to them and they were just so impressed with my character/personality that it did not matter to them. I was offered a job that exceeded my salary expectations! As a new grad of LPN, I am making a salary that is at the top of what LPN's make! I also got in to work days and in the field that I wanted into.

So do not listen to those who tell you that there is no hope that you will ever get a license to be a nurse. Every applicant is reviewed on an individual basis. Length of time since the crime and nature of the crime are considered...

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical Surgical Orthopedic.
Thank you for posting that. What struck me a lot was that you were charged with a felony for snagging something at a garage sale... yeah, theft is wrong, but I think that charge was a bit of overkill.... you turned yourself in- that needed to count for something :)

I'm glad you were able to do so well, and that a mistake of youth (even if a legal adult) didn't blow it for you :)

I don't think it was a garage sale, the stolen property was just in a garage. In any case, I'm glad to see that everything worked out in the end.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

What a great story! I'm glad u were honest & turned ur life around. Ur an inspiration to young people on here perhaps seeking guidance in their lives.

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I don't think it was a garage sale, the stolen property was just in a garage. In any case, I'm glad to see that everything worked out in the end.

Yep- right.... still seems a bit stiff.... a guy in GA who was involved in a traffic death of a kid just got done with a 6 month sentence... his MOM (who was jaywalking) is now facing a year's probation for the jaywalking- as if the death of her kid isn't enough... seems so crazy how things are classified and judged.... :(

But glad the OP did so well :)

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Specializes in Wound Care, LTC, Sub-Acute, Vents.

thanks for sharing your story. good luck on the new job!

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Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

What an incredible young man you are! Congrats to owning up to your crime, for turning your life around, and for obtaining your lpn license. Best to you!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

Congratulations!

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Congratulations! :)

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