I am 39 years old. I am a convicted felon, still on parole. I want to be a nurse.

Hello. I am praying that I get some help from this website. I have always wanted to be a nurse. At the age of 32 I fell into drugs. My last felony conviction was in Arpil 2006. It was my 8th felony conviction. My felonies range from possession to burglary. No violence.

I have very little college. I don't mind starting from scratch. I don't really know the requirments in california. Will I be able to get into school?

My other question is where should I go to school? I live in Orange County.

Thanks to anyone with some input.

Donna

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

Eight felonies and still on parole? That sounds like a very big hurdle to overcome, and rightfully so. Good luck in going straight.

[NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN]

I would check with your state BON before beginning a program. Give them specifics. It would really be the pits to put the time and money into a program only to find out you won't be able to sit for the NCLEX.

Good-luck!

[expo4u]

Maybe check into other fields of healthcare. I am not sure what the requirements on radiology is. You might want to consider this. Also, if you are a felon I am not sure what your chance at actually working is. Perhaps check with some of the local hospitals and ask what their opinion is. Ask them if they would ever consider hiring a felon and for what areas with in the hospital they would not hire a felon for.

[MsEnfermera]

I dont know the answer to your question. I have been a nurse 22 years, off work for the past two and have a hard enough time being embarrased disclosing a simple misdemenor that happened two years ago. Even with my years of experience I question my ability to be hired and if an employer will gamble on me, someone with a simple misdemenor. I cant imagine trying to be hired having to disclose 8 felonys. As I said I dont know the answer to your question but Good Luck whatever avenue you pursue.

[wubbzy]

Requirements are different for different states. Good Luck!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

These are answers we can't provide. You might want to contact your local board of nursing.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

ca rn

prior convictions and disciplinary actions questions

application for licensure by examination.

reporting prior convictions or discipline against licenses

applicants are required under law to report all misdemeanor and felony convictions. "driving under the influence" convictions must be reported. convictions must be reported even if they have beenadjudicated, dismissed or expunged or even if a court ordered diversion program has been completed under the penal code or under article 5 of the vehicle code. also, all disciplinary action against anapplicant's registered nurse, practical nurse, vocational nurse or other health care related license or

certificate must be reported.

failure to report prior convictions or disciplinary action is considered falsification of applicationand is grounds for denial of licensure or revocation of license.

when reporting prior convictions or disciplinary action,

applicants are required to provide a full written explanation of:

circumstances surrounding the arrest(s), conviction(s), and/or disciplinary action(s); the date of incident(s), conviction(s) or disciplinary action(s); specific violation(s) (cite section of law if convicted), court location or jurisdiction, sanctions or penalties imposed and completion dates.

certified

copies of arrest and court documents or state board determinations/decisions should also be included.

note: applicants must also submit a description of the rehabilitative changes in their life, which would enable them to avoid future occurrences.

to make a determination in these cases, the board considers the nature and severity of the offense, additional subsequent acts, recency of acts or crimes, compliance with court sanctions, and evidence of rehabilitation.

the burden of proof lies with the applicant to demonstrate acceptable documented evidence of rehabilitation

.

examples of rehabilitation evidence include, but are not be limited to:

•

recent, dated letter from applicant describing the event and rehabilitative efforts or changes in life to prevent future problems.

•

letters of reference on official letterhead from employers, nursing instructors, health

professionals, professional counselors, parole or probation officers, or other individuals inpositions of authority who are knowledgeable about your rehabilitation efforts.

•

letters from recognized recovery programs and/or counselors attesting to current sobriety and length of time of sobriety, if there is a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

•

proof of community work, schooling, self-improvement efforts.

•

court-issued certificate of rehabilitation or evidence of expungement, proof of compliance with criminal probation or parole, and orders of the court.