LVN with felony can't find job

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Finding a job as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) with a felony conviction can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here are some steps and strategies that might help:

Understand Your Legal Situation

• Check license status. Confirm that your LVN license is in good standing. Contact the Texas Board of Nursing to ensure that your license is not restricted due to the felony.
• Expungement or record sealing. Consult with a lawyer who specializes in this area to investigate whether your felony can be expunged or sealed, which could improve your job prospects.

Prepare Your Application Materials

• Honesty. If asked, be honest about your felony on job applications and answer specific questions specifically. Lying can lead to immediate disqualification.
• Addressing the felony. Prepare a concise explanation of your felony, focusing on what you learned from the experience and how you have rehabilitated. Highlight any rehabilitation programs, community service, or additional training you have completed.
• Strong resume. Segue your skills, qualifications, and relevant work experience as soon as possible. Focus on what makes you a great nurse.

Networking and Job Search Strategies

• Networking. Reach out to former colleagues, supervisors, and instructors who might know of job openings. Attend nursing industry events and join professional organizations. Attend meetings.
• Job search resources. Use job boards specific to healthcare and nursing, such as Indeed.com.
• Staffing agencies. Consider registering with healthcare staffing agencies. They often have temporary or contract positions that can lead to permanent employment.

Target Employers

• Small healthcare facilities. Smaller clinics, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies might be more willing to give you a chance than larger hospitals.
• Second-chance employers. Look for employers known for hiring individuals with criminal records. Some organizations have policies to help reintegrate people with felonies into the workforce.
• Further education and certification.

  Additional Certifications. Gaining additional certifications can make you more competitive. Consider specialties like IV therapy, wound care, or geriatrics.

• Continuing education. Enroll in continuing education courses to show your commitment to staying current.

Interview Preparation

• Rehearse. Practice discussing your felony and your qualifications in a way that emphasizes your rehabilitation and readiness to contribute positively to an employer.
• References. Obtain strong references from previous employers, instructors, or mentors who can vouch for your character and work ethic.

Legal and Career Counseling

• Legal aid. Seek advice from organizations that provide legal assistance to people with criminal records. They can offer guidance on your rights and options, such as statute of limitations.
• Career counseling: Utilize career counseling services, often available through community organizations, local colleges, and workforce development programs.
• Stay positive and persistent. You can do this.
• Resilience. Finding a job might take longer, but persistence is key. Keep applying and reaching out to potential employers.
• Support system. Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or support groups who can encourage and assist you.

Resources

Texas Workforce Commission. Offers various services for job seekers, including those with criminal records.

National HIRE Network. Provides resources and support for individuals with criminal records seeking employment.

 

By combining these strategies, you can improve your chances of finding an LVN job despite your felony.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Beth offered excellent advice. You should also check Health and Human Services OIG and Texas exclusions database to see if your name listed since felony history.

Mandatory exclusions: OIG is required by law to exclude from participation in all Federal health care programs individuals and entities convicted of the following types of criminal offenses: Medicare or Medicaid fraud, as well as any other offenses related to the delivery of items or services under Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP, or other State health care programs; patient abuse or neglect; felony convictions for other health care-related fraud, theft, or other financial misconduct; and felony convictions relating to unlawful manufacture, distribution, prescription, or dispensing of controlled substances.

One can petition for reinstatement after time specified by court or correction if name listed in error as listing will prevent healthcare facility hiring. 

Reach out to your nursing contacts, former teachers for leads. With perseverance, hopefully you will find a nursing position.