Will I be able to get my license?

Nurses Criminal

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Hi, I'm currently in my last semester of nursing school (RN) in Florida. About 7 years ago, I was charged with felony forgery in Georgia. I was 18 years old. My nursing school is aware and granted me admission. I also work in a hospital, they also know there.

I am not worried so much about finding a job as I am getting my license.

Since it happened in Georgia and I live in Florida, is it still relevant to the board of nursing? Has anyone had experience with Florida on this matter?

Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in ER/Ortho.

I believe since it is a felony it is relevant no matter what state you are in. As far as it mattering for your license there is no way to know without talking with the BON. I would give them a call. I know it says that they will consider your circumstances so you may have to explain to them what happen, and then wait for a decision.

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Specializes in Emergency, LTC, Med/Surg.

This will definately warrant a call to the BON. You will probably have to withstand a hearing as to whether or not you are granted a license. I also wouldn't be so quick to think that you will not have any difficulty finding a job. Most Nursing Jobs do backround checks and will definately look closly at the fact that you have felony on your record. It's unforunate, but the reality.

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Specializes in Pedi Rehab,Pediatrics, PICU.

First, this is something that MUST be reported to the BON. You'll have to make a good case for yourself, prob. especially since it was forgery. It is completely up to the BON if they'll grant the license, but if you don't report it and they find out, you'll NEVER get one and/or your current license will be revoked. Could lead to more trouble down the road.

There was someone in my class with a boatload of issues...no idea why they let her into school in the 1st place... Way worse than 1 felony for forgery...but they let her in anyway...She had to have a hearing and a big to-do just to see if she could be eligible for a temp. practice permit to be a GN! Don't know how that worked out.

Ne-wayz. I'd definitely call or write them and see what they say. It did happen a long time ago and you were 18 (borderline adult). Hope for the best :) Hope it all works out for you.

:smiletea2:

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

In the State of Texas, if one has a criminal record, one must file a Declaratory

Order to petition the board for his/her nursing license. The board makes the

the final decision. Going through this process is always recommended before

starting school. I'm sure all the states have a similar process.

We had a girl at our school that waited until she neared

graduation and the board didn't approve her petition.

All that hard work for nothing.

I'm surprised your school or place of employment let you get this far

without saying anything to you....that is, if such process exist in your

State. Good luck. I hope it all works out. I would think it would

be a problem. I've seen a much worse criminal record that got a license.

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Specializes in Pedi Rehab,Pediatrics, PICU.

I live in PA and they let a lady with many issues as to why she wouldn't be granted a license go to school. As I stated earlier, she waited until the last semester and it really stressed her out. Seeing as I don't see the name on the BON, I'll assume she was turned down too.

I think it has to be reported in all states.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

You've been given some good guidence here and really the only place your going to get a definitive answer is your BON. It's not really a question that we are able to answer here.

Moved thread to appropriate forum and closing

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