red84

I have had my LPN for 4 years and last year I made a huge mistake of taking a small folded up paper containing cocaine...I do not do drugs, I have never done drugs and it was a mistake to take that into my possession. My husband found it months and months later and called the police on me. I was never arrested and it was proved in my case that I have never done drugs and that it was a mistake. But because it was cocaine it was a 5 felony in Ohio. I completed all of the rehab and probation and I had my record expunged. As soon as all of this happened I contacted the BON because I wanted to be the one to tell them about my mistake. I submitted all of my court papers and and completed all the forms they wanted. They told me no further action was required by the BON, my license is active and there was not disciplinary action taken. Over a year later the BON sends me a certified letter saying I have to complete a BON health screen and mental examination. That would be fine with me but I have to go to their DR and pay him $1,000 retainer within 10 days of getting the letter or the BON will take away my license!!! Honestly, I am more than willing to get a mental exam if it means I get to keep my license, but I am unable to find work for over a year in health care because of this felony on my record. I do not have $1000 sitting around, it would be different if I was working...but like I said I cant even find a job.. I am a born again christian and I believe in second chances I wish there was an employer out there that believed in second chances as well Any advice on what I should do would be wonderful..I know that people will judge me for my mistake and I know that I now have to carry it with me forever. Please help...

I live in Ohio..I contacted the Board of nursing and provided all the paper work for my sealed record. they wanted to know details but that was it. they told me they would keep it on my file and no other action would be taken. My felony is for possession of cocaine that is a 5th degree felony in ohio. i hired a lawyer and went to all of the trials and was completely honest with the courts. I was never arrested and I never served jail time because it was my husband that turned me in to the police. after my trial the court found me guilty of possession of cocaine and they ruled me to complete a program call ILC it is for people who have been in trouble for the first time. I completed 3 months of intense drug rehab and probation and upon completing and paying all my fines. I had to apply for the courts to seal my record. I had to pay more fines and wait and finally they dropped charges and found me not guilty and sealed my record. I was told by my lawyer that I could honestly answer NO on applications about criminal history unless it says sealed. and for the first few months I did answer NO on the applications when asking have a ever been convicted. But after going to three or four PERFECT interviews and having the employer basically say they were going to hire me and as soon as i leave their office they never return my phone calls. That is either, A) bad references or B) they found my sealed felony... I have contacted every single board of nursing in the USA and asked them If I could have a license in their state and would I be able to get a job. and every single state has gotten back to me and said, It is case by case. Submit your application and we will review your case and determine if you will have a license in our state. And the only board of nursing that did answer my second question was PA and WV. I asked if I could work in their state with a sealed record and both states replied, If you have a sealed record and have the documents then you will be able to answer an application question of have you ever been convicted of a felony, you will be able to honestly answer NO. And I am just wondering if this is true?!? if this is so then I will apply to both states and move my husband and children ASAP. I would give anything to be able to work as a nurse again. I feel it is my true calling in life. So if anyone lives in PA or WV please help me and let me know if this is true. Waiting and Praying......

I would like to know the outcome of the person who applied in Wisconsin..I have a felony and I would be more than willing to relocate anywhere to find work..

I have been looking into this for months and months...i have been a LPN for 4 years now and last year i had a run in with the law and now have a sealed felony for possession of drugs. I dont do drugs. I never went to jail or anything just went through the hoops and got it sealed. even now, i still cannot find a job. i am completely honest on my job applications and provide the court paper work showing it is sealed. I have contacted the board of nursing and they said they will not hinder my license in any way...so why cant I get a job?!?! i really want to continue my schooling and get my BSN but I dont know if it will just be a waste of time and money...I would even consider moving to another state just so I could work as a nurse. I am a honest up front person and a Christian and I believe in second chances...if you have any advice I would be very greatful.