mrsjames

Thanks for the comment. I have been really considering a change in careers due to the circumstances, but my heart is in nursing. I am very passionate about nursing and I have put many years and dedication in this career. Despite of what may occur, I won't give up the fight. Thx again for your advice.

I am/ was a LPN or LVN in Texas until I was forced to voluntarily surrender my license in 2010. Let me explain. I moved to Texas in 2006 from Louisiana as a result of hurricane Katrina. At that time I was a single parent working with a nursing agency on a part-time basis. I applied for foodstamps and medicaid for my young daughter until I was stable and working on a full-time basis. Some may say, "your were a nurse, you couldn't find any work". Well yes there were plenty of jobs and plenty work opportunities. At that time I had no family or friends here who could help me care for my young child. And we all know that most nurses work 12-16 hour shifts. It was hard for me to take something full-time and still care for a young child. To make a long story shorter, in 2008 I was arrested and charged by the Texas Health and Human Services for a felony theft. They stated that i failed to report all of my income, in other words stealing benefits. By the advice of my lawyer to avoid a lengthy trial and a higher fee, I took a plea deal. I pleaded GUILTY, accepted probation, and had to pay back the monies. Knowing what I know now, I would have NEVER agreed to plead guilty. I had never been in trouble before and my lawyer acted as though this whole situation would just go away. Well as a result of this I had to surrender my nursing license and I was kicked out of RN school where I was studying for my BSN. I waited one year as was stated in the Board Order and went through the lengthy process of re-instating my license. I was devastated when I was denied at the hearing. I was already depressed about the whole situation, but this sent me into a deeper depression. I was told i had to wait 5 yrs from the date of my punishment by the courts to even be considered for re-instatement, which would be October 2013. Should I hire a lawyer to help me get my license back? Or will I ever get my license back, knowing that I was charged with felony theft? I have hope and faith but sometimes I fear the worst.