Refuse to Renew Status

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Jan 16, 2015

you need the service of attornet faniliar with administrative law as boards of nursing.....I have no idea re cost......

maybe someone else will have additional information.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Jan 16, 2015

We cannot offer legal advice on here. My suggestion is to talk to a lawyer who deals with Nursing/BON issues. You don't want someone that doesn't understand the process. It will be expensive. It is worth it. If you renewed your license at all since you received your license in 2011 (I'm sure that you did since I think all states renew licenses every 2 years) there is always a question that asks about any convictions/reprimands from work/etc. It sounds like you did not tell them about this. It is always important to be honest on this renewal form.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 16, 2015

There is a lawyer referral service from the American Association of Nurse Attorneys. Even if charged for a consultation (many administrative law attorneys charge a consult fee as you are paying for knowledge) TAANA Executive Office - Home

Red Kryptonite · Jan 16, 2015

I recently received a noticed saying I was placed on Refuse to Renew status because I did not inform the Nursing Board of my conviction ( I had no idea I was supposed to!)

*buzz* Sorry, calling BS on this. I'm only a CNA and this has been drilled into my head dozens of times. I just started my first week of LPN school and it's already been brought up that we have to inform the BON of basically anything that happens that has a legal dimension. I find it impossible to believe that anyone would be unaware they had to inform the BON of a conviction.

caliotter3 · Jan 16, 2015

If you did not inform the nursing board and now you have a problem, what do you think will happen because you have not informed your employer? You need more than the advice of an attorney. If you are the sole support of your family, you need to be making alternate plans.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Jan 16, 2015

You really should consult an attorney familiar with your states BON regulations. I have no clue what the cost might be, but if you intend to keep your license the cost will be worth it. Good luck!

lovinglife2015 · Jan 16, 2015

Knowing that you're the family's sole provider, I'm wondering why you would jeopardize your career and use such poor judgment? I'm sure you're feeling guilty enough, but hopefully your story will sway someone reading this down the right path.

I did a quick google and depending on the fine amount(less than $1000 in CA) of the misdemeanor, one might not have to report it unless it involved drugs or alcohol. Do some research.

Guests · Jan 17, 2015

I was licensed in 2011, but I did not get my first nursing job until 2014.
I was convicted of Misdemeanor Retail Theft in 2013.

Houston, we have a problem... There are certain things upon which nursing boards really frown... violence and... theft.

I recently received a noticed saying I was placed on Refuse to Renew status because I did not inform the Nursing Board of my conviction ( I had no idea I was supposed to!)

The problem is compounding... the original infraction might likely have prevented your renewal but the failure-to-report... yeah, they're not real tolerant of that, regardless of excuses... ignorance of the law and all that.

My employers are aware of my conviction and I've been working FT all year.

And that's a very good thing... but without a license, you're useless to them.

My main concern is that I'm supposed to renew Jan 31.

Not much time to get it resolved...

So I'm worried I will lose my job and I'm the head of the household.

As someone already posted, you need to be working on your contingency plan right now... you're only looking out a couple of weeks...

And not to be the bearer of more bad news but, generally speaking, being terminated/suspended for cause will preclude receipt of unemployment benefits.

How much will a lawyer cost?

A lot... probably $300/hour or so.

How long will this process take?

If your state is anything like mine, 12-18 months is not uncommon

Should I tell my employer?

Certainly. If they're willing to keep you on with a sanctioned license (which generally includes terms like not working alone, limited access to narcs, random drug screens), you've at least got a chance. If you wait and blindside them, that bridge will be burnt to a crisp.

Will the Nursing Board remove this status and allow me to renew my license?

Who knows... I doubt it, though... at least not quickly and easily...

Get an attorney NOW... like, right now...

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 17, 2015

*buzz* Sorry, calling BS on this. I'm only a CNA and this has been drilled into my head dozens of times. I just started my first week of LPN school and it's already been brought up that we have to inform the BON of basically anything that happens that has a legal dimension. I find it impossible to believe that anyone would be unaware they had to inform the BON of a conviction.

Actually, you'd be surprised how many people don't realize they have to inform the BON of these things. But what most of these people don't realize is that the BON's going to find out about it anyway because most states will automatically report convictions and possibly even arrests to their BON...so you end up with situations like this. And BONs don't like it when they end up learning about convictions this way instead of directly from the person.

OP: seek the advice of an attorney versed in nursing issues...Beachy already gave you the link.

Best of luck.

beckyboo1, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2015

Does your state not ask on your license renewal if you have had any convictions? In my state, it's asked with every renewal.

poppycat, ADN, BSN · Jan 17, 2015

Does your state not ask on your license renewal if you have had any convictions? In my state, it's asked with every renewal.

My state BON doesn't ask this. They only ask if we've completed our CEU's and if we are behind in child support payments.