Restricted rn license nc--can i be re-licensed in another state

jackstem · Apr 2, 2011

I lost my nc rn license r/t dwi. I never had any issues with my practice as a nurse, no diversion, never impaired at work, never harmed a patient, never forged prescriptions. I have my license back, but the restrictions are so complete that i can't find work(the restrictions don't apply to why I lost my license). Are there any states that are more reasonable? I've been in this process for 3 years and paid $3600 in urine screens during that time.(all clean) DOES ANYONE KNOW OF ANY STATES THAT WOULD LICENSE ME (WITHOUT RESTRICTION) AND ALLOW ME TO WORK? Any thoughts? Anyone?

One of the best ways to determine your ability to retain a license in another state when you have a restricted license is to consult with a license defense attorney with experience before that board of nursing. Yes, it costs money for a consultation. If it prevents unpleasant surprises, or keeps you from making mistakes in the application process that could have adverse results when applying for the new license, it's money well spent.

Contact the American Association of Nurse Attorneys for a list of nurse attorneys in the new state. Or you can Google "nursing license defense attorneys in ". Trying to represent yourself in licensing issues can have disasterous results. While many nurses believe the state board will advocate for them, nothing could be further from the truth. Their job is to protect the public, period.

In my experience, most boards of nursing will not provide an unrestricted license while the nurse is participating in a monitoring program in another state. Some states may not provide an unrestricted license in their state for a nurse who has had action against their license and completed a consent agreement or monitoring agreement in another state. The only way I know to have the best shot at receiving an unencumbered license in another state is to consult with an attorney who practices administrative law and experience before the licensing board.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Jack

all_over_again · Apr 3, 2011

When I spoke to my case manager about being licensed in another state, she seemed more than enthusiastic about calling the board in that state to facilitate the transfer. Having legal representation is definitely preferable, but not everyone has $4000 cash on hand after having spent thousands on testing and treatment and being unemployed.

I have had to navigate all this alone. Yes, it has probably taken longer than it would have if I had been represented, but if my recovery experience has taught me anything, it is patience.

Good Luck. AOA

jparkin · Apr 3, 2011

thanks for the reply. in which state do you reside?

jackstem · Apr 3, 2011

When I spoke to my case manager about being licensed in another state, she seemed more than enthusiastic about calling the board in that state to facilitate the transfer. Having legal representation is definitely preferable, but not everyone has $4000 cash on hand after having spent thousands on testing and treatment and being unemployed.
I have had to navigate all this alone. Yes, it has probably taken longer than it would have if I had been represented, but if my recovery experience has taught me anything, it is patience.
Good Luck. AOA

Hope it works out for you. We have enough battles without folks throwing up additional barriers. Prayers and good wishes.

Jack

jparkin · Apr 3, 2011

where do u live? so, ur nurse manager thinks it's possible. at least that sounds a little hopeful I took me 2 1/2 years to even get my nurses license back and now it't not worth the paper it's written on. (the restrictions) i've heard nc's the worst bon in the us. very unreasonable. i really don't want to move, but i need to work. i've been unemployed for almost 2 years (bad economy) there are nurses job available, but no one will hire me with all the restrictions on my license. thanks for listening.

all_over_again · Apr 3, 2011

I am licensed in Michigan but trying to get license in Kentucky and/or Indiana. Only time will tell. I have all the time in the world. LOL. Fingers crossed for ya, All Over Again.

melanieb · Jun 15, 2011

ALL_OVER_AGAIN....Were you able to transfer out of MIchigan? Were you still under HPRP? What is the best route to take. I am in a monitoring program, but nothing is restricted. I just am nervous about dealing with the new state (South Carolina). Any advice?

she71 · Jun 20, 2011

Unfortunately the monitoring provisions are mostly the same state-to-state. You can be licensed in other states but there will most certainly be restrictions or requirements expected of you. The monitoring groups use spacific guidlines for offenses. The requirements may vary according to the offense but the monitoring is going to be applicable to you. State boards realize that sometimes families relocate and there are special considerations for those who must move. I would begin searching for states that welcome transfers from other monitoring states before making a decision to move and I would also describe this situation as a need to relocate rather than wanting to move to have less restrictions on my license. Good Luck. Florida, South Carolina and West Virginia are three states In which I have friends that have transfered under contracts and the move was very smooth and they are all working and pleased with their monitoring as well as the BON.

melanieb · Mar 19, 2012

Question: Did your friend start applying in new state and then later transferred their monitoring agreement? I have been dealing with HPRP (Michigan), but they don't seem to know how to handle this and it is getting frustrating. There seems to be so many people telling me different things. If you have any advice on how your friends started the process that would be greatly appreciated.

molliemay22 · Mar 30, 2013

Dear all Professional Nurses.I am really really hoping someone out there can help.My situation is this.I have over 6 years post grad experience,acute care.I took up a new post on a different country,ran into issues with my manager,got so stressed out I ended up making a medicine error(mistook one for the other).Following this near miss error my manager got HR involved made me out t obe useless and I got sacked!Following this she refered me to the Nursing Board whom requested I undertake a performance assessment.My registration was suspended in the mean time depending on the result of the performance exam.Nethless to say I was so nervous in the exam that I did not perform well,in fact It was a disaster.....After months of waiting I got the Board result which was not in my favor.The performance assessment was deemed unsuccessful,which means I am not safe to practice at this time.This has nothing to do with health issues but incompetencies.My options are now;try to get a job with restrictions(supervised roles for a period of time),employee reports education plans,,or redo the exam again in the hope I will not be so nervous,or let my registration lapse.It has been a complete nighmare let me add.I have been treated like crap by my union and my attorney Is not very helpful.I cant afford not to use him as my union fees cover his costs I am wondering if anybody has been In a similiar position to me with such matters and what are the chances of geting an employer to give you a chance???There must be away around this,I just made a few errors and was not concentrating.On the up side I am feeling a bit more posative afert having lots of rest ect but was very very down and upset for a whileTthe fact my Manager basically stitched me up was devastating and completely unfair.I was so powerless and so sad.Anyway please post posative suggestions only,thanks you guys!