Thinking about moving to florida

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Are there any Florida RN on here who have ever been convicted of a felony? I was recently convicted of misprison of a felony (that means I knew someone was commiting a crime and I did not report it). I cannot get it expunged and my state will not give a RN or LPN license to anyone convicted of a felony. I noticed that the Florida BON has a much more understanding policy on an applicants criminal history. It seems if you can show rehabilitation and good behavior they are inclined to give you a chance. I need to know from Florida nurses if this is true? There is a technology center that offers a LPN program in my state close to my home. I was thinking of taking the LPN class in my state and then getting a Florida LPN license and moving there. Once I move to Florida start working as a LPN and then get my RN. Is there anyone out there in similar circumstances? I just need someone to give me a chance. I was a cop for 14 years and I never had so much as a speeding ticket in my entire life until now. I already have a bachelors degree, but its useless now.

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noone can predict what will happen until it happens. however there has been a recent change in the way felonies are handled by the fl bon.

you have 2 issues. (1) you mentioned that the conviction is "recent". (2) all lpn/rn (and most medical ancillary) training programs require you to have clinicals. in my school, you cannot get clinicals unless the hospital reviews your background check and approves. if you can't take the clinical portion, you cannot get the certificate/degree.

here is something i posted recently about a change to the way it is handled:

"it is part of the fl law that states that one cannot get a license unless you are felony free for 15 years. (i guess that is what they mean by level 1...)

if the crime was a misdemeanor, it is still case-by-case.

if you look at the license application dated august 2009, it contains the following:

important notice: effective july 1, 2009, section 456.0635, florida statutes, provides that healthcare boards or the department boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination in the applicant has been:

1. convicted or plead guilty or nolo contendre to a felony violation of: chapters 409, 817, or 893, florida statutes; or 21 u.s.c. ss. 801-970 or 42 u.s.c. ss 1395-1396, unless the sentence and any probation or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the application.

2. terminated for cause from florida medicaid program (unless the applicant has been in good standing for the most recent five years).

3. terminated for cause by any other state medicaid program or the medicare program (unless the termination was at least 20 years prior to the date of the application and the applicant has been in good standing with the program for the most recent five years).

www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/ap_licensure-rn-lpn.doc "

so from what i can tell, you may have about a 15 yr wait on your hands. sorry the news isn't better.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Orthopedics/Urology.

I've heard about this law, and I think it is kind of ridiculous...

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Specializes in Emergency Department/Trauma.

I am actually pretty happy about this law. I would prefer not to be worked on or cared for by felons. Recidivism rates are far too high to even consider.

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Well it must be wonderful to be so opinionated and unable to ever make 1 mistake.... After doing some research on this law it seems it only applies to felony drug and or medicare/medicade fraud charges. My charge (misprison of a felony) came after I failed to report something a family member was doing. I dont think this applies to me, but I will write the FL BON and get an opinion from them. Thanks to everyone for your responses.. well except one. Did you stop for one second to think the recidivism rate might be so high because many people are unable to find work after a conviction Mrs spacecoast know-it-all. Let he who has never sinned cast the first stone.

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Specializes in jack of all trades.
I am actually pretty happy about this law. I would prefer not to be worked on or cared for by felons. Recidivism rates are far too high to even consider.

I hired a PCT with a previous felony conviction and who also just graduated with his degree in Oriental Medicine and Accupunture. Let me tell you BEST Decision I have ever made regarding hiring a staff member! He has gone out of his way not only at work but within the community as a whole to show he is not what some would "sterotype" as a convicted felon and damned for life for it. I have had this same PCT employed by me at 2 facilities now and would do it again and again. He had well proven himself and I would give the same to an RN or anyone else that shows the effort. Second chances shouldnt be denied to everyone.

Submit your application and information to the board and they will review it individually. All they can say is yes or no. Doesnt hurt to check. Good luck to you :)

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oh boy! you should move here. you'd fit right in. the state loves ex-cons. and cons-on-the-run and fugitives (no, actually, it's the criminals that love the state!). don't you ever watch the national news? all the crooks and scumbags high-tail it to florida. this one nurse i heard about drugged her way from ky and a couple of other southern states to jax to st aug. to daytona etc stealing pt meds, etc. she quit before they could fire her.

why didn't you turn this person in? just because you weren't at work - you still had an obligation to do the right thing. a lot of stuff a person does during their free time can affect your license and job. for example - look at the recent episodes here - where deputies get caught dui. one even crashed his personal car into the back of a cop car. go figure.

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They have revised the law! The link is below. Good luck!

2012 Bill Summary - The Florida Senate

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