Where do I go from here?

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I am a critical care RN with years of experience, who pled guilty to a federal felony diversion charge. I have been in my state's probation program with great results, and was practicing again. When I pled guilty I lost my job, as I will at some point wind up on the OIG Exclusion list (has not happened yet).

I guess I am at a loss as to what to do. I still have my license, but because of the exclusion list I will not be able to be employed by any hospital or clinic that accepts federal funds for 5 years after I am placed on it. I don't want to give it up, but am kind of wondering what is the point of trying to keep it. Who would hire a felon, albeit one trying to redeem and reform? I am too young to retire, but too old to attempt a whole new career. This process has drained my retirement, so not working is not an option. I guess I'm looking for suggestions, if anyone has experience in this? Corrections? the felony would likely come into play.

Kids, take care of that precious license...

Specializes in ER / ICU.
LGM777 said:

Can you dispute the OIG sanction?  It took a lot of leg work, but I knew someone who disputed the OIG sanction and won. Granted, this was several years ago but it worked so it may be worth a try. If, however, you know you can't avoid an OIG sanction, then I suggest legal nursing.  Someone else I knew went this route after he too ended up on the OIG sanction list for five years and he didn't take any legal nursing classes (total waste of money). He just started cold calling on small personal injury law firms until he finally landed a gig. Initially, he didn't make as much as he normally would have in a regular nursing job, but it sure beat unemployment or working at Walmart! The attorneys with whom he worked were very understanding and supportive.  He made a lot of good professional connections and did some really cool things in that role that he never would've thought of.  Fast forward five years when it came time for the sanction to be lifted and the attorneys loved him so much (he helped them win lots of cases!) they offered him an even higher salary than he could have ever make as a BSN prepared RN. What started off as a "port in the storm" turned out to be his best career move!  When God closes a door, he always opens a window; Sometimes you just have to look around for the opening and be willing to squeeze through it! Good luck! My thoughts and prayers are with you! 

Thank you for the food for thought! Very helpful! ?

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PDRN said:

I am a critical care RN with years of experience, who pled guilty to a federal felony diversion charge. I have been in my state's probation program with great results, and was practicing again. When I pled guilty I lost my job, as I will at some point wind up on the OIG Exclusion list (has not happened yet).

I guess I am at a loss as to what to do. I still have my license, but because of the exclusion list I will not be able to be employed by any hospital or clinic that accepts federal funds for 5 years after I am placed on it. I don't want to give it up, but am kind of wondering what is the point of trying to keep it. Who would hire a felon, albeit one trying to redeem and reform? I am too young to retire, but too old to attempt a whole new career. This process has drained my retirement, so not working is not an option. I guess I'm looking for suggestions, if anyone has experience in this? Corrections? the felony would likely come into play.

Kids, take care of that precious license...

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What was the process like? I'm currently being looked at for diversion and I am TERRIFIED I'll end up in prison. I have parents I take care of, a life that I'm terrified of losing. Do they typically allow one to seek substance abuse help and avoid prison? 

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Check out job as research nurse- pay is not very high but it is very interesting

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JM84 said:

Had a state felony larceny for drug diversion is 2017. I have never been placed in the oig exclusion list. Been able to work since getting my license reinstated in 2019. Hospitals clinics you name it. Just gotta be up front. If you have any questions let me know. 

Hi JM84,

I just had an interview with LARA investigation and I just reported myself to HPRP. I'm so scared I'm going the hospital will press charges. Did you get your felony charges before investigation or after? 

 

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anon_rn55 said:

What was the process like? I'm currently being looked at for diversion and I am TERRIFIED I'll end up in prison. I have parents I take care of, a life that I'm terrified of losing. Do they typically allow one to seek substance abuse help and avoid prison? 

Hi 

what was your process?  Did you ever end up with charges? I'm in the same boat and I'm so terrified 

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I self reported myself first to hprp to get ahead of the ball. Unfortunately my charges from the hospital came about 6 months later. 

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JM84 said:

I self reported myself first to hprp to get ahead of the ball. Unfortunately my charges from the hospital came about 6 months later. 

Six months after the investigation or you getting fired? What if I surrender my license will they still come after me? Do you mind if I message you in private? Since you're in Michigan too

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Did you do any jail time? I don't have charges yet but I feel something is coming, you know that gut feeling? If you decide to surrender your license will the hospital still prosecute? 

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