Working as a private nurse with no license

[PDRN]

I was recently convicted of a federal drug felony, and even though I still have a restricted RN license, I am finding it impossible to find work. I am wondering if anyone has ever "gone into business" for themselves- I am planning on giving up my license, but I still have all of my same knowledge and skills as a licensed nurse. I know there have to be people who would be willing to pay for my skills / help in keeping a loved one or themselves at home. I am a critical care RN with heavy experience in hospice, ER. How would I even begin to see if there's a market? How would I market myself? There is no drug use in my past or present, I stole a vial of narcotic to help kill myself during Covid 3 years ago. I am back to baseline, but cannot find a regular nursing job. Thoughts?

[TIMFY]

You would absolutely not be able to work as a private duty nurse without a license. Even if you market yourself as a "care person" or something, you would not be able to do nursing things and it would be a huge liability if something happened. Unfortunately, I don't know of many jobs that would want you for your nursing knowledge but be OK with you not having an active license. Even non clinical roles still want you to have a license. Was this your first offense? I know the felony is a big deal but I had multiple "incidences" with the board, I completed a program and now have an unencumbered license. I've actually not found it difficult to find both clinical and non clinical jobs now that I have my license back. So if they offer you a program, I would take it instead of giving up your license. Are you working with a lawyer? Hang in there!

[Tannjo]

You state that you have restrictions on your license; yet you said you were convicted of felony drug charges and plan to turn in your license.... First of all, I've never known the board of nursing to give any nurse "the  option" to choose as to whether or not they will retain their licensure.  Usually with charges such as these, there's first an investigation by the nursing board, then a disciplinary hearing and lastly their judgment... which is usually either indefinite suspension, total revocation of license (depending upon the severity of the crime) provisional license in which they impose very strict restrictions that the nurse adheres to for a period of time; ie: "months, years, etc.” with specific stipulations as to where they can or cannot work, if they are allowed to administer narcotics, etc...That being said, if they elected to revoke or suspend license, then you cannot work in any health care setting that is receiving funding from Medicaid/medicare.. I don't really know of anyway to get around this even if you "worked for yourself" because you could no longer use the title of nurse if revoked.  What are the restrictions placed ?  Because with what you state you were convicted of, I've only heard of revocation or indefinite suspension during which time you will not be allowed to work as a nurse anywhere; either temporarily or permanently.  A lot of specifics is missing in your post.. just trying to understand what exactly your disposition placed by the board actually states. Either way, the wisest move would be to seek legal counsel with an attorney, preferably one who is also a nurse who can advise and guide you in the right direction.  Best of luck!