70 yr old homeless RN denied employment

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Hi Beth, I'm a 70-year-old RN with 45 years experience in health care.  Two years ago my husband and I became homeless though I was employed full-time.  We had no place to go and found ourselves living in our cars on a freezing night.  We were unable to obtain conventional shelter.  

Out of desperation, we entered an acquaintance's home to stay overnight in safety.  The owner was out of state and I had no means of contacting him.  The next morning we were arrested for breaking and entering.  I contacted the owner as quickly as possible to explain what had happened and offered to pay for any damages (we needed to break a window to gain access).  When we showed up for court, we were told there was no case as the owner had kindly dropped the charges and refused any payment.  Recently this matter surfaced and I was denied employment.  Thankfully we were able to purchase our own home in 2022.  My husband is disabled, we both receive Social Security and we're extremely grateful to be here.  I still need to work and don't know how to deal with this situation.  Thanks for listening.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

I'm sorry to hear about your and your husband's tough situation. That's a difficult challenge, and you handled it with integrity.

I'm so glad to hear that you were able to purchase your home and are now in a more stable situation.

As for the employment issue, it's unfortunate that this matter has resurfaced. Even though the charges were dropped and there was no case, some employers can still view past legal issues with suspicion, especially when they come up during background checks. Here's what I would suggest to help navigate this:

  • Explain the situation transparently. In any interviews or applications, be honest about what happened. You could explain that you and your husband were in a challenging situation, and out of desperation, you decided to enter the home for shelter. Make it clear that you contacted the owner immediately and offered to make amends. Emphasize that the charges were dropped, and no legal action was taken.
  • Request a copy of your criminal record. If you haven't already, you could request a copy of your criminal record (if it's still showing the incident) and explain it in writing if necessary. You might even want to consider getting a legal opinion about whether any expungement or sealing of the record is possible under your circumstances, even though it was dismissed.
  • References. If possible, get character references from previous employers, colleagues, or community members who know you and your work ethic. They can vouch for your professionalism and commitment to the nursing field, which could help counter any concerns about your past.
  • Focus on your skills and experience. Your credentials and expertise as an RN are impressive, and you have 45 years of experience. Make sure to highlight these in your applications and interviews. Employers often overlook past issues when they see your value and knowledge.
  • Consider a lawyer's assistance. Since this issue has affected your job prospects, you might want to consult with an employment lawyer. They can offer specific advice on how to present your case and may even be able to help you negotiate or address legal issues related to this matter.
  • Seek support from RN organizations. Some professional nursing organizations provide resources for people facing employment challenges. They may have guidance or legal help available, especially for criminal records and employment issues.

You've faced a lot of adversity but also have the resilience and experience to overcome this hurdle. Don't lose sight of your value as a skilled healthcare professional; keep looking for opportunities. It will take some persistence, but you'll find the right fit. Feel free to reach out if you need further help navigating this or drafting any letters or explanations!

Wishing you the very best,

Nurse Beth

 

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