Hi

I have been out of SAF-P ( a Texas in-prison therapeutic community) for about 18 months. In that time I have worked at Mcdonalds and as an administrative assistant in a part time job at a volunteer agency. I have a degree in nursing but I cannot use that due to my conviction (POCS by fraud). prescription forgery.

Every time I think of something that interests me I find that I cannot do it because of my conviction. I went to the state rehab commission and they told me that the only careers in Texas that require a license that are open to felons are fish farming and boxing management!!

I don't know wheter to put my nursing degree and previous nursing jobs on a resume or not.

Any suggestions?

I don't know what the answer is on this, but I wanted to say"Welcome to PTO! I'm glad you found us." I hope someone comes along who can answer your question soon...

Deb

Hello KWolf:

Welcome to the forum. You mentioned you worked as an administrative assistant part-time. Have you considered putting your admininstrative skills together with your knowledge of nursing and medical terminology, and starting a career as a medical administrative assistant or medical transcriber? You could do free lance work, or work in a small doctor's office.

You wouldn't need a license to do this. You may have to return to a vocational school or your local community college and get a certificate. Also, sign up with the EDD (employment development department) This is a little known secret but the federal government requires them to fill 70 jobs per year per job specialist. These job specialist work closely with people who have criminal convictions.

Whatever choice you make, make the choice not to become discouraged. And if you become discouraged don't allow it to last more than a day or two.

Ginger

Hi KWolf,

I too am in the medical field. I too have been told by numerous medical schools that I would not be admitted with the conviction I have. However, my love for medicine will not let me give it up. I am continuing to study pre-med in college and am looking unto international medical schools. I'm even considering going into Naturopathic medicine which is a field on the rise. Since Naturopathic medicine is not governed by the state, I have a good chance of becoming a naturopathic physician.

As I stated in another post. Never give up. Keep looking. If the medical field is where your heart is, keep looking. You may have to be willing to relocate. I know this sounds hard, but you must not give up.

Do some brainstorming just how you can use your experience as a nurse and adminstrative assistant. Your knowledge can carry you far. It's just a matter of finding that right job willing to overlook your past.

To give you an example, your administrative experience along with your nursing experience would work well in the Heatlh insurance industry. Finding the right company will not be easy. However, never give up.

Just never give up, and never feel your knowledge is useless. They can never take this away from you.

Jasmine

Will all states bar you from nursing with your conviction? Different states have different laws.....would you be willing to relocate?

one other thing to consider....there are temp jobs that require nursing background on medical bill review....My Ex does this for an insurance company, and there are many nurses in his office. As long as you understand ICD 9/CPT codes....and treatment following diagnoisis, you may qualify...

my 2 cents,
kath