Nursing Offers Best Jobs For Criminals – Learn About Nursing Jobs For Criminals
Finding a good job for felons is one of the most difficult problems facing ex-convicts. As the economic downturn has left many unemployed, finding high paying or even stable employment for criminals has become very difficult. One of the best ways to get a recession-proof job is to choose a career in a growing industry like healthcare. Nursing, in particular, is a career that offers many advantages for ex-offenders.
Offender Job Opportunities: Nursing
Nursing as a profession is currently in high demand. The United States has such a severe nursing shortage that foreign nurses are being recruited en masse to fill the void. Between now and 2014, registered nurses are expected to create the second-highest number of new jobs in the US among all occupations, according to the Department of Labor.
Also, the pay is good and there are numerous job opportunities for felons, as nurses can work in many different places. These include hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, residences, occupational health services, prisons, schools, recreational cruises, etc. Nurses may also work for the US military and non-profit volunteer organizations.
As a career choice for ex-offenders, the medical field is one of the most prestigious and has the best potential for job security, as there is a serious imbalance between the demand for and availability of qualified personnel. Not only are there abundant job opportunities for offenders who are qualified nurses, but career advancement is also expected to be rapid due to a shortage of experienced nurses.
Felon Friendly Jobs: How to Become a Nurse
Nurses focus on the needs of the individual and provide care, counseling and advice. This career is for people who have the qualities of compassion and patience, as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills.
All paths to a nursing career must begin with a high school diploma or GED.
The next step is to take a diploma or nursing degree course to gain the necessary clinical knowledge. You can complete an associate’s degree course in nursing in two years, while a bachelor’s degree in nursing takes four years to complete.
You will then need to pass the state board of nursing exam to get your license. At this point you can get a job as a nurse.
Even after you get your nursing license, you can still choose to continue your education and specialize. Examples of nursing specialties are nurse anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, legal research nurses, critical care nurses, etc.
Offender Employment: Nursing License
Of course, if you know anything about nursing, the first question on your mind right now is whether or not you are eligible for a nursing license if you have a felony conviction.
You will need to check your state’s laws on nursing licensure. Call your board of nursing, explain your situation, including details about your felony, and ask what you will need to do to get licensed or take the nursing exam.
All states will have strict screening procedures for all registered nurses, but chances are that having a felony will not automatically bar you from the profession.
The California Board of Registered Nursing, for example, evaluates each application it receives on a case-by-case basis and determines that there is no specific type of felony conviction that automatically disqualifies an applicant. If you have a felony and there is any question about your eligibility for a nursing license, you will need to submit some evidence of rehabilitation. Your case will then be adjudicated based on the nature, severity, and recentness of the charge, as well as rehabilitation and other mitigating factors.
In other words, you will have to go through more hoops than a regular applicant, but if you can show that you have been rehabilitated, you can still work as a registered nurse, especially if many years have passed since the felony.
Nursing Job for Criminals: Summary
Nursing jobs for criminals are a good option for people who want a secure, well-paying job with a lot of potential to advance their career. You will also be able to help other people who need care. Nursing jobs for criminals are for people who have compassion for the sick and problem-solving skills. A nursing diploma or bachelor’s degree is needed to apply for nursing. You will also need to pass the state board exam to get a nursing license. Job opportunities for licensed nursing offenders are not limited to hospitals. You can get employment for felons who are registered nurses in places like clinics, cruise ships, nursing homes, schools, etc.