So you want to be a nurse?

Nursing Career

Nursing is a great career. With job growth due to baby boomers retiring, and the constant need for hard working nurses in the medical industry- there is no shortage of jobs. To guarantee your best shot at a nursing career, focus heavily on your school work and training- but also, stay out of trouble!

Applying to be a nurse

Every time an individual applies for, or renews a nursing license, the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) conducts a background check on the applicant. Though you could be the perfect student or a stellar nurse, a single arrest or criminal charge could interfere with you obtaining your nursing license. The Texas Board of Nursing is not your friend, it is important to be prepared- otherwise it will not end well. For more information on the application process, see our nursing applications page.

The problem with criminal charges

Criminal charges such as DWI, possession, family violence or endangerment as well as  any  felony can bar you from obtaining or renewing your nursing license. A nursing degree is an expensive investment.  One conviction on your record doesn’t make you a bad person, but it doesn’t matter to the TBON. To the Board, criminal convictions are serious.  The TBON is going to focus on your conviction, not your explanation. It is important to consult a TBON Attorney to fully understand the scope of TBON renewals.

An arrest that occurred after your license was issued, or since your last renewal, will likely be REQUIRED to be reported. Careful attention should be paid to how arrest is disclosed to the TBON. Disclosing unnecessary facts or misleading the board in any fashion could have disastrous consequences. Any misstep could result in the Board of Nursing broadening the scope of their investigation, opening a new investigation, suspending or even revoking your nursing license. Do not wait until the month your nursing license renewal is due to contact a Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) attorney, instead take the necessary steps to prepare and protect the career you love.  If you have any concerns about renewal it is best to reach out to a TBON attorney. Without proper representation and knowledge, you could very well be left without a license. For more information about how we can help with your nursing license renewal visit our page here.

When Nursing Mistakes Happen...

Mistakes and poor decision making also occur outside of work. If you are arrested for a drug offense, DWI, or other serious charge, you may have to defend your nursing license. It is important to be proactive in this circumstance- if you know you’ve made a mistake, contact a professional. Just like you know how to take care of your patients, we take care of our clients.

nurses retiring

Nursing License Defense

At Texas Nursing Lawyers, we understand that a conviction doesn’t make you a bad person. We are here to help you continue the career you love, and to help navigate you through the tricky TBON renewal process. Our lawyers are trained to assist you in both criminal and nursing law at Texas Nursing Lawyers. Our experienced team of attorneys, Buck Johnson and Deborah Goodall are prepared to take on your case! Call us today at (214) 384-1902 if you have a new criminal conviction since the last time you applied for your license. We will be happy to discuss further options and the intake process.

Learn more about nurse license requirements here.