[Caroline84]

;)Hi everyone (this is my first post)! I am a felon who went to prison 7 years ago. I was 17; adult where I'm from. I am currently in college and have no idea of what direction to go in. I am currently doing a double major in Art and Business Mgmt. I was going to sell pottery from home. However, that doesn't excite me. I always had BIG dreams. Originally, I wanted to go for nursing. But, I could fail my intern if the hospital rejects me due to the background check. I would like to save lives or help people in some way. The problem is, I am interested in a LOT of things but sometimes feel that I am prevented from doing ALL things. I could see myself as a interior designer, computer engineer, physical therapist, vet - all opposite of each other. Does anyone know what a felon would have the best chance of getting a career? Please help! I don't want to be a stay at home wife! I want more and I don't like the idea of my mistakes holding me back.

[excon]

Hello Caroline:

I'm sure you don't like what's going to turn up in a background check done on you... But, that's going to happen NO MATTER what career you enter. And, it's going to get worse - not better.

That doesn't mean you can't overcome your past - you can. But, it's going to be an uphill battle every step of the way...

Unless you clear up your background. You can do that by applying for a pardon, and I would. You'll need an attorney to do it, but it's going to be cheap in the long run. A pardon REMOVES your felony as though it never existed. THAT'S what you want.

excon

[Fr_Chuck]

Well first you HAVE TO DECIDE since only you know what they want to do, For example you wanted to be a nurse, but you just assume you can't ( it sounds like) have you talked to the licensing board, have you discussed it with the HR at several hospitals?

Have you looked into paramedics, rescue truck operators and the such, ** they really save lives, on the front line.

But designer, computer?? About the only thing you did list was a fire fighter and cowboy, OK sorry but it sounds like my 8 year old who wants something different each week.

Since all take different college courses you need to make some choices and work for it.

[J_9]

Unless you get a pardon like excon suggested, you can forget about nursing if you are in the US. A background check is done prior to even being accepted into school. Then if that is cleared there is a background check done prior to graduation, then again each facility that you apply to does a background check prior to hiring.

My school and facilities in my area do not hire felons nor do they hire people with certain misdemeanors.

[Caroline84]

Thanks Excon. I have been looking into getting a pardon. However, I still have another 2 years until they say that I have the right to ask for a pardon. I'm not sure how likely it is... but it's definitely worth the fight!

[Caroline84]

Fr-Chuck:
Thanks for the feedback. I understand I need to make a decision. I guess it's because of the situation that I'm in. It seems like everyday I am trying to figure out what it is I can do in the world with the situation I put myself in. So, it may sound like I'm 8 years old, but I just try to open my mind to the possibilities of life. Thanks for the imput!