He said he served nearly 2 1/2 years in prison for manufacturing methamphetamine in the presence of children.
When Roberge asked about renewing his license after his release, bureau officials told him to send a letter explaining his circumstances. He did so and soon received a new license with no restrictions, he said.
For 1 1/2 years, Roberge was a nurse in good standing. Then, in 2006, the bureau decided to act. He's now on administrative probation and must submit to a host of requirements.
Still, he is grateful. "I'm not proud of what I've done, but I'm proud of where I've come since then.
"I didn't think I would ever get my license back," he said.
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tracy.weber@propublica.org
charles.ornstein@ propublica.org
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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)
Oversight
The Times and ProPublica examined 162 disciplinary actions taken by California regulators against vocational nurses in 2007. One in six of the nurses had at least three criminal convictions before the state acted against them.
Three convictions: 10
Four: 8
Five: 4
Six: 2
Nine: 2
Ten: 1
Sources: Times/ProPublica research, California Bureau of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
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Professionals
VOCATIONAL NURSES
Number in California: About 79,100
Training: Typically a high school degree plus a yearlong specialized training program.
Duties: LVNs work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. They can administer most medications, take vital signs, clean wounds, and collect blood and urine samples, among other tasks.
REGISTERED NURSES
Number in California: About 344,300
Training: A minimum of two-year Associate of Science in Nursing degree. Increasingly they are obtaining more advanced degrees.
Duties: RNs supervise LVNs. They are primarily responsible for fulfilling doctors' orders. They also independently assess patients' conditions and respond to changes, administer IV medications and develop care plans.
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Tell us your experiences
Tracy Weber and Charles Ornstein are investigating nurses and nursing regulation in California. If you submit a comment via e-mail, the reporters may contact you. You may also contact them by phone at (212) 514-5250.
ProPublica is an independent newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest. More stories by the organization and documents referenced in this article can be found at ProPublica.org.
