Nursing student with recent DUI. Need advice

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Two weeks ago I was arrested for a DUI. Although I have a totally clean record before this awful experience I am ashamed and depressed. I am in my second semester of nursing school in Illinois. My question is will this effect my ability to sit for the Nclex and become an RN? At almost 50, nursing is my second career go around. I'm at a crossroads because if I'm not able to sit for the Nclex and become a RN then there is no point in finishing the program. Any light anyone can shed on this is most appreciated.

Thank you!

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Specializes in Case Manager/Administrator.

I would hire an attorney. In IL there are a number or attorney workshops that you can attend and for a sliding scale fee get the help you need. Do it now the sooner the better. Once you have the judges decisions then I would report to the board of nursing if I have to. You are in college there are a lot of students who have a background of being arrested, some charges dismissed others felon. If you get a felon from this then I would worry, it sounds like it was a "low" DUI (meaning no one got hurt, no property was damaged) and your chances with an attorney help may make it all be dismissed with a fine, some sort of community service, and counseling with UA checks. Just make sure you do not do this again. Calling Uber is much cheaper and safer for us all.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
Dear Lisacar130,

He did say that even if (it's a big if) it's pleaded down anyone looking for any sort of offense will know that it was a DUI pleaded down because if the language/number codes used by the court or Secretary of State.

Your cart is way before your horse. Take a deep breath. You won't know until February what will happen but I agree with previous posters that you should do what you can to plead this down.

Second, when you plead it down you are only responsible for reporting what the Board asks you to report. Not "it was a DUI and now it's reckless driving." So, I second going on the BON and looking at what's reportable. It may be that reckless driving will be an issue....nurses are held to a higher standard and all.

Good luck and hang in there.

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A simple DUI is not a felony in Illinois or any other state. It is a felony only if it is aggravated by causing injury to another etc...a 1st time DUI is a class A misdemeanor so it would be getting a plea for a lessor misdemeanor or down to an infraction.

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I wouldn't wish the experience on anyone. I received a DUI charge (RD conviction) my first semester of nursing school (November 2016) It was a non-injury, pretty straight-forward incident. I was incredibly depressed. I really wanted to drop out of nursing school because I was terrified no one would give me a license. The only good thing to come from my DUI (for me) was that it was last time I drank alcohol and I've been sober now for over a year.

I applied for licensure in IL (I'm from another state) this month with supporting court documents and letter of explanation, and received my ATT pretty quickly. I disagree with the post above that says you can just say it's reckless driving when you apply if you end up pleading down. When you submit your application, you will have to provide a letter of explanation, the original citation, and all supporting documents (probation, termination, compliance, basically anything related to your criminal case). I'm still not sure if I'll have additional issues post-NCLEX. I've heard of people dealing with license issues after passing their NCLEX. I hope not for me! If anyone has any insight on that, please share. :)

Through my research, I spoke with a nurse attorney in Chicago (Sue Wagener) and she gave me some good advice. I'd hire her in a heartbeat if I needed to go up against the board, but like I said that has not been an issue for me yet. She has a relationship with Janet Pickett (also mentioned above) and it seems like between the two of them they are pretty good and navigating this issue with the Illinois BON.

It has been a nervewrecking process, but all I can tell you is that time definitely helps. I was inconsolable for a good long while after my arrest, and the best advice I can give is take it one step at a time. Stay clean, do as best as you can in school, and focus on being a good nurse.

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Just an update. After sending my official letter of explanation to Springfield (you have to send to both CTS and IDFPR) and all supporting documents, I received my license today! No restrictions. SO HAPPY!

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appreciate this post I have court hearing this upcoming November. Was driving under the influence, blew 0.11 in CA.

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On 10/15/2018 at 8:16 PM, lotus1124 said:

appreciate this post I have court hearing this upcoming November. Was driving under the influence, blew 0.11 in CA.

If you dont mind me asking whatever happened to your dui? Were you able to finish nursing school?

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