American RN with DUI looking to get licensed in Australia

Nurses Criminal

Published

Hi there,

As you can tell by my title I have a lot of things going on with this question. My main question is what are my chances of getting a fully active, non-probationary license in Australia with a DUI on my record?

Now a little background on my story: I graduated in December 2013 and just got my RN license in February 2015. I got my DUI well before nursing school in 2009. My DUI was fairly standard, for lack of a better word, meaning there were no injuries or property damage. I was young and dumb and now I no longer drink because of it, enough said. California's BRN has strict rules on licensing nurses with any sort of criminal past so therefore I am on "nursing probation". This entails getting random drug and alcohol tests, attending weekly AA meetings, attending weekly nursing support groups, doing a 6-9 month outpatient rehab, getting physical and mental exams, and visiting a therapist/counselor on a regular basis (all of these are at my own expense equaling to about $500-$600/month). Last but not least, my probation requires any health care employer of mine to fill out tons of paperwork and perform special evaluations on me on a regular basis. Now you are probably asking who in the world would hire such a nurse with all of that baggage? Exactly my point. I have pretty much zero chance of finding a job here in CA which is why I want to get out of here.

So long story short I would like to move to Australia. For one, my boyfriend lives out there so I would love to be with him. Secondly, I have heard Aus is more lenient as far as licensing nurses with a criminal past similar to mine. Thirdly, it's Australia.. who wouldn't want to live there?!? I, for one, loved it there when I visited. Anyways, can anyone tell me if they know anything about the process/outcome for a nurse trying to move there in my situation.

More specifically:

1. How long does the U.S. to Aus nurse licensing process take? I know for nurses without a criminal past the wait time is about 3-4 months. Am I looking at waiting a year possibly??

2. Is there any probable chance I would actually get denied licensure there?

I thought I had more questions but now I can't think of them.. UGH the stress is getting to me! Anyways I greatly appreciate anyone's time who is able to add to this thread. Any relevant info, no matter how small it is, is better than nothing.. so PLEASE write stuff!! THANK YOU! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in hospice.

I'm curious about the more than one year gap between graduation and licensure. What was going on during that time?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The one year gap was me waiting on my license. In CA it takes at least a year (I've heard I got mine relatively quickly) if not 1 1/2 to 2 years to get your license if you have any recent conviction, and many times it ends up being a probationary license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Have you looked at the criteria on aphra? No work experience may be a hinderance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can't find anything that specifically says there needs to be a minimum requirement of work experience. My thoughts are that you at right though. I already have 2 strikes against me... Dui and no work experience so I'm pretty screwed I suppose. Thanks for the response.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

2 years paid is the expectation

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Apply for a licence in a much libearl state where DUI is not such a big deal,all u have to show is that u completed the requirements try washington state or oregon,for sure washington state will issue u a licence with no restriction since iits over 5 years

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in hospice.
Apply for a licence in a much libearl state where DUI is not such a big deal,all u have to show is that u completed the requirements try washington state or oregon,for sure washington state will issue u a licence with no restriction since iits over 5 years

What is this? I don't even....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I'm not sure how getting a license in Washington State in the US will help the OP overcome obstacles in applying for a RN license in Australia. I know Canada does not take kindly to those with DUI on their record.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was actually thinking about trying another state now that aus is out of the question and since Washington and Oregon are close I would first consider them. Does anyone know if these 2 states gives unrestricted licenses to people with DUIs? I know tmascot said Washington does but can anyone else confirm? From what I understand these states are significantly more lenient but I'm worried if I apply for licensure there (or get endorsed whatever it is called) the other state would see my probationary license in CA and automatically hand me the same thing there. Whereas if I just graduated and went to another state (without my license) they would do there own thing and give me a regular license without CAs influence. I don't know if I read this somewhere or if I am completely making this up but it's stuck in my brain. Can anyone tell me about this?? Thanks for all the responses!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

All states require verification of licensing from other states. You cannot hide your probationary CA license. You will get caught then risk revocation of the other license for fraud/failure to disclose.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to Nursing Licensure with a Criminal History.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment