DWI and taking the NCLEX..

6spdftwtm · Feb 15, 2012

"PLENTY of nurses who DON'T choose to put their lives the lives of countless innocent individuals in harms way may be more deserving of a job than those with a history with the judicial system =( "

I suppose no one on this forum has EVER picked up a cell phone while driving. Or did their makeup in the mirror going down the road (which my mom use to do ALL the time...and for all I know, still does)....or had an argument with the husband/wife or kids. Or drove while sleepy. All those things are a wanton disregard for human life on the road driving that big 2-ton missile....

On another note, I know and am friends with a man who has been a RN for ~10 yrs and has (as he told me after he was more than a little drunk) 3 or 4 convictions for assault, not one but TWO DUI's and has served some prison time for said convictions. Did he retain his license...yep. Has he ever been denied employment based on prior criminal record...nope. There are people out there FAR WORSE than the OP that maintain nursing licenses. If you can be convicted of narcotic diversion and prescription forgery AS A RN and still maintain your license, I'd say the OP's transgressions against our sensitivities here are rather slight.

6spdftwtm · Feb 15, 2012

It's pretty unanimous nationwide that the court will require her to complete alcohol safety awareness program. That's a big part of the money-pit.

I still maintain that the BON would MUCH rather make you jump through a few extra hoops so they can stick a couple hundred dollars in their pocket....

OCNRN63, RN · Feb 16, 2012

Wow, really? Do you feel the same about those who use cell phones or worse, text and drive?
I can't tell you the number of times I've almost been hit by drivers using their phones instead of trying to drive. The newer data indicate that cell phone usage and/or texting while driving are far greater road menaces than are drunk drivers, not least because there are so many, many offenders out there and virtually no traffic enforcement for this dangerous offense.
Personally, I'd rather contend with a drunk behind the wheel - at least the drunk is trying to drive.

You bet I do. You're supposed to be driving when you're behind the wheel; not talking in the phone or sending a text.

We've had one too many really bad accidents in my area (like a mother who burned to death in her car after "conceding with" a drunk. Guess what happened to all the drunks in these accidents? They walked away relatively unharmed; the people they hit, not so much.

That's the last I'll post on this thread, since it seems we are to give drunk drivers unconditional love and support. After all, there wouldn't have been an accident if that stupid innocent driver hadn't been on the road at the same time.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Feb 17, 2012

Depending on where you live/drive, talking on a cellphone is not against the law. Consuming intoxicating beverages and then choosing to drive, IS however something that IS. (Although your first offense in my state is not a crime insert eyeroll here...

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2012

No I do not see drunk drivers being given a pass on this but they are not the only danger. As Chuckster has stated there are many other dangerous activities which sober drivers do which are just as bad as drunk driving. What I have seen is some people like to throw stones in glass houses and act as thou they never have made a mistake, like driving & texting. I would not be suprised if some of the biggest proponents of having the original poster hang by her toes and die also have texted while driving.

EmJeanRN, ASN, RN · Feb 17, 2012

You bet I do. You're supposed to be driving when you're behind the wheel; not talking in the phone or sending a text.
We've had one too many really bad accidents in my area (like a mother who burned to death in her car after "conceding with" a drunk. Guess what happened to all the drunks in these accidents? They walked away relatively unharmed; the people they hit, not so much.
That's the last I'll post on this thread, since it seems we are to give drunk drivers unconditional love and support. After all, there wouldn't have been an accident if that stupid innocent driver hadn't been on the road at the same time.

Passions obviously run high. The original question posted on this board was not:

What do you think of me, am I an awful person?

The question posed was:

What should I do immediately with nursing school, graduation and boards now that I have made a big mistake and grave error in judgement?

Some of us tried to remain dispassionate and answer the question asked. That simple.

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 18, 2012

NOTE:

Please keep thread responses focused on the original topic, and

refrain from any personal attacks, name-calling and mud-slinging.

Thank you.

EricaSAFJAF · May 14, 2012

UPDATE! So I hired a great lawyer, I'm doing alcohol outpatient treatment twice a week for 3 months, 16 hours of community service, and a breatalyzer in my car for at least 6 months then it gets dismissed..the TX BON approved me to take NCLEX with no stipulations against my license or further investigation. Lesson learned and it worked out for the best!

jeckrn, BSN, RN · May 15, 2012

Glad to see that things are working out for you

IvannaBsuccessful · Jun 11, 2012

You are really lucky. There are those of us with records over 10 years old still waiting to sit for Nclex. I'm happy for you, but it frustrates me. I've waited a year now for my approval letter. One woman posting on here is in review from a 22 year old bad check. You committed these crimes within this year. Doesn't seem fair. Count your blessings.

TeamLagertha123 · Jan 3, 2017

Is WA, NH, or Mass better for DUI convictions? Both are over a decade old and I no longer drink.