FL New Grad worried about multiple DUI's

Nurses Criminal

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Hi Everyone,

My name is Elizabeth and I live in Florida. I am graduating in a week and am super excited about my new career as an RN. I'm writing because I have two DUI's, one in 2004 and one in 2008. I have since then become sober. I've been clean and sober since June 2008, and proud of it. I recently heard a rumor that you have to wait seven years since the last DUI in order to sit for the boards and have been unable to "google" anything on the subject. Is that true? Do I have to wait?

I'd appreciate any information on the topic you guys have, or anyone who's been through it themselves. Thank you for your time and consideration. Anyone who wants to pass judgement need not reply. I've seen how some of you respond to posts like these and want to express how irrelevant and needless your posts are. So, if you find yourself with a scolding or judgmental tone...please omit your response in order for those who are helpful to be seen. I've paid my dues and put myself through nursing school alone, which i'm sure all of us who went through it can agree is tough :) Thanks again to those who can help!

- Elizabeth

I'm sorry I can't help you with this but I just want to say congrats on staying sober. there is no need to beat you up or give you a speech :nono:! You learned your lesson and are willing to take what ever the outcome is, and haven't we all made our mistakes down the road?

But I hope you reach your goal and you can proof those who doubt you different. :yeah:

And yes your road might be rocky but yet again at least you don't just throw everything away but fight for it and try to fix it.

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Specializes in ER.

Congrats on your sobriety, as well as your finishing nursing school. As a fellow nurse who has done both, I send you HUGE hugs and high-fives. I never ended up in the unfortunate position that you are in ( I did my getting sloshed at home) but I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. You should be very proud of where you have come from, as well as where you have ended up.

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.
I doubt the BON will answer specifically enough to satisfy you. They will want to consider lots of factors. I think you may have a good chance of being successful and recommend you worry only when, and IF, you hear from the BON after you submit your licensure request. Good luck!!

I don't know why people reiterate this sentiment so often throughout this particular sub-forum. I'm licensed in one state, have submitted my license for another (compact) state, and am considering a license in a third state - I know, right? - with a DUI from 2008 and every BON has laid out exactly what documents I needed to submit. No guess work or shades of grey involved.

To the OP in particular - although it doesn't appear that the FL BoN specifically asks for these up front, start rounding up proof of your sobriety/rehabilitation. The DUI classes that you probably had to take through the state. Records for any therapy that you might have received. Statement of good conduct from your AA sponsor if you have one. They could ask for stuff like that & that process is probably the most frustrating and time consuming part of the application process.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

In some states you wouldn't be able to be licensed at all. Not being judgemental here but isn't this something you should have looked into before you spent all that time, hard work and money for nursing school?

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Specializes in Intellectual Disability Nursing.

Had a similar situation with one of the girls that I graduated nursing school with. Of course those things came up with the BON before she could take NCLEX. She had to talk with someone about how she "changed her life". She relayed she was sober, got married, and had a child etc. and she did get to take boards, but not as fast as she was planning on.

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Hi Elizabeth! Congrats on your sobriety AND graduation! NEITHER of those things are easy to do! I don't know the answer to your question, but I sure do wish you all the best and prayers that this won't be a problem for you. IMHO, since it was back in 08, I would *think* after they make you sweat, they'll say it's ok. I mean, most everyone has some kind of misdemeanor somewhere in their background. There would REALLY be a nursing shortage if they didn't let anyone with a misdemeanor practice nursing!

At any rate, congrat again!

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Dear Eve84RN congrats on graduating and on your clean time...the most important thing. Now then, I am sure every state is different but here in TX you have to submit a declaratory order when applying to sit for your boards, it is here that you have the opportunity to reveal any criminal history that you have had and explain your side and what strides you have made and how you are recovering. This may flag your file for approval with or without stipulations on your license, you may have to go through a process of being reviewed...maybe not...but here in TX I would say most likely yes you would go through the process. Just be up front and let them know about your history. I think that you will be alright.

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Elizabeth-

Props to you for airing your laundry as you did - shows both guts and having moved past that obstacle. Insofar as your question - I have an answer/suggestion for you. I, however, am a bit more private than yourself but please feel free to email me for a response (sent you a friend request).

Shane

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Here, you'd apparently have to request an appeal and show up at the board of nursing hearing and fall on their mercy. Their punitive actions don't seem to be balanced, but that's the nature of political appointees. DWI's can preclude one from getting a nursing license here which I personally think is ridiculous, and I say that being very anti-DWI. In fact, I just arrested lunch time DWI this past weekend when I worked last. Yep, I'm a cop, and I finish a BSN program in a week. I still think it doesn't have much bearing on your being a nurse. Sure, it could imply you show up to work drunk, but hey that's a matter for the employer to handle, in my book. You have my empathy. Just stay off the freakin road!

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Specializes in ..

Congrats on your sobriety and graduation! It seems your question was best answered by those who suggested that you contact the BON in Florida. I also suggest you are completely honest with them when you contact them, and honest when they ask for details. If you're able to obtain your license, do the same with any employer who asks. The worst thing you can do is hope the truth doesn't come out, because it always will. You're much better off being honest and taking the risk that you're not hired than being dishonest, getting a job, then being fired when they do a background check. Most employers have no time limits on terminating employees who were caught 'falsifying applications or resumes'.

Also, don't assume you won't get hired because of this history. Many people don't share their own personal experiences or family experiences with alcoholism or drug abuse because of the stigma, but these problems have touched most people's lives in some way--including the lives of hiring managers, directors of nursing, and others who may make hiring decisions. Be honest, and be couragous, and be proud of yourself.

Best of luck to you.

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You've already did the right thing, well, feel yourself, and follow it.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

FL BON Information re DUI is available on their paper application at:

http://doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/ap_licensure-RN-LPN.pdf

Regarding Prior Criminal History and Disciplinary Actions

The Florida Board of Nursing receives numerous questions from applicants regarding prior criminal offenses. The following are the most frequently asked questions:

Question:

What crimes or license discipline must be reported on the application?

Answer:

All convictions, guilty pleas and nolo contendere pleas must be reported, except for minor traffic violations not related to the use of drugs or alcohol. This includes misdemeanors, felonies, “driving while intoxicated (DWI)” and “driving under the influence “(DUI).” Crimes must be reported even if they receive a suspended sentence. All prior or current disciplinary action against another professional license must be reported, whether it occurred in Florida or in another state or territory.

Question:

Can a person obtain a license as a nurse if they have a misdemeanor or felony crime on their record?

Answer:

Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Board of Nursing considers the nature, severity, and recency of offenses, rehabilitation and other factors.

The Board cannot make a determination for approval or denial of licensure without evaluating the entire application and the supporting documentation.

Question:

Do I have to report charges if I completed a period of probation and the charges were dismissed or closed?

Answer:

Yes. Offenses must be reported to the Board even if you received a suspended sentence and the record is now considered closed.

Applicants with previous arrest or disciplinary action on a license will not be authorized to practice nursing until all documentation is cleared by staff or reviewed by the Board.

Submit the following documentation:

___

Self-Report: Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit a letter in her/his own words describing the circumstances of the offense.

___

Final Dispositions/Arrest Records: The applicant must obtain and submit arrest and final disposition records for all offenses listed from the Clerk of the Court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the Clerk of the Court attesting to their unavailability.

____

Completion of Sentence Documents: Provide written documentation that you have completed your probation/sentence requirements. You may obtain probation documents by contacting your probation office or the Department of Corrections.

The report must include the start date, end date and that conditions were met.

____

Letters of Recommendation: Submit three letters of professional

recommendation on official letterhead from employers, nursing program administrators, nursing instructors, health professionals, professional counselors, support group sponsors, parole or probation officers, or other individuals in positions of authority who are familiar with your past and present character. Letters should be current within the last year.

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