Freaked out in Fl......1st time DUI, what to expect from BON

Nurses Criminal

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First of all, thanks for taking the time to read! :) I am a RN in south fl. Got arrested for DUI, 1st time offense :crying2:

I have never been arrested or been in trouble before (other than traffic infractions and a driving on a suspended license 5 yrs ago),

I do not do any illicit drugs (did smoke a little pot 20 years ago but NOTHING since then)

No previous actions against my nursing license and have always had good evals at work. I have been in nursing for 14yrs and at my current position for 10.

I blew a .12, was supposed to be at work the next day but had to call in because I was in jail (said I was sick):mad:

I have soooo learned my lesson and will NEVER drink and drive again, I am thankful that I did not cause an accident and hurt someone in the process.I am ashamed of myself becaue I know better!

I have a DUI lawyer and PREY that the charges get reduced. Looking for a nurse atty in the area but they are hard to find

1) I know it is better to self report but do I have to report an arrest or wait til I am convicted??

2) In my current position I am a float nurse....if enter into the impared nurse program will I still be allowed to retain this position?? ( I have read on post here that restrictions such as not working nights, dispensing narcs, floating etc...)??

3) Even though I have NO ilicit drug history and have never stolen drugs from work would I still be restricted access to narcs??

4) Does the BON automatically notify my job of the DUI??

5) Is there a way for the BON to find out that I was arrested for a DUI??

Any advise or thoughts??? I would REALLY appreciate any feedback. ;) I dont really have anyone to talk to about this becasue I am too embarassed to tell tell anyone at this point. THANKS!!!

Oh, yeah....don't drink and drive!

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You do not need a nurse attorney you need a very good criminal defense attorney.

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I have a criminal defense attorney but it may take awhile for that case to be resolved. I have to renew my nursing license soon (most likely my criminal case will not be resolved by then) so I think I am going to go ahead and self report. I am not sure how much a nurse attorney costs but I am looking into it, if it is reasonable it cant hurt to hire one. I don't think you are required to report an arrest? Do you have to be fingerprinted in Florida to renew your license? I know that no matter what happens I will never drink and drive again, not even if I have one drink.I haven't had a drink since I was arrested and really dont want one Please anyone who is reading this and has driven home after having a drink at a restraunt or out with friends, please please do NOT drive, I wouldn't want anybody else to go through what I am going through right now.

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I am going through the same thing in Florida, got a DUI on 9/11 (go figure) I know everyone has their own story, but I don't even recall leaving the place I was, I did have a plan for someone else to drive that night (I am not a stupid woman) I have no recollection of anything, making me think someone may have slipped something in my beer. I reported to my employer as I am mandated to do that, but still haven't reported to the BON. I have attended the DUI school and won my driver's license hearing as there wasn't enough evidence to suspend ( I was found sleeping in my vehicle) But due to blowing a .224 and .223 my lawyer tells me I will have to do probation and have the interlock system in my vehicle. I will also have community service to perform. This has been nothing but a headache which has cost me more money than I care to admit. I would never have driven that night!!!! Very scared to report to BON because I cannot lose my license and be unable to work to pay all these fines off......

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I do not know anyone who has had their nursing license and got these charges afterwards, but I do know someone who had these charges prior to receiving their nursing licenses and was cleared to sit for the boards. Some boards will ask on the renewal application if you have had any arrests other than a minor traffic violation since your last application. So it would probably be better for you to come forward with the information. You do not want to appear as if you are trying to hide it, that could pose another problem. I do not think you will lose your license unless this is a pattern of behavior. The best thing to do is call the BON or go on the website and get the information on how you need to proceed. You may have to write a letter explaining the circumstances, if so include what you have learned from it and you will not repeat this again. Wishing you both the best as you deal with this and people make mistakes just learn from it and don't let it happen again. :up:

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Until you go to court and say "guilty" I wouldn't say anything.

Unless you have been charged and gone through the system I would consult a lawyer about how to go forward. A good lawyer can get a DUI to a minor traffic violation, you'll just have to pay to get that person.

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Hmm, not sure what would have been worse, you getting a DUI or you going to work the next day and (probably still intoxicated) accidentally killing a patient due to your impairment....??

Good luck!

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According to Florida's new healthcare bill. Any drug charges and fraud charges must have passed 15 years before being a nurse. It did not effect nurses with past charges but I think your charge is after the bill was passed?

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Specializes in ER/ MEDICAL ICU / CCU/OB-GYN /CORRECTION.

before you self report or appear before a board of nursing remember two facts

you need an attorney expirienced with this

the board of nursing is not your friend or on your side

the american association of nurse attorneys can assist you in finding an attorney.

there is a person on the boards here who has many post on this topic named jackstem and has great post and direction on this very issue. i strongly suggest you read what information he shares.

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Specializes in neuro/trauma.

i live in philadelphia and i know each state is different!! i unfortunately was involved in an accident my BAL was .12. i do not have a problem with drinking i unfortunatley went out and made a bad decision to drive and operate both my phone and vehicle. i self reported to myself to my employer who then sent me to PNAP which is a peer assistance program for nurses! it has been nothing but a pain in the a** to say the least..my charges were dismissed after having a great attorney but i still self reported my self to the nursing board. when i went for renewal they then asked for additional paper work such as a self written letter of all incidents that occurred from the incident till present date of the letter as well as any court paper work. after which they sent me to do an evaluation which was a repeat of what PNAP had me do..long story short i am under contract with PNAP for three (long) years.

I worked as a permanent night shift rn on and intensive care unit which is a step down from the icu. i dispense narcotics and so forth..there is limitations from where us in the program are allowed to work but nothing has been said that i can not continue working here. my employer and manager is fully aware of all that has been occuring since the incident first occurred. i believe if i were to look for new employement then i could not be allowed to work in the restricted areas listed!.

so far i have been in accordance with all that my contract entails..i believe if i were to deviate then i would have a problem..my boss has always been happy with my work performance and i have never had an issue prior to all this "drama" surrounding the accident.

i hope you find some information pertaining to your state! i recently found this website and its been a wealth of information and has allowed me to speak about this because i havent to anyone because i have been to embarrassed by the situation as well as my manager has asked me to not discuss this with fellow staff members

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im having an issue with my LPN license. im trying to find advice bc have a 1 year narc key restriction and im not sure how to start looking for a job

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