LVN 4.5 years just got arrested misdemeanor DUI

nursie_nursie_415 · Aug 29, 2012

In 2006 when I was an LVN, after working for about 2ish years I was convicted on DUI charges. I blew a .16 but was not arrested because the whole incident revolved around a car accident which landed me in the hospital (I was okay). Instead, I did 14 days of community service & was placed on 3 years court probation. My LVN license went under review & after mailing the BVNPT with all the requested documents, it was decided that I could continue to be licensed.

My DUI prevented me from attending my first day of a correctional facility clinical rotation during ADN RN school & it delayed the process of obtaining my RN license (BRN asked for all of the documents also). Since, my criminal record has remained clean & I have not had any further issues with my DUI.

However, when applying for jobs, every single application required me to mention this conviction. I was able to land my first RN job about 6 months after taking the NCLEX. Just recently, I applied for another job (looking for per diem work) & was just called to get scheduled for an interview. My DUI was also required information on this job application.

I worked as an LVN (1 job) for about 3.5 years & have been working as an RN (same job) for 4.5 years. I have always lived & worked in California & I do not plan on having this conviction expunged.

Hope this information helps!

WhiteBear · Sep 18, 2012

Thank you for your post. So far step by step has been ; arrested held for 7 hours released then hiring an attorney which cannot let me see police reports so I plan to make an app to see attorney in person to go over police reports and talk w him since talking up to this point is only w the lady that handles the legal work. I paid $2500 and to date awaiting a new court date as my 8/20 my attorney appeared but there isn't a new court date yet. I continue to work plan to obtain form from DMV which has been tricky since I work PM shift and haven't had a moment to be up early enough to get there. I plan to enroll in DMV school try to finish that prior my 30 days hard restriction of driving which I will have to get rides to and from work but at least try to get majority of DMV school done. I got a letter from boards about 3 weeks after my arrest I was advised to give explanation letter however I don't have anything at this time to supply them which they require police reports that I cannot obtain given that I'm represented by legal counsel . So it was vague to the point letter sent return receipt so I know they got it for my records . To date it's still the waiting game. I deserve to continue my nursing career as I have many patients who could say so many good things about me as well as family it was a fluke occourance of going out to eat dinner w family and friends I don't party don't go to clubs isn't my style I work massive hours and just havent the time to be messing around so literally a fluke incident . I read somewhere about submitting a clearance of some sort of non alcoholism I can't find anything on how to go about doing that but Would gladly submit any urine blood what have you to prove I am not an alcoholic. Did you have to submit AB explanation letter to boards ? Thank you for your post

isotao · Dec 23, 2012

Unfortunately, this summer the CA Court of Appeals ruled that a nurse can have his nursing license revoked after conviction of a first DUI, meaning the BON does not have to accept your appeal, etc. If you don't lose your license, consider yourself having missed a bullet. CA with other states continues to resort to draconian measures. I myself have a DUI from 2010, but CA did not revoke my license- they sent me a letter of reprimand only. And my license appears as 'clear'. There seems to be a unknown cause and effect in that state that randomly decided what action to take against any nursig license? Anyway- good luck. I'd like to know your outcome, but it might take six months or longe for you to find out.