My success story. California brn with a dui.

Nurses Criminal

Published

I just wanted to post some info about the California BRN and dui's since there isn't a lot of information out there. In my 3rd semester of school I made a stupid decision to drink and drive. I got caught and received a misdemeanor. I graduated in December and was initially denied the chance to take the NCLEX. After receiving a letter from the board I opted to go into a stipulated agreement with them. From there the attorney generals office drafted a statement of issues and sent it to the board. It took about a month but in the end the brn dropped the charges against me and is allowing me to take my nclex. I think what helped me was being honest and persistent. So don't let the process get you down and press on.

That is awesome to hear. I was denied to due to my DUI conviction while in nursing school. I just sent in my letter to the board stating I want to appeal. What were the stipulation they gave you, is your license restricted, are you on probation, did you get a lawyer? What did you do to present your case?

Don't get a lawyer. I was given an unrestricted license. Just expect to wait about 5 to 6 months. Make sure they have proof of completion of your dui class and community service. Lemme know if you have any questions

That is a great thing to hear, i recently am in the same situation in which i received a dui conviction as a misdemeanor. This is my first and only trouble with the law and i can assure that it will be my last. Im currently set to graduated in october of this year but I'm scared of the hurdles i will have to go through. Can you shed light of my worries and explain the process you had to go to as well as options i may have

Sure. The first thing that will happen is that you will be denied a chance at taking the NCLEX. This will come in the form of a letter from the BRN and at the end it will give you two options. The first is to go to a formal hearing (which can take up to a year) or go into a stipulated agreement with the BRN (which I did). Once the BRN receives your response they will have the attorney generals office draft up a statement of issues. The SoI takes about 3 months. When the AG's office is done with the document the BRN then decides what action they will take which are 1.) deny you a license (which wont happen) 2.) continue with licensing or 3.) send the statement of issues back to the AG's office to continue establishing the terms of a probationary license. I was issued a non-probationary license but I think it all depends on your supporting documentation and the circumstances surrounding your case. At the least you will get a probationary with some ridiculous terms and be able to practice. I would get all of your cards lined up. If you have the time get an evaluation done by an addictionologist to send in with your paperwork when you go to apply for licensure. It may cost you around 800 bucks but from what I hear it's worth it. I didn't need one but if I had to give any advice to anyone it's to have one done. That way the BRN can rest knowing that an MD has stated that you don't have any issues with alcohol or drugs. The whole process took me about 6 months but I take my NCLEX next week!

bpowers5211- I am somewhat in the same boat. I was charged with a DUI on the last day of my 3rd semester of nursing school. I just graduated this past May, and I am still waiting to go to court. The county in which the DUI happened takes a very long time to process cases and file charges. Anyhow, the boards wrote me and said they can not proceed until they have received formal court documents and the police report (where I am at, they do not release police reports to the defendant until the first day of court).

I am very worried and sick to my stomach thinking about the possibility of denial. Do you think you were denied because of the recency of your DUI? Do you mind telling me what happened in your DUI case?

Also, in your case what led to the BRN dropping the charges and allowing you a non restricted license?..... Thanks so much for sharing your story.

bpowers5211 - So interesting! Really glad someone posted about this. I am in the pits right now and having someone explain what they went through has given me a timeframe (6 months!?)

Since this wasn't posted too long ago, I'm a little more reassured that there is hope for me - even if its a stip, or probationary license after all is said and done...

There sure are a lot more steps involved (attorney general, back and forth, etc.) No wonder it took 6 months.. Dang.

I hope I have good news to share with allnurses.com once this fiasco has evolved into a fiesta of nursing license celebrating..

thanks for sharing, hope we get an update soon ?

would you tell us what did you submitted to BON to support your case?how did you make the stipulated agreement?

bpowers5211, thank you so much for all of your information, i now have hope! i received notice of denial for initial licensure from the ca brn because of a dui in 2008. i plan on sending in my appeal notice this week however i am confused if i only state that i want to appeal and when will i be able to send my proof of rehab to the attorney gen. or do i send it all together, my notice to appeal and proof of evidence? i'm confused because i sent the brn all of the required information to prove rehab and was still not good enough, and was denied anyway. once again thank you so much for your info because as you know the brn is very vague and provide no further information....

Rn,EMT-P. Once you let them know you wish to enter into a stipulated agreement (do this in writing after you get your denial letter) you will have to wait until the attorney generals office recieves your file from the BRN. This will take a few weeks after they recieve your letter. You will have time to gather up supporting documents at that point. As soon as the AG's office gets your information I would contact the deputy that will be handling your case. The BRN will tell you who to contact. But as I stated earlier give as much supporting documentation as you can and get signed off by an addictionologist. A letter from an MD with that title behind his/her name will really solidify your case and more than likely give you an unrestricted license. Cheers and keep in touch if you have any questions. Oh and in response to your question, the BRN did not even look at your supporting documentation when they sent you the denial letter. They look at it after the AG's office has assigned a statement of issues.

Sorry for the delays in getting back to people. I'm pretty swamped with messages but I'm trying to get back to all of you. You will be denied. That's a fact. However, do not let this get you down because there is a process that you have to go through. Get a good attorney to help you with the DUI and get your court ordered terms finished ASAP. Again, I can't stress the importance of supporting documentation and try to find a MD in your area that specializes in addiction to evaluate you for the BRN. I don't know why the BRN dropped the charges to be honest. I just bombed them with supporting documentation and maybe it helped that I was already employed by a hospital and had letters of reccomendation from my managers (all are RN's). Lemme know if you have any questions

bpowers5211 - So interesting! Really glad someone posted about this. I am in the pits right now and having someone explain what they went through has given me a timeframe (6 months!?)

Since this wasn't posted too long ago, I'm a little more reassured that there is hope for me - even if its a stip, or probationary license after all is said and done...

There sure are a lot more steps involved (attorney general, back and forth, etc.) No wonder it took 6 months.. Dang.

I hope I have good news to share with allnurses.com once this fiasco has evolved into a fiesta of nursing license celebrating..

thanks for sharing, hope we get an update soon ?

Update is that I passed my NCLEX (even after 6 months off, you all will do just fine) and I have an interview on Wed.

+ Add a Comment