NCLEX and licensing with 2 OLD DUI's

[Carl Winslow]

Hello everyone. I have seen this type of question posted before and have heard a lot of hearsay. Unfortunately, from what I've seen, the original poster never returns with an answer. So, I'm going to address it again and hopefully get a more definitive answer. I'll do my best to keep it short.

I'm currently in a BSN program here in California, and I will be graduating relatively soon. My only dilemma is that I have TWO VERY old DUI charges. They are about 8 and 10 years old give or take from when I was 19 and 22 years old, long before I even imagined being a nurse. They have also been expunged. I completed every single stipulation the court threw at me without incident. Since then, I have kept my nose clean and have maintained a 3.8 cumulative GPA (4.0 in all sciences) and will hopefully be graduating at the top of my class.

Shame on me I suppose for not being more proactive, but I am only now finding out that the board can deny my license and not allow me to sit for the NCLEX! Or worse, put me on probation (at which point I might as well jump off a bridge because there is no chance of getting a job in this market with a restricted RN license). I understand that California is extremely stubborn when it comes to DUI's, but I hate it here anyway; are there any other states that may be more lenient? Have any of you ever experienced this type of nightmare and how did it end? Should I just start my career in a different state and forget California completely? Give up and just work at McDonald's for the rest of my life? ANY advice is more than welcome! Thanks!

[Lhalty]

Keep us updated and wish you good luck. Stay posotive

[Carl Winslow]

So judgement day finally arrived. Was allowed to sit for NCLEX, passed in 75 questions first try, and was granted an unrestricted license in California with 2 DUIs. Granted it took about a year and 2 months since I graduated, but I'll take it! Next step is NP school. If you're in the crappy situation that I was in, don't give up and press on, you will become a nurse!

[Rareair714]

Hey Carl, when you get a chance, can you DM me, I am in a similar situation, and would like to get some advice and guidance from you, thank you in advance :)

[Mcoop18]

I am unfortunately in a very similar situation. I was convicted of a DUI last year and am currently facing charges for a second one. I have not been convicted of the second. I am applying to take the NCLEX and the application only asks about convictions. Technically, I am only required to report the one conviction and will have to report the second when I am convicted of that. However, my gut feeling is telling me to be completely honest about both, rather than disclose only the first while I'm currently facing charges for the second. I think that the board of nursing would have more severe consequences if I was not transparent and honest about both right now. I also have heard that they are more willing and likely to work with nurses who get these charges while they already have their RN license. i am very unsure of what to do. My lawyer advised me to only disclose the first conviction, hopefully get the RN license, then disclose the second when that conviction occurs, I don't have a great feeling about doing that though. Could you please give me some more insight?? I would greatly appreciate it, I am really struggling right now.

[AloeBlox]

Just disclose the first one, not the 2nd one not convicted yet but once you are you have 30 days to disclose it

[KittenEars]

Carl Winslow thank you for sharing your story and struggle throughout the licensing process. I live in AZ and have a misdemeanor DUI from 2010 and I graduate this May. I am so worried about getting my ATT and being able to sit for NCLEX. Your story gives me a lot of hope!

[Migrating]

On 4/30/2018 at 1:22 AM, Carl Winslow said:

So judgement day finally arrived. Was allowed to sit for NCLEX, passed in 75 questions first try, and was granted an unrestricted license in California with 2 DUIs. Granted it took about a year and 2 months since I graduated, but I'll take it! Next step is NP school. If you're in the crappy situation that I was in, don't give up and press on, you will become a nurse!

I am so happy for you! You remained so strong and diligent throughout that process and I am sure that the BRN agreed! You must feel really proud of yourself!