Nursing license with past DUI

Nurses Criminal

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Hello all, I am a current pre nursing student, I have just 1 semester left before I can apply to the LVN program at my school in California. However I've been very skeptical about what my chances are at actually getting into a nursing program or even being able to get my license if I do get into the program because I have 1 DUI on my record from about 4 years ago. Everything was dealt with, probation and fines are cleared. I know a lot of people will think negatively towards this since I know a DUI isn't a great thing and I am not proud of it. But I'm asking for honest opinions or answers from anyone who may have been in a similar situation. Thanks for your time!

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Specializes in BMT.

There is a substance forum or nursing with record, something to that affect (effect? I'm always wrong on that forgive me).

Basically, if you own up to everything, prove you have learned from the experience and can show you have no further issues related to the offense, you'll be fine. Be aware it will show up on background checks for the rest of your life, even if you have it expunged. Just own up to it. I have a statement regarding mine on file, (I actually have a wet reckless, not a DUI) and I'm always prepared to send it on request. I also keep a copy of the records.

You are not a bad person; you won't be a bad nurse based on this. You made a decision that had an effect on your life, and potentially could have on someone else's. Hopefully you learned from it. That is how the Board of Nursing will look at it.

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Thank you for your response! It's nice to not have a negative comment made towards this for once. I have definitely learned from my past and am prepared to do whatever it takes to get where I want to be.

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I do not see it hindering your chance at licensure given you can beef up your resume and show what an upstanding person you are. Community service looks great here and of course the more time since conviction, the better. You will never be a nurse if you don't try. Best of luck to you.

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