Student Question about misdemeanors and getting CNA/ RN License

Nurses Criminal

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Hello everyone, I am a nursing student and I have a concern that I think some of you who are already nurses might be able to help me with. I got a DUI thanksgiving of 2009 (I know horrible decision on my part to drive and very irresponsible, I am so ashamed I can't even begin to express it, it's actually very hard for me to talk about). After my DUI I began thinking about where I was headed with my life obviously I had taken a wrong turn and I needed to get back on track. I began thinking about my major in business and if the career I was going for would actually make me happy and after 2 semesters of considering it I decided business was not the right path for me. I gave it a lot of thought and being a nurse is the route that I believe will bring me the most joy in life so I applied for nursing school and I was accepted! The thing about nursing school at my college is that it has a lower division and an upper division. I am currently in the lower, and to get in the upper is highly competitive they only select 60 students and you have to have at least a 3.4 GPA. I really want to pursue a career in nursing, but I have reading online that misdemeanors can sometimes seriously hinder you chances at getting a CNA and your License for an RN. I guess my question is if there is even a possibility of me being able to become a nurse with DUI on my record, or if anyone knows anyone who had a DUI and still became a nurse? I know no one on this site can really answer this question as it is up to the Kentucky Board of Nursing (I live in Kentucky). Should I contact the KBON and ask them? Also should I ask my school if its even a possibility? I know that I have to take responsibility for my actions and to let any of my employers know even if after I can get the DUI expunged off my record. I don't like to think that my one bad decision will prohibit me from doing what I want to do in life, but I can also understand why the Kentucky Board of Nursing would turn me down. I guess what I am asking is getting a nursing degree would be a waste of my time or should I go for it, get it everything I have got, learn from the past and pursue my dreams.

Thank you for time any feedback will be appreciated!

Scott

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Some State nursing boards consider one DUI a mistake. But you must report it to the board when you apply for your license. If it happens a second time, they will address your license status and refer you to treatment.

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Thanks, nursing is really want I want to do with my life. If I do get my license do you know if I will have restrictions? I will not be done with school for another 4-5 years and in that time I plan on doing as much volunteering as I can and doing anything that I can to prove the board and really just everyone that I am realize I have made a mistake and that I am going to better myself.

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No restrictions that i know of for an alcohol offense. Drugs is another matter entirely. They may want you to submit a detailed account of the incident, but the more time passes and you have no more problems, the better.

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