lpn license

nursemike, ASN, RN · Aug 29, 2005

A friend of mine who is in my class to be an lpn has 2 DUI on her record will this prevent her from getting an lpn license? also eventually she wants to be RN could those DUI prevent this in anyway?

My ASN program did (does) a criminal background check on all students. If you pass that, you should be okay. If your program doesn't do one, or do it early enough, she might be prudent to contact the BON directly before she has too much invested. From what I've heard, one DUI might not be too much of a problem, depending on circumstances. I'm only guessing, but I would guess that two would be more of a concern, especially if one or both were recent.

We all make mistakes, of course, but nursing is a very responsible position. Even with excellent judgement, there are calls to be made--regularly--that are very hard. If your friend can show that she has learned from these mistakes and grown wiser, she might be okay, but repeating the same mistake isn't going to help her cause.

For your benefit, I hope you can see the justice in this. It isn't a matter--at least to me--that nurses have to be pious saints. You can cuss, chew tobacco, and watch dirty movies on your own time, but the responsibilities you undertake as a nurse are enormous. I'm not sure anyone is really up to them. We all screw up. But I think it is right to look for nurses who are prudent enough to avoid the more obvious blunders and willing to learn from the ones they don't avoid.

Good luck to you, and your friend.

elkpark · Aug 29, 2005

All of us here can share opinions or experiences we know of, but the only opinion that really matters is the one from the state BON. All the state BONs review situations like your friend's on an individual, case-by-case basis, considering all the pertinent information (how long since the offenses occurred, how much insight into causation, any mitigating factors, what steps the person has taken to ensure/demonstrate that the situation will not occur again, etc.).

If your friend has not spoken to the BON and gotten an answer from them already, she should do so sooner rather than later. Also, it is important to be v. open, honest, and direct with the Board about the facts of the situation. They will most likely find out the facts eventually, when they do their own background search, and it will always be much worse for the applicant if they find out the person was not fully truthful with them in the first place. That, alone, can be enough to be denied licensure.

jsteine1 · Aug 29, 2005

A friend of mine who is in my class to be an lpn has 2 DUI on her record will this prevent her from getting an lpn license? also eventually she wants to be RN could those DUI prevent this in anyway?

The age of those DUIs will be a factor in the Boards willingness to License your friend. If licensed, every employer will also have that information and have a certain amount of discretion as to whether they will or will not hire with those items coming back on a background check. Best bet in both cases:

Contact the board early on and get something as official as possible with respect to their position on this.

If that is successful, be straight up with prospective employers about what they are going to see so there is no shock. Being proactive and honest and remorseful about past errors will go a long way with an employer. Depending on the culture of where your friend may want to work, it's a 50-50 proposition as to whether he/she will be hired. Personally, an old error communicated by an individual who interviewed well, was honest about past mistakes would get a chance with me. Just one chance.

edchunt, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2006

I hate to say it but I had three DUI's and when you get that many it becomes a felony. I am an LPN on probation still, just because i am having a hard time getting jobs. I need to work approx 4 more months to get through probation, i also am in RN school right now. i do agree that the BON will look @ specific case by case scenarios. I don't know if that helps any but that's my case.

diana, lpn · Aug 25, 2006

Here in Ohio, the BON was not concerned with a DUI unless it was a felony.

I was so relieved as I had occurred one over three years ago. Getting your State Nursing License does you little good when you are out there looking for work. Every nursing home application I have filled out (over 20) has asked if you have ever been convicted of anything other than a minor traffic offense. I put the DUI (believe me I am very ashamed of this). Not one of those employers have given me an opportunity for an interview. I have looked for jobs for 2 months now. I am embarrassed to tell my classmates why I am the only one still looking for work. Sometimes I want to lie, I am hungry and need a job, but I don't. I am so depressed. Yes, DUI's are serious. I won't down play it at all. But anyone who has ever got one, knows you pay a very heavy price for this. Monetary and emotionally. I beat myself up for a year. Decided to move forward and do positive things with my life. Like nursing. Now, it was all worthless. Three and a half years later, it is still ruining my life. Spent all my savings for school. I am not young. Now I have no where to go for work. I wish I would have known. The Boards would do better to not issue the license, since these people are not going to be gainfully employed. Sorry. Better luck to the rest of you.

jsteine1 · Aug 25, 2006

First, congrats to you for your unwavering honestly! I know you feel you are paying a price for this. As a long time manager, may I suggest a few things that just may be happening.

First, an employer has the right in most companies to hire someone with an isolated item or issue who otherwise has excellent references and interviews very well. Everyone makes mistakes, and if there is absolutely nothing else negative on a background check, I would give that person a chance and have done so many times without regret.

Lying about that on any application might get you a job, but when the state or national background check comes in a few weeks after you start working, you would be terminated for failure to disclose the information about the DUI, not necessarily BECAUSE of the DUI.

If, in your application processes, you are simply completing and submitting applications as opposed to personal interview, I would suggest you call the Hiring managers in each place you applied directly and speak to them about your application and strong desire to work in your chosen profession. Try to get a face to face meeting, dress for success, be extremely professional and you will get a shot. Looking someone in the eye and telling them that the DUI was an isolated incident and would never ever occur again would be powerful.

I think your problem is that these prospective employers only know you on paper and have not met you. Insist on just a few minutes of their time in person, offer to work nights and weekends for awhile if that what is takes to get their attention. Tell them you will earn their trust and be proud to have you on staff. Wishing you luck!

diana, lpn · Aug 26, 2006

jsteine1, Thank you for your inspiration. I know it affects my interview process just knowing that they know I have this DUI. I have made the mistake (Totally honest) of answering the question, "Have you ever committed a crime?" with, yes, dui...etc.

Since you are a manager, let me ask you this: I just went through and extensive background check with the BON to get my license. Obviously, nothing on my record and I do now have my license. I am not a criminal. Am I answering this question wrong? Who WOULD hire someone who says, "Yes, I committed a crime?"

Your input is appreciated.

pama · Aug 27, 2006

Diana, Failure to disclose the DUI is a violation in WV. Withholding information or falsifying an application is reason for discipline. Each time it is asked on application you must answer yes, then specify DUI. You have worked very hard though school, it is in your best interest not to do anything to put your license in jeopardy.

CaliToHawaiiRN · Jul 31, 2009

edchunt: How will you be able to obtain your RN license with 3 DUIs in the state of Virginia? I thought they are tough on licensing those with DUIs...Every state BON is tough on those with DUIs even with just one, but you have 3? Have you inquired about this with the BON?

jb2u, ASN, RN · Aug 1, 2009

Closed as seeking legal advice.