A DUI is a BIG Deal.

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Yesterday, I got the news. I am a bonafide RN.

7 years ago when I started school, I thought I knew what that meant. 3 years ago when I started nursing school, I thought I knew- and now, 1yr and 3 months after graduation...

I got a DUI nearly 9 years ago. In June of 2015 I applied for my license in California. I sent in a few character reference letters with my application and November 2015- my application was denied.

8 years later! I was still denied!

I really couldn't believe it. I was devastated. And so the appeal began. I signed up for some formal chemical dependency education classes and got myself a chemical dependency evaluation. I sent in several more character reference letters. And waited. In April of 2016, I received a Statement of Issues. This was the real beginning of the appeal. It was scary- to say the least. It illustrated exactly how and why the board denied my application. I received a call from the Attorney General. I made myself very clear that I would not take a probationary license and that I would go to a hearing before ever considering one.

I sent in another cover letter, a work performance eval, copies of everything I had already sent, and MORE character reference letters.

4 days later I received another call from the Attorney General- the board offered 3 years probation with terms 1-19. Are you kidding me!! But, I have done all of these things! How have I not satisified the criteria for rehabilitation!? Did they even LOOK at the evidence I mailed in? I was sick. I said no- I won't take it and I still want a hearing. I was asked if I had a counter offer. I honestly did not have anything thought up but the first thing to come to mind was a letter of reprimand.

The next afternoon I got a call. The board settled on a letter of reprimand- a full license without restriction or probation and no fines.

I had 15 months to dwell on this situation. 15 months to really think about why a DUI is such a big deal. The board is right.

How can a person who risks their own life and the livelihood of others be trusted with the care of others? Why should they let anyone through who hasn't absolutely 100% made right with the situation. How can they even be sure? Why should they take a risk on you being careless again... With other human beings?

If you really don't think a DUI is a big deal- if you think the board is wrong and you lack remorse- maybe you shouldn't be a nurse. If you are not humble enough to recognize why it's such a big deal then you're not ready and you shouldn't be given the privilege or responsibility.

I did not have legal representation because I can't afford it. I also did not lie to the board. I owned it. And I'm fairly certain that's the only reason I made it through. Not unscathed, but without restrictions.

Be genuine, humble, and honest. Advocate for yourself. Don't try to act like it was no big deal. Its a big deal.

I'm happy to share details if anyone needs help. I sought guidance from peers which got me started on the right direction anyways.

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Specializes in ICU, trauma.

congratulations!

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Did you get a letter from an MD stating you don't have a substance abuse problem... I think it's difficult to refute an MD stating you don't have an issue... Did you do any volunteering??

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Thank you!

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Hey I just got a dui this weekend 8/13..I want to get the process started for myself as I renew my license in June of next year. I hired a lawyer already who will take care of the grunt work with the courts and dmv hearing. But what can I do to help myself try to put my mind at ease..

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It is a big deal but if you did it on your own time, I prefer they have less power. If we exclude all the imperfect nurses, well need I continue?

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Get counseling and deal with the underlying issue. That will benefit you all around.

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Good to know. I only drink on my off time at home but only have a few beers. My time in the service made me a borderline alchoholic and I'm glad I stopped drinking for several years. Not a big drinker anymore, I rather drink water or a soda lol. But Congrats! Glad you go through it

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Interesting, I just saw a news story about a drunk woman driving on a freeway earlier today. She drove into the opposite lane and drove directly into another lady's car. The sober driver died on impact, while the drunkard got to live.

I've tried alcohol once and I spit it right back out. I don't understand what the deal is with alcohol, its absolutely disgusting.

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No, not an MD. A substance abuse therapist. I don't remember her title but she had a master's degree and runs a substance abuse program for the state.

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Alcohol makes people feel less inhibited, that's the big deal. The problem is that it makes people feel less inhibited. So they may or may not do really stupid things. No telling.

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There doesn't have to be an "underlying issue" to make a mistake. Alcohol is part of American culture. Its really easy to go out and have fun drinking- it doesn't mean you are an alcoholic.

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