accepted into a nursing program with a DUI on your record

Nurses Criminal

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Sorry-- I know that this is not completely on topic--- but does anyone know the possibility of being accepted into a nursing program with a DUI on your record? Speaking of background checks...?

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Sorry-- I know that this is not completely on topic--- but does anyone know the possibility of being accepted into a nursing program with a DUI on your record? Speaking of background checks...?

I would head over to the 'Nursing Licensure with a Criminal Past' forum & check it out.

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Specializes in PACU.
Sorry-- I know that this is not completely on topic--- but does anyone know the possibility of being accepted into a nursing program with a DUI on your record? Speaking of background checks...?

Accepted is one thing, being able to get a license is a whole other ball game. You would have 2 steps to get an answer: an anonymous phone call with that exact question to the school you want to apply to, and another to the state you will most likely be licensed in. Each state has different approaches when it comes to licensure with a DUI. Some make you jump through 6000 hoops, some deny you outright, others let you through free and clear, etc.

As for a background check re: an employer, that's also different. I know it's not the question you asked, but a one you might want to know in the future. Some are prepared to hire you regardless of background as long as your license is free and clear, others will not. Have you looked in to expungement? The criminal background nursing forum is a really good resource, as pointed out by PP.

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Accepted is one thing, being able to get a license is a whole other ball game. You would have 2 steps to get an answer: an anonymous phone call with that exact question to the school you want to apply to, and another to the state you will most likely be licensed in. Each state has different approaches when it comes to licensure with a DUI. Some make you jump through 6000 hoops, some deny you outright, others let you through free and clear, etc.

Beachy said it perfectly. My daughter had a couple of people in her nursing school class who were warned that although the school was willing to allow them to attend, that they would not (in one case) and might not, be able to get licensed. Have also read where some people at other schools were kept in the dark and found out the hard way. Suggest you do what Beachy suggests. You have to watch out for yourself.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

One of my classmates for the LPN half of my nursing school career had MULTIPLE DUI's, I kid you not. Getting accepted into school was no problem at all. And as it turns out, getting licensed and hired was not a problem for her either. She stopped at the halfway point, so I don't know if she would have had more obstacles finishing out her RN.

BUT, I live in the only state in the US where your first DUI is not a criminal offense. Nice eh?

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