Becoming an RN in AL with a DUI

suzanne4, RN · Mar 26, 2005

Go direct to the source and contact the Board of Nursing for that state. They are the oly one that can give you info on this.

Lucy54 · Nov 18, 2005

I know this was posted a while ago, but I also understand the stress of being a nurse with a DUI, so I figured you might still want some information. My husband and I are both nurses. He was already a nurse when he recieved a DUI in California just prior to renewing his Alabama liscence. He completed all his classes, paid his fine and kept proof of everything. When it was time to renew, he disclosed the incident and sent copies of absolutely everything he had that documented his cooperation during the entire process. Since the arrest he has recieved a nursing liscence in 3 other states (we were travel nurses at the time). You should still be able to become a nurse. You will need lots of documentation of the incident and also letters of reference from 2 or 3 people. Most importantly, do not attempt to falsify anything. If you are honest about your past, your future should not be compromised. Unfortunately, you will have to disclose the incident on every job application you ever fill out, but my husband has held multiple jobs and has never been questioned about any of it as long as it was disclosed on his application. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

excuseyhoo · May 15, 2006

im a nursing student in California and just recently been arrested for a dui after having a few drinks with other students to celebrate the end of a long and difficult semester. i want to know if there is anyone that can answer a couple questions for me: (1) will my school take me out of the program (i only have one more year to go) will this affect my chances of taking the boards next yr and (2) will this affect my chances of taking the boards next yr and my job opportunities? if there is anyone who can help me with these question, i will be very appreciative of it

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · May 15, 2006

Please review the other threads (several hundred) on this topic.

You must talk to your school/BON about these issues for an accurate answer. Only they can give an accurate answer. ALL cases are decided on a case by case basis. What may be acceptable in one case may not be accepted in another case, similar or not.

HM2VikingRN, RN · May 15, 2006

My mother (retired LPN instructor) told me a story yesterday about 2 of her students who ended up in DETOX years ago. Basically they were given a second chance by their program because they told the truth, and agreed to refrain from drinking for the rest of their training.

diana2moss · Aug 15, 2006

I doubt it will keep you from getting a license, it didn't me. In our state it stays on your record for three years (as far as employers can see). However, I am a new LPN and every application I feel out asks if you have EVER been convicted of a crime and asks about traffic offenses. I can not lie about it so I list it. (It has been over 3 years ago). My question is this? Who is going to hire a profession with a record? I think it would have been different if I had already been working but I am a new grad. I worked night and day for my nursing diploma and graduated w/ honors. Spent every dollar in the bank for the school...only to go out and see traffic offenses on every application. It is pretty depressing. If anyone has listed a dui and got a job, I sure would like to see it posted here for support.

Maybe a perspective from a DON?

I am sure some are thinking "just lie" but not only can I not be an honest person, our state and other have them on the internet for anyone to see.

LoriAlabamaRN · Aug 15, 2006

I'm not a DON, but I am a clinical nurse manager. If I were to interview an LPN who had a prior DUI arrest, I would be willing to hire them as long as they explained to me what they have done to resolve the issue and what they have learned from the experience. Things I would NOT want to hear: "Yeah, just one DUI, everyone does it but I got caught!" or "I did get a DUI, but I was driving fine, I got pulled over because my tag was expired. I'm much more careful now!" Believe it or not, I have heard both of these. Be contrite, be honest, and move on toward your accomplishments and strengths.

tddowney · Aug 16, 2006

I'm a 21 year old male that was arrested on my 21st Birthday for Driving under the influence of alcohol in the State of Connecticut. I really want to go to nursing school in Alabama, but I'm afraid I will be denied a license or won't be able to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Alabama. It was unfortunate this happened to me; I'm not a drinker and made a bad decision to go out to the bar with "friends" that night after class. No one was hurt, and I was driving alone on the way home when I was pulled over.
Is it realistic that I can become a Registered nurse in the state of Alabama? Who do I contact to find out more about this? Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.
thank you.

As others have posted, you need to contact the BON and the school to find what their policies are.

That said, if you are just starting school, you're probably going to have a year or two before you graduate.

Make sure you have nothing to criticize in those couple of years. Obviously, no DUIs or any substance related problems, but also no "regular" traffic tickets. That way, you can truthfully say that you made a mistake, but learned a very valuable lesson, and your clean record supports you.

RN34TX · Aug 16, 2006

I'm not a DON, but I am a clinical nurse manager. If I were to interview an LPN who had a prior DUI arrest, I would be willing to hire them as long as they explained to me what they have done to resolve the issue and what they have learned from the experience. Things I would NOT want to hear: "Yeah, just one DUI, everyone does it but I got caught!" or "I did get a DUI, but I was driving fine, I got pulled over because my tag was expired. I'm much more careful now!" Believe it or not, I have heard both of these. Be contrite, be honest, and move on toward your accomplishments and strengths.

I just wanted to say that I cannot believe that you've had licensed nurses walk into interviews for jobs making those kinds of excuses for getting DUI/DWI's!!

And as my previous posts on the subject well demonstrate, I'm very open minded and understanding of nurses or student nurses getting DUI/DWI's because it is in fact, often a matter of those who actually get caught vs. those who have yet to get caught.

But to say those things in an effort to shift the blame or minimize what happened.........in a job interview, is astounding.