CA BRN DUI Experience as a practicing nurse

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Hello Everyone,

It's been a year since I received my first and last DUI. I've completed all the requirements demanded by the court, but my great fear is what is going to happen with my RN license. Nursing is everything to me

I've been asking fellow nurses and reading blogs on DUI experiences with the BRN but they greatly vary in severity. I am hoping to find some current information on what the process is like.

One fellow experienced nurse told me that no matter what my DUI story is I will have to go through minimum of 2 years probation like her. Her BAC was .16 and she collided with another car, no one was hurt.

My BAC was .13 and I did not hurt myself or anyone else. I was pulled over because I forgot to turn on the headlights. No prior criminal record.

DUI's are a serious matter, and I understand that I must suffer consequences. I am just hoping that I won't be treated like a drug addict, being forced to attend support groups, random urine test multiple times a week for months, and evaluations from MD's. This was an isolated event. I've learned my lesson, I just want this to be over so I can move on with my life.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

"nursing is everything to me". Well not enough to not drink and drive.

"won't be treated like a drug addict" Are you trying to minimize by over stating the event? You will be treated like anyone else with a DUI who is a licensed RN. This does not mean you are being treated like a "drug addict"

What lesson have you learned? How will the BON know this is an isolated event? Actions are what they care about.

Ofcourse you "want this to be over" but that is not how it works. You have made your life more difficult for absolutely no reason. It is like swimming with a robe on. The swimming was difficult and now more difficult.

In this day and age you need to remember one thing when it comes to breaking the law. LAWSUITS. If the BON just "lets it go" and then you get sued at work...the lawyer could be all over that DUI and ripping the BON for allowing you to work. "you licensed a criminal to take care of little Jimmy?" I am not trying to be hard, but this stuff can happen.

Where I am licensed the DUI is attached to the DHHS RNs nursing license as a PDF that an employer can read. FOREVER.

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Specializes in ER.

You forgot to turn on headlights? Silly you. I'm sure that had NOTHING to do with being tipsy. ;)

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

You might want to have this thread moved to the forum for nurses dealing with impairment/recovery. You'll likely get more answers related to your specific situation.

I'm not going to comment on your post. Others have said pretty much what I was already thinking. Be thankful that you didn't hurt yourself or the other innocent drivers and passengers on the road that night​.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

Where I am licensed the DUI is attached to the DHHS RNs nursing license as a PDF that an employer can read. FOREVER.

Wow! That is pretty stringent.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Nursing Licensure With A Criminal History forum

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

Have you not reported this to the BON yet? It is hard to tell from your post. Most BONs have a time limit on reporting these sorts of things. CA is very strict about DUIs. You will probably end up in some sort of monitoring program with the rest of us drunks and drug addicts.

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Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.

Are you still drinking?

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TitoG,

I think you will be treated "like a drug addict" with all the associated monitoring. There is a one-size-fits-all approach to the board's methods which can unfairly punish people excessively. It is what it is. If you have been a nurse for over 5 years you might just get away with the monitoring and not given a disciplinary action (stays 10 years) or a reprimand.

Not everyone who has DUIs is an addict or alcoholic. They will treat you that way. Many people don't realize how easy it is to get a DUI. The best policy is to never have a drop and get behind a wheel. Ever. Cabs are much cheaper than the criminal and costs to your career. In many careers a DUI would be looked at as a minor incident. Nursing, especially in Cali, is its own animal.

As a new nurse I will be treated the same way in spite of the fact my DUIs occurred more than 15 years ago. I am nowhere near the same person who made those mistakes. I will probably be punished more than you will since you are an experienced nurse. I don't agree with this policy at all. It's ridiculous and doesn't protect the public at all but it is what it is.

Long story short: yes, you will probably get the standard monitoring. I would consult with an attorney to find out your options.

I am sorry you are going through so much turmoil with this situation. I wish you the best possible outcome.

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Thank you for the insight hoperules, I wish you the best of luck with your situation.

Reading my previous post I understand why some of you were being so harsh. I know I am 100% responsible for the bad decision I made, and I know that I am lucky I didn't hurt myself or another person. It was an isolated event. The last time I had a drink was the night of my DUI, and previously it was my friend's wedding months before. I respect your thoughts on it. I was just hoping to get some insight from someone in a similar situation.

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