Can i continue my school with a DUI offense

[jmdiaz86]

I'm really exited about this new carrer but at the same time really scared. I'm 21 and I was convicted with a DUI offense last december. I was senstense to the least offense since my alcohol level was not too high. I know this is horrible and I really learned my mistake. I'm worried of how this is going to afect my school with nursing. Can i continue? what about when I do volunteer work at a hospital. When they do a background check? Do i need to put i was convicted with a DUI?

Thanks-a-million!!!!!

[icyounurse, BSN, RN]

I think whether you can do clinicals/work at hospitals depends on the nature of the charge, like was it misdemeanor or a felony ect. I would contact the school and ask them. I would certainly disclose it ASAP to your program, you don't want it to come out later after you have already invested $$ and time. When you do clinicals at a hospital or do any work with them they do a background check usually.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history and if so, can i get a job?
  
• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a mip, dui, or other related charges?
  
• what happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
  
• can i go to nursing school and/or be licensed/be employed if my record has been sealed or expunged?
  
• will i be able to go to nursing school and/or attend clinicals with a criminal record?
  
• what can happen if i receive a mip/dui/dwi or other charge while still in school?
  

these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing.

if you are a nursing student or are interested in becoming a nurse you need to contact your bon and/or your school of nursing directly. you need to be completely candid with them as to the nature and disposition of the crimes. each board of nursing makes a determination on a case by case basis and some are willing to issue a declarative statement in advance.