Can you get licensed to be a RN with a DUI??

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I have recently (after 8+ years of being in the electronics industry) come to realize that I get excited at the idea of becoming a nurse for many reasons... but before I fly off of the handle with anticipation at the idea of getting started, I want to ask the nursing community rather than calling the nursing board if it is possible to get certified as a RN with a previous DUI in the state of Texas. I dont have a history of criminal activity, just the one mistake. So please, any comments or advice is greatly appreciated. Ill be waiting :) Thanks and have a great day.

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You don't become certified .... It's a licence...

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Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.

I would check with your states Board of Nursing. Be honest on all aplications. Best wishes!

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Specializes in kids.

It is registered, not certified and I agree, honesty is the best policy...when was it? recently or 15 years ago? Was there personal injury? After a certain number of years, you may ask to have it expunged from your record.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Short answer: It's possible to be licensed with a DUI.

Long answer: each BON reviews applicants with a criminal history (the fact that you have a DUI means you have a criminal history) on a case-by-case basis. Nurses with DUIs have been licensed, and nurses with DUIs have been denied. It's not guaranteed, nor is it an easy or fast process.

When it comes time to apply for licensure, you need to talk to the Texas BON and find out what you need to disclose about your conviction. You should be able to find this information on the TX BON website...in fact, if you are wise, you'll start assembling that info well before you have to apply, just in case you have to request paperwork from courts, obtain character references, etc.

I strongly recommend having an attorney help you with the application process, especially if the Texas BON wants you to appear in person to chat about your DUI. The BON is NOT the nurse's friend--their primary focus is the safety of the public, not launching the career of a nurse with a criminal record. You need someone at that hearing whose primary focus is you and your career...hence the attorney.

As far as expungement goes...expunging a conviction will help with job searches but will not help you sneak a conviction past the BON. Most if not all BONs require disclosure of expunged charges; if you fail to do so and they find out about it, it can result in your licensure being denied or revoked. Not every conviction is expungable--talk to an attorney for more info.

Best of luck.

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Hi, do you guys no the acceptance rate into nursing programs for people with recent dui. Please pm me for information and advice.

thankyou

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