Current LPN-just received criminal charges

[sadnurse28]

So, I am currently an LPN and finishing school for my RN in December. I royally screwed up over the weekend and racked up some criminal charges. I was charged with DUI, attempting to elude a police officer, and reckless driving. I'm an idiot.

I am curious as to if anybody has received criminal convictions while an LPN and what happened when you went to renew? I have been reading some disciplinary actions and it is allowing me hope that I will be placed on lengthy probation with many stipulations.

I understand that each state handles things differently. I just hope that the board will take into account that I have never been in trouble in the past and this will most certainly be a one-time offense.

Any advice or kind words will be greatly appreciated. I have been down in the dumps lately and wracked with anxiety. All well deserved, of course.

[determinedgrl]

You need to let the board know what had happen. Or they will reprimand your LPN and RN. As long as you are truthful. They may not Reprimand your RN license once you finish school.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Since you are a currently practing LPN, you need to follow the guidelines that your BON has set for reporting criminal charges. DO NOT wait until you have to renew because if they want you to report it immediately and you wait several months for your renewal to mention it, the BON may construe that as your faling to report.

Also, get a lawyer involved. The BON is NOT the nurse's friend. You need someone to put your interests first and help mitigate the damage. You can find lawyers versed in dealing with BONs here: TAANA Executive Office - Home.

Best of luck.

[Flatlander]

Just in the event that you might be in a state of denial, I would urge you to carefully look at your drinking/substance use behavior. Not with shame, guilt, or self-incrimination, but with gentleness, like a good friend would do. Getting a little drunk, weaving on the road, and getting stopped for DUI is one thing... reckless driving and eluding an officer, or repeating the behavior over and over, is another whole level of poor judgment, possibly fueled by chronic over-consumption of intoxicants (?). Again, no harsh criticism intended since I am one who knows and has been there. This is just a suggestion in case you have a problem you don't or can't recognize. Good luck...hope your outcome is favorable!