Current Nursing Student w/ DUI

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I was accepted into a BSN nursing program for fall 2013. During this past summer prior to enrollment into the program I received a DUI. I hired an attorney but with the additional charges and Kentucky being a stiff state when it comes to DUI, I could only pled down to guilty charge for the DUI ONLY, everything else was dropped and I received no jail time or license suspension. My attorney said it was the best option. When I started school this fall I had to submit a criminal background check and the director of my program informed me that the clinical site in which am required to do my rotations at can reserve the right to refuse me to practice at their site. If I can't preform clinical I can't pass. That was back in august and with the term coming to an end I was able to preform my clinical without a problem. I will graduate in May 2016 assuming I don't have any problems with clinical my junior and senior year.

My concern isn't so much for the boards but finding a job. By the time I graduate my DUI will be close to three years old and I would have to wait another two years before I can apply for expungement. I just want to know to to expect from now until August 2018 when I am eligible to apply for expungement. Anything I can do to better my chances of being permitted to take the boards or finding a job? I'm not from Kentucky from Oregon and I don't plan on staying here after graduation. I'm interested in moving to Atlanta or back to the west coast. Could I better my chances on finding job in a different state? Are some states lenient than others? Will my credentials or achievements help with career success? I'm a nursing major and biology minor with a 3.0gpa. I've held an officer position at my school student government, worked as a caregiver for 8 months prior to moving to Kentucky for school and looking into pledging Greek in spring.

If you can leave some resources that I can look into as far as statistics and laws I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

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i have so many nursing friends w. duis and they all have jobs. dont worry. worry about passing nclex first. you hve years left. goodluck.

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Good luck with your nursing school! I am in the same boat as you... I was convicted in 2009. I am also very worried but trying not to think about it! Good to hear that you were able to do clinicals!

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Most boards don't consider non felonies disqualifying as long as you don't try to cover it up. Make sure they're aware of it.

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Thank you! :) fingers crossed

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