Dropped from nursing school due to DUI

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

The stumbling block here is the clinical sites, which have the discretion to refuse you.

Preliminary Determination

A preliminary determination is a process conducted by a state Board of Nursing (BON) to assess whether an individual with a criminal history, such as a felony or misdemeanor, can sit for the nursing licensure exam. This process typically involves:

• Application submission. You submit an application for licensure that includes disclosure of any criminal history.
• Background check. The BON conducts a background check to review your criminal record.
• Evaluation. The BON evaluates the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have demonstrated rehabilitation or a change in behavior since then.
• Decision. Based on this evaluation, the BON issues a preliminary determination, which can either grant or deny eligibility to take the licensure exam.

Clinical Site Approval

The impact of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction on a student's ability to secure clinical placements in nursing programs can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the policies of the clinical site, state regulations, and the specifics of the case. Here are some key points to consider:

• Site policies. Many clinical facilities have strict background check policies and may refuse to accept students with criminal histories, including DUIs. This is particularly true for hospitals and clinics that prioritize patient safety and may view a DUI as a potential risk.
• State regulations. Some states have laws that govern the eligibility of nursing students for clinical placements based on their criminal history. In such cases, a DUI may disqualify a student from certain clinical sites, especially if the offense is recent or if it demonstrates a pattern of behavior that could raise concerns.
• Timing of the offense. The time elapsed since the DUI can also play a role. A recent DUI may be more likely to impact placement than an offense that occurred several years ago, especially if the student has shown evidence of rehabilitation.
• Nature of the program. Different nursing programs have different policies regarding criminal background checks. Some programs may have more lenient policies or be willing to work with students to find suitable clinical placements despite a DUI.

What to do

• Communication with clinical sites. Students with a DUI should proactively communicate with their nursing program and potential clinical sites. Transparency about the situation and evidence of rehabilitation or steps taken to address the issue can sometimes mitigate concerns. Make sure they know about your preliminary determination.

Meeting face-to-face with key decision-makers can improve your chances if you present well. Showing remorse for your actions and providing proof of rehabilitation are essential.

Overall, while a DUI can affect a nursing student's clinical placement opportunities, the extent of this impact can vary widely. Students in this situation should seek guidance from their nursing program and be prepared to address their records constructively.

Engaging in rehabilitation programs, maintaining a clean record post-offense, and demonstrating a commitment to professional behavior can also enhance their chances of securing clinical placements. It seems too early to give up, and good luck to you.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth