DUI & The Board

KarenGisele · Apr 26, 2003

I am about to graduate from nursing school and I was arrested for drinking and driving 4 years ago. I was told that I may not be able to sit for the NCLEX because of this. I would hate to think I wasted all this time and money and effort to get to this point for nothing. I would love to hear from anyone that may have gone through something similar or know someone who has. I had a hard time getting into the school because of this but they let me in after proving that the arrest was not drug related. I was told then that there was no guarantee that I would be allowed to sit for the boards (Pennsylvania)but now that graduation time is here, it is all that I can think about, I'm not even excited about graduating because I am so worried.

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FROGGYLEGS, LPN · Apr 26, 2003

I can't think of anyone who specifically had a DUI charge, but I honestly don't think you would be turned away by the BON solely due to a DUI. Generally, I think the drug charges and/or a history of violence would be the things you'd be rejected for.

There was a girl in my nursing class who had a possession of marijuana charge on her record. She graduated and became licensed.

Then, I know a nurse who received a marijuana charge and she was able to keep her license provided that she go through the Peer network counseling.

To get a clear cut answer you should call your state BON and ask them. They will be able to give you a definitive answer.

Good luck to you.

FROGGYLEGS, LPN · Apr 26, 2003

I can't think of anyone who specifically had a DUI charge, but I honestly don't think you would be turned away by the BON solely due to a DUI. Generally, I think the drug charges and/or a history of violence would be the things you'd be rejected for.

There was a girl in my nursing class who had a possession of marijuana charge on her record. She graduated and became licensed.

Then, I know a nurse who received a marijuana charge and she was able to keep her license provided that she go through the Peer network counseling.

To get a clear cut answer you should call your state BON and ask them. They will be able to give you a definitive answer.

Good luck to you.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Apr 26, 2003

Yes that is right. You need to call the board for their advice. Be honest. Four years with no charges since should work highly in your favor.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Apr 26, 2003

Yes that is right. You need to call the board for their advice. Be honest. Four years with no charges since should work highly in your favor.

KarenGisele · Apr 26, 2003

Thanks Froggylegs I actually have contacted the board but was told that everyone is evaluated on an individual basis, that was all they could tell me.

KarenGisele · Apr 26, 2003

Thanks Froggylegs I actually have contacted the board but was told that everyone is evaluated on an individual basis, that was all they could tell me.

Jenny P · Apr 26, 2003

The Board will look at your record for other problems; if you have no other problems and have "paid the piper" so to speak, they may want you to appear before them (or not), tell what happened, and base their decision on that.

If you were plain out being stupid ( --and who hasn't had an attack of stupidity at least once in their life?) but have reformed, and there was no one harmed (besides your reputation), I wouldn't worry about it so much.

I think the worst they could do is put you on a period of probation if your record has been clean since then.

Jenny P · Apr 26, 2003

The Board will look at your record for other problems; if you have no other problems and have "paid the piper" so to speak, they may want you to appear before them (or not), tell what happened, and base their decision on that.

If you were plain out being stupid ( --and who hasn't had an attack of stupidity at least once in their life?) but have reformed, and there was no one harmed (besides your reputation), I wouldn't worry about it so much.

I think the worst they could do is put you on a period of probation if your record has been clean since then.

FROGGYLEGS, LPN · Apr 26, 2003

I definitely didn't think the BON would hand out such a generic reply. I am sorry to hear that.

I think you are going to be okay. I think that the reason they scrutinize your record is to ensure that patients would be "safe" with you- that you won't be predisposed to beating them, stealing from them, etc.

I definitely don't see why a DUI would keep you from being a nurse. I personally don't think that there are many people who haven't earned at least one DUI in their lifetime, maybe they didn't get caught, but I think most have driven under the influence at one point or another. I wouldn't have any problem with you being my nurse because of it.

I can understand why you are worried, but I think you will get that license.

FROGGYLEGS, LPN · Apr 26, 2003

I definitely didn't think the BON would hand out such a generic reply. I am sorry to hear that.

I think you are going to be okay. I think that the reason they scrutinize your record is to ensure that patients would be "safe" with you- that you won't be predisposed to beating them, stealing from them, etc.

I definitely don't see why a DUI would keep you from being a nurse. I personally don't think that there are many people who haven't earned at least one DUI in their lifetime, maybe they didn't get caught, but I think most have driven under the influence at one point or another. I wouldn't have any problem with you being my nurse because of it.

I can understand why you are worried, but I think you will get that license.