DUI.... Any chance at being a RN?

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Let me clear the air before I get lectured on, this is NOT me, this is for a friend of mine.

So my friend goes out and has a drink, she ends up getting a DUI, but I realized she wanted to be a nurse, does anyone know if the DUI will conflict with her future? I know most jobs perform background checks but does that count?

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Specializes in Ortho/Trauma.

Nursing schools also perform a background check. It may prevent your friend from going to nursing school.

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I know it's a serious offense, but is it that severe where it won't allow her to go to nursing school?

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Specializes in Infusion.

She would want to contact her state's nursing board before going to all the trouble of taking classes and applying. They would have a good answer. An employer may see things differently. A pattern of bad decisions is more indicative of a person's character than a one-time lapse.

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The state board makes their decision largely based on whether any employer would hire her after graduation. (so says the nursing instructors).

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My friend has a DUI... Alot of people in her school have DUIs and they are all in nursing school. They do background checks but after you are admitted and since it isnt a serious criminal offense she should be fine... Im sure if its a state school or community college program it wont be a problem...everyone makes mistakes... but if it were a private school I would be more concerned. Tell her good luck.

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At my school it would affect her. Once initially accepted, they do a criminal as well as driving record check. My school said if you had a dui within the past five years, you could not enter into the program.

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I really dont see a school making that exception. and if a school does i really doubt somoene would hire that person. After all I wouldnt want someone that irresponsible and selfish taking care of me would you. everyone makes mistakes but sometimes you cant take back your mistakes and they show your true colors

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I really dont see a school making that exception. and if a school does i really doubt somoene would hire that person. After all I wouldnt want someone that irresponsible and selfish taking care of me would you. everyone makes mistakes but sometimes you cant take back your mistakes and they show your true colors

Nope. I wouldn't think too highly of a program with such low standards.

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I think that that is a little harsh.... My friend that has one is the TOP of her class...one of the best people I know and will make an EXCEPTIONAL nurse. I agree it is irresponsible but one mistake doesnt outline the person you are in the long run. you live you learn.... everyone has their own opinion but maybe some shouldnt be so quick to judge.

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I'm judging the program, not your friend. Quite honestly, she is going to be competing for RN jobs with people who have no criminal history.

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My friend has a DUI... Alot of people in her school have DUIs and they are all in nursing school. They do background checks but after you are admitted and since it isnt a serious criminal offense she should be fine... Im sure if its a state school or community college program it wont be a problem...everyone makes mistakes... but if it were a private school I would be more concerned. Tell her good luck.

Are you kidding me? MY FRIEND GOT HIT BY A DRUNK DRIVER! I see it as a VERY serious crime.

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