dui. new grad, denied license, looking for advice

[lifeinthefields]

Hi Everyone,

I graduated from an Associates Program in CA in June 2012 and unfortunately(!) got a DUI that very day. I normally do not drink but I really let my hair down that evening.. It wasn't the best way to celebrate and I feel lots of remorse/guilt/shame.

The board has denied my application but they are letting me appeal.

I was just hoping to hear some advice?

If they put me on probation, I will be thankful. If they deny my license, I am willing to move out of state but do not know where would be a smart place to live/start my career.

In the future I had planned to finish with a BSN or more.. but without a license, it's not possible to complete those degrees? (with the research I had done anyway)

In the meantime I am volunteering a little and working so I can pay my lawyer fees/fines and etc.. I also attend AA regularly.

I understand that I could have killed someone. I am so sorry to those who have been affected by the poor choices of others.

[dadda11o]

Hi. If I was in your situation, I would look through the Board's disciplinary minutes for thoughts. They are, in a number of states, posted or accessible on-line. It may give you some ideas. I would also see if there is a support group in your area for impaired nurses ... again, this is often available through your state nursing site ... as well as any "substance program" that works with nurses. Making initial contact, setting up a contract with them for monitoring, education and etc may involve some costs and "inconveniences", but the taking of responsibility and getting involved in an (Board) accepted program may go a long way in the appeal. But definitely, check with your attorney in this regard. I'm not trying to give specific advice, but some suggestions ... and being in a different state obviously affects things.

The experience you had, particularly if you have learned something and ESPECIALLY, at (actually, before) the beginning of your career might make you a valuable resource to other nurses struggling with personal or career issues, in future (a big reason for "use" and "abuse" problems). At the end of the day, though, the decisions you make, as an adult and as a professional, are decisions that can have profound effects on your own life .... as well as patients. Whether or not they ever come to the attention of the Board ... or anyone else.

My comments in a supportive vein because I remember the end of my first semester of nursing school, when a group of students and faculty went out for lunch to celebrate. Several people had drinks with their lunch. I know for fact I can't drink and drive and I am not used to alcohol ... whatever someone else can handle ... does not mean I can. In retrospect, too, I question the wisdom of instructors putting a tacit approval on a drinking lunch ... but again, as adults and professionals, the only wise decision we can really make is one based in knowledge as well as potential consequences. Had one of us received a DUI on the way home from the celebratory lunch, the consequences would have been to the individual.

Hope you can get through this experience and that ultimately, it serves as valuable to you ... and depending on what you do with it, to others!