Dui and nursing

EMTinHawaii · Apr 23, 2023

I know a woman in CA who had 7 DUI's before getting sober later in life, who went to nursing school after she got sober and cleaned up her life. All were alcohol related, btw, no drugs. After nursing school she explained to me that she was put on nursing probation for 3 years, had to pee test often, and attend AA meetings. It costs about $2k per year to be in the pee testing program, but ultimately she was released from probation and went on to get and MS in nursing.

There is a way, don't give up. I would suggest getting involved in any kind of sobriety program, alcohol counseling, volunteer work with the recovery community - ANYTHING that you can use to appeal to the nursing board to give you a chance that will show you are serious about your sobriety and have been taking steps to become a better person.

You should also look into paying to have your DUI's expunged. It costs about $600 to $1200 per charge and you are eligible after you are no longer on probation with the state you live in.

TwinMom, BSN, RN · May 4, 2023

Hi friend,

I once was in your shoes. I took all my prereq's as a single mother and stressed everyday that I would get so far then be denied by the board and unable to obtain a license. I came to this very site looking for success stories to no avail. I wanted it THAT bad and took the risk anyway.

1st DWI, I was a minor. It was in 2010. I was 16. I was placed on juvenile probation and received early release after 3 months due to my grades in school & good behavior. I honestly believe that man wanted to give me a chance since I was young. Since I was a minor, and supposedly they close out that record, I wasn't sure if the board would have access to that. However, I felt they had access to everything.
2nd DWI was in 2012. I was a wild teenager. I was 18 and it was the night of my graduation. I recall nothing. Now, I was fingerprinted for both and the board can see fingerprint regardless of conviction.
During nursing school, I had to get a "blue card" after being accepted or they would remove me from program by a certain date. In order to get the blue card, I had to disclose information regarding my arrests to the board.
Though terrified, I went out on a major limb. I wrote a letter to the board expressing my understanding of my own actions, my accountability, and my character. I explained how my choices affected me, who I truly was, what I've learned since, and why I had a dream of becoming a nurse. I knew it was over for me but I was honest and prayed they'd give me a chance, too.
The board knew of both arrests. My second DWI was dropped (thankfully) but it still showed. The board gave me a chance. I had spoken with our program director and needed to have an answer by the board the next day or they would be removing me. I received their statement and became a nurse.

I felt the need to share my experience with you because I remember how it felt to walk in blindly. Be honest, be thorough, take/show accountability, and express your true morale along with lessons learned. This is actually my first post here but my dream came true and I pray yours does too. The board is scary but they're human too. Don't give up.

LMW 23 · May 5, 2023

TwinMom said:

Hi friend,

I once was in your shoes. I took all my prereq's as a single mother and stressed everyday that I would get so far then be denied by the board and unable to obtain a license. I came to this very site looking for success stories to no avail. I wanted it THAT bad and took the risk anyway.

1st DWI, I was a minor. It was in 2010. I was 16. I was placed on juvenile probation and received early release after 3 months due to my grades in school & good behavior. I honestly believe that man wanted to give me a chance since I was young. Since I was a minor, and supposedly they close out that record, I wasn't sure if the board would have access to that. However, I felt they had access to everything.
2nd DWI was in 2012. I was a wild teenager. I was 18 and it was the night of my graduation. I recall nothing. Now, I was fingerprinted for both and the board can see fingerprint regardless of conviction.
During nursing school, I had to get a "blue card" after being accepted or they would remove me from program by a certain date. In order to get the blue card, I had to disclose information regarding my arrests to the board.
Though terrified, I went out on a major limb. I wrote a letter to the board expressing my understanding of my own actions, my accountability, and my character. I explained how my choices affected me, who I truly was, what I've learned since, and why I had a dream of becoming a nurse. I knew it was over for me but I was honest and prayed they'd give me a chance, too.
The board knew of both arrests. My second DWI was dropped (thankfully) but it still showed. The board gave me a chance. I had spoken with our program director and needed to have an answer by the board the next day or they would be removing me. I received their statement and became a nurse.

I felt the need to share my experience with you because I remember how it felt to walk in blindly. Be honest, be thorough, take/show accountability, and express your true morale along with lessons learned. This is actually my first post here but my dream came true and I pray yours does too. The board is scary but they're human too. Don't give up.

I can't express how grateful I am for sharing your story. I've been accepted to school so far. But the BON is in the back of my head for when it's over. I'm taking all of the steps I can think of to prove myself. AA. Sponsor. I'm completely sober. I'm just obviously worried. But you're right. They're human. I just want to thank you for your share.

Nursing2be · May 24, 2023

Hello,

I'm extremely stressed. I just finished my second semester of nursing in Ca and I just got a DUI ( my first ever) with child endangerment. I haven't been charged yet and I have a lawyer, but IDK what to do. Will I make it through this? I was hoping if anyone shared a similar experience or if this is something that will take me out of the program and ruin my chances of ever becoming a nurse. I'm desperate for any information anyone may have

borncaregiver · Jun 20, 2023

Hello I live in Texas and had 3 DUI's that 3 strikes your out rule made it a felony. I did time and it totally sucked. I was held up in my 20's gunpoint when I worked at a Sonic drive in, then raped 5 yrs later another city also at work, 3 months later I had a car accident flipped my car 6 times. After that while locked up I found out I had breast cancer, the whole time in abusive relationships. Thank God they found it early enough- long story short that was over 7-8 yrs ago or longer and I have survived all of that. Nothing on my record since then.

All I ever wanted was to be a nurse so I am about to take my TEAS test then after I pass the nursing school will do a background check. I'm really scared of rejection. Can anyone offer any advice. I do not have anything else on my background and all I wanted was to be a nurse so I could help people and give back to the community.

I know have a house w/ three dogs and getting married. I've totally turned my life around and so so tired of carrying my mistakes around with me.

EMTinHawaii · Jun 20, 2023

I would contact the Board of Nursing in your state. Many people have become nurses with misdemeanor DUI convictions but a felony may be a no-go. I hope that is not the case for you but definitely check. Nursing schools also do background checks - for the clinical sites- and they may also say no because of your felony.

borncaregiver · Jun 20, 2023

Thank you for your honesty. I will pass the TEAS then they will do the background & I pray for a good outcome. I hope that's not what you say either but I will respect the outcome as well. Thank you!