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Discussion

DUI on record

When I was underage (19) I received a DUI, which was about 10 years ago. Is this going to prevent me from becoming a nurse? I contacted the board of nursing in California and they said it's a case by case thing. So do I just wait till I finish everything to see if I can be a nurse or not? I'm not sure why they can't tell me. Should I go down there and talk to someone in person? I haven't had anything else on my record and I took all the classes and paid all my fines.

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    • Featured Replies

    I know less than nothing about how this is going to turn out for you, but I do know that if the DUI was 10 years ago it is a good thing the CA BON handles those matters on a case by case basis! That might work in your favor.

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    Unfortunately, I, like the other poster, am clueless as to how that works. I live in North Carolina, and know nothing about California and their rules. Truth be told, I'm not even sure how the rules would work in North Carolina for this situation. I am pretty sure that if you are given a DUI while you have an active RN license you have to appear before a court, have your hearing, make a written petition to the NC BON, agree to do a 12 step or other addictions program, speak with an addictionologist and get addictions counseling, take random drug and alcohol screenings, have a psychological evaluation, have two peer evaluations, and have a physical from your doctor before you can begin practicing with an active unencumbered license again. I'm pretty sure that this is all the steps, but I could be wrong or missing bits and pieces. I'm not sure how the DUI will affect you, but I don't think it will look very good. It's good that it has been so long and you haven't been in trouble since, but it doesn't reflect well that you got it when you were underage. I think in your case you should be able to present enough evidence that it was an immature mistake that you are completely and totally embarrassed about, and something that will not happen again. Ten years is a long time, and, every so often, people do make a change and better themselves. Good luck!

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    • Columnist

    questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

    • is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history and if so, can i get a job?
    • is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a mip, dui, or other related charges?
    • what happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
    • can i go to nursing school and/or be licensed/be employed if my record has been sealed or expunged?
    • what if i have a “deferred adjudication”? will i have to declare this as a conviction?
    • will i be able to go to nursing school and/or attend clinicals with a criminal record?
    • what can happen if i receive a mip/dui/dwi or other charge while still in school

    these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing.

    if you are currently licensed as a nurse and have been charged with or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor including dui/dwi or any criminal offense, you need to contact the bon in every state you hold a license/wish to be licensed and ask their reporting requirements.

    if you are a nursing student or are interested in becoming a nurse you need to contact your bon and/or your school of nursing directly. you need to be completely candid with them as to the nature and disposition of the crimes. each board of nursing makes a determination on a case by case basis and some are willing to issue a declarative statement in advance.

    since you have already contacted your state bon, it might be a good idea to talk with the nursing school directly.

    i wish you luck!

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