So I am an RN in California and was arrested for DUI back in February.
A few weeks after I received a notice from the BRN attempting to sell me into the "diversion program", but I did not fall for that nonsense. I do not have an alcohol or drug/substance problem but unfortunately it was just one bad decision that has caused a huge burden in my life.
Through my health insurance, I decided to do an outpatient drug & substance program, thinking it would be a good way to cover my ass. I did complete the class, received a completion letter,, had a couple drug screenings completed and hopefully can use it in my case against the BRN if they decide to follow suit.
I was charged a misdeamonor offense of DUI OVER 0.08% and was asked to pay a fine & do a bunch of classes and community service.
Now in terms of my RN licensure, when should I let the BRN know of my conviction? My license was renewed a couple months ago while I was awaiting my court date... I'm not sure what I should do at this point.
What would the process be like once the BRN is notified of the conviction?
It's not nonsense you have to follows the rules to keep your license. My story is on my applying for initial nursing license, I had previous DUI many years in the past in another state. I contacted the BON this was in Indiana I was directed to ISNAP, their impaired nursing program. I explained my situation, I was told to come to next board meeting in Indianapolis. When I got there the group with similar issues was taken out of main room to a private venue and the program was explained. Basically, you agree to by randomly monitored for a year in exchange for an unencumbered license. Unencumbered is the key word, you draw out your own narcotics. Anyway, it is for a year dial a number and it's either pee in the cup day or it's not. You get a completion letter at the end and it goes away. The only person I was obligated to inform was my direct manager, not the corporation, hospital, or anyone else. To complete my comment, there was one guy there that was adamant he was not going to participate in the program and wanted to go before the board. The person in charge basically wished him luck in his next career. Not participating is not an option. Oh, this was over 15 years ago and I have unencumbered licenses in two states.
I'll just reiterate what others have already touched on: typically, your BAC, accidents/collisions that were caused, whether or not children were in the car, and whether or not other drugs and/or parephenelia were involved, are what the California's BRN will consider when determining what course of action to take. You have thirty days following your conviction to disclose it to the BRN. Your best hope is to receive a citation and fine.
I'll echo what others have suggested, and that is to hire an attorney who is familiar with California's BRN. He/she will help you disclose your conviction.
If you're already licensed, your BAC was relatively low, no accidents, children, or other drugs were involved, and this is your first DUI, chances of you getting just a citation and fine are good.
Purdue Nurse
2 Posts
It's not nonsense you have to follows the rules to keep your license. My story is on my applying for initial nursing license, I had previous DUI many years in the past in another state. I contacted the BON this was in Indiana I was directed to ISNAP, their impaired nursing program. I explained my situation, I was told to come to next board meeting in Indianapolis. When I got there the group with similar issues was taken out of main room to a private venue and the program was explained. Basically, you agree to by randomly monitored for a year in exchange for an unencumbered license. Unencumbered is the key word, you draw out your own narcotics. Anyway, it is for a year dial a number and it's either pee in the cup day or it's not. You get a completion letter at the end and it goes away. The only person I was obligated to inform was my direct manager, not the corporation, hospital, or anyone else. To complete my comment, there was one guy there that was adamant he was not going to participate in the program and wanted to go before the board. The person in charge basically wished him luck in his next career. Not participating is not an option. Oh, this was over 15 years ago and I have unencumbered licenses in two states.