DUI

im assuming since you're not licensed yet, you don't have your own professional insurance that covers lawyers. but, i would definitely get a lawyer to represent you for dealings with the board.

god luck!

Hi y'all .. I am a new graduate nurse from an ADN program and I already have my nclex set up for thursday. Unfortunately I got a DUI in April 2 days after I submitted for my nursing boards ! It was a total diss appoint in myself .. I'm still going to court to find a resolution . I got something in the mail saying I'm being investigated by the board and they want all my court / paperwork and a detailed explanation of the circumstances . Can any one tell me what their experience with this is ? Let me know any advice is helpful. Thank you

My understanding is that they might refuse to license certain people with DUI convictions. I guess it depends on the circumstance, however, as recent as it is, it might be a problem. I know the board has something called the CANDO program that you could be forced into. I know nothing about it other than my school mentioning it because they knew a couple classmates had a Hx of criminal problems. Refusing to participate in CANDO, provided they offer it to you, means no license. We were told a former classmate refused to partake and was declined his license.

http://www.azbn.gov/Cando.aspx

I had a friend who had this situation. She basically had to prove that she did not have an alcohol problem with written letters and called and/or take a series of alcohol classes. She ultimately ended up getting her license. Not sure if this helps, but keep your head up!

oye,,this totally sucks,,i have heard it happens to a lot of people though,, you will probably have to go before the board and they will probably approve you (back in the day I knew of 2 people convicted of mansalughter who were approved) but the hard part will be getting a job with such a fresh conviction :-( hopefully you have some contacts who know you outside of this one incident..?

I'm kind of going through the same thing only my DUI was before nursing school. In talking to people at the BRN that work in Enforcement, they said that as long as you are completely honest and provide proof that you were compliant, along with proof of rehabilitation, you should be ok. They want to see that you are of good moral standing; in order to do that you need to send them letters of reference (from your instructors, professionals in your community), proof of community service, work evaluations etc. I know of someone who received a felony while in the nursing program for assault and battery was still able to take her boards. She is a very successful nurse now :) good luck!

wlawre- just wondering how things are going with your application? I am somewhat in the same boat- received a DUI in my 3rd semester. My application is currently in review.

hope things go well.

how did the board find out so quickly - to investigate / what state are you in?

I hope things go well for you, cant wait to become successful/healthy/happy nurse.

keep us update~

For the most part misdemeanor ouis are generally handled with a letter of concern unless there is other issues. One oui isn't considered disqualifying. There have been letters of concerns for other violations that an honest nurse would consider serious. Accident, with double the legal etoh limit plus a sprinkle of cocaine. Many local nurses who are tuned into this organization are convinced its Mormon run and if you talk the talk its all good. It brings me joy in making such a glib comment but their minutes have revealed some real strange outcomes.