DUI's?

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I just got provisionally accepted into CA nursing program. Now I must pass a background check. I have 2 DUI's 8 and 10 years ago. I spoke with someone at the BRN in California and she said it would not be a problem since it was so long ago but now I'm getting a little worried. I'm not sure how far the schools go back in your history and if they do see it, will it be a problem? Has anyone out there been in the same situation or can give me any advice?

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HEY HBOC,

I just wanted to write you back and give you a little something positive to think about!! My sister, same boat...Got two DUI's in her late teens (she is now 38), which at the time was considered a felony and she has been able to obtain a nursing license since she graduated about 20 years ago! She has worked in Hawaii, New York, Jersey, Illinois, and she recently applied for a nursing license here in Texas, which by the way, is one of the hardest states to obtain a license from when you have convictions on your record, and she had to wait 9 months for that particular license, but in case she moves here, she wanted to get the process rolling so she can gainfully seek employment! So, don't be so hard on yourself...people do careless things when they're younger and my sister doesn't even consume alcohol anymore! I'm not trying to downplay the seriousness of driving while intoxicated by any means, but she was a teenager and did make some very poor decisions early on in her life but now, she is a very responsible mother of three. Just make sure you are honest when applying for your license and divulge the information to the board. It might take you a little longer to get your license as opposed to your fellow classmates, but you will get your license!

-KaseyP :)

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I just had my orientation the other day and they told us a dui would count only if it was within the past two years. Hope everything works out for you.

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and that was at LBCC?

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HBOC, did you get into the nursing program for LBCC? Also, did you have any trouble getting into the clinicals? I'm in a similar position as you. I have a dui and I am soon applying to LBCC.

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you should be fine. i have three dui's and i will b graduating the bsn program in 9 months. does anyone know it is still possible for me to get my license. it was a long time ago: one in 2001, 2002, 2004. i'm terrified. im a great student a's and b's a business owner and a volunteer er tech. please help!!

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I did not get into LBCC fall 2011. I know someone who did. She went to the orientation and they said that misdemeanors under 7 yrs is okay. Felonies would be a problem.

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Hello, I am supposed to attend NYU in the fall 2011 ABSN program. I was convicted of DUI 11 years ago. Does anyone know if clinicals will be a problem? Licensing? Any info will be greatly appreciated. Peace.

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I just got into a nursing program and the director said 1 DUI shouldn't be a problem. I've called a few other local colleges and they gave me the same answer. They said one DUI is fine too, as long as it's just one DUI misdemeanor and it's very long ago (felony or a recent/multiple DUI is most likely a NO). Since yours is 11 years ago, I'm almost positive that you should be fine. We are in the same boat.

My director also said that I would need references/recommendation letters from my teachers to show the nursing board to able sit in for the NCLEX. Just make sure we stay trouble free and then we're good!

I've researched that TX and MA are very harsh on nurses with DUI. NY shouldn't be as strict. If you're unsure, email your nursing director. When I had my orientation, she told everyone with offenses to email her because it was going to show up on our background check anyways.

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OOPS! MISTYPE! I wrote UNDER....I meant: DUI OVER 7 years old is okay. Under 7 years would definitely be a problem.

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Thank you for your reply! So from what I understand, there are three obstacles 1. the school itself 2. the BON 3. the clinical sites. The director of my program couldn't give me a solid commitment that I would be able to participate in clinicals as each does a background check and there could be sites that wouldn't let me in! Ugh, I am so stressed out trying to decide what to do!

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.
you should be fine. i have three dui's and i will b graduating the bsn program in 9 months. does anyone know it is still possible for me to get my license. it was a long time ago: one in 2001, 2002, 2004. i'm terrified. im a great student a's and b's a business owner and a volunteer er tech. please help!!

i do not know what state you are in, but this will most definitely present a problem with licensure. 3 dui's is going to be very hard for the bon to accept. did you go into any treatment that you can prove to them? are you in recovery now and can you show them you are working a program of some sort, such as aa etc.?

you should speak to an attorney who is familiar with the state bon and explain everything. you may not even be allowed to sit for the nclex. i have 1 friend who graduated from school and was able to take the exam but had to enter the ipn (fl) immediately before they would issue a license. his contract is for 5 years. by the way, his dui was 6 years before he even went to nursing school. so please at least call for legal advice. because in the world of duis...2004 is not a long time ago.

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