Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

Dwai

I am currently filling out my application for several nursing schools and being asked if I have ever been convicted of a "crime". I am a little confused about what I should put down. In 1989, I went off the road and hit a tree totaling my car. I immediately called the police and was charged with a DWI. There were no injuries at all. I later pled guilty to a DWAI, which is a traffic infraction. I have never answered yes to this question on any other appication that I filled out. I even worked for the sheriffs department for 7 years after this plea and have never been questioned about it. I just do not want to put down yes and hurt my chances of getting accepted, if this is in fact not a crime, but an infraction. What should I do? I have just sent an email to the state board asking the same question? Thanks for your help. By the way, this was an eye opener for me....I do not drink at all anymore...period!

Featured Replies

What is DWAI - if it has anything whatsoever to do with driving while under influence of alcohol and/or drugs and/or legal meds, as a general rule, you must report it. If in doubt, ask the school.

Reason being, even if you graduate, it may impair ability to get a nursing license. Most will refer you to Board of Nursing. But nursing schools are crowded, they have difficulty admitting someone who cannot sit for Boards, harsh but true.

DWI/DUI is something that can get your license suspended after you become a nurse, so it generally is reportable - "infraction" or crime, they don't care about the wording.

Several states require traffic and parking tickets to be reported.

The fact you do not have any more infractions will probably help you.

  • Author

DWI- Driving while intoxicated - misdemeanor

DWAI- Driving while ability impaired- traffic infraction

  • Author

Here is the response I got from the state board (New York):

The license application will ask whether you have been convicted of a crime. You answer yes and provide an explanation. This will not keep you from taking the examination. Your file will be reviewed after you have passed the examination and are ready for licensure by staff from the office of professional discipline. A DWI conviction will not be considered as unacceptable moral character. Good luck in pursuing your nursing education.

  • Author

caroladybelle- thank you for your reply.

So basically a DWAI is almost like getting a speeding ticket.. If that is the case, then I wouldn't think you would have to mention it..

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.

Currently Reading 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.