DWI PROBATION

[garyoinmd]

I am starting my second semester of nursing. I am currently on probation for a DWI in 2007. I went to out patient treatment for 26 weeks and I am very involved with AA. I have been sober since July 2007. Will this hamper me in getting my RN license? Also when the do a background check do they get to look at your juvenile record and hold that against you. I hear so many rumors and have no luck getting in touch with anyone at the nursing board. If they hold egging a house at age 13 against you 37 years later I will be beside myself. Any imput will be helpful I am worried to death about this. I know no one can give legal advise I just want to hear personal experience with these matters. Thank You Gary

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

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?
  
• 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 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.