DWI and taking the NCLEX..

Altra, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2012

Graduation is in 3 months, so taking the NCLEX is a few weeks after that. I got a DWI this past Saturday and court is Friday...can they kick me out of school for getting a DWI?

Yes, possibly. See your student handbook/university policies.

Can the BON prevent me from taking the NCLEX? Is there additional paperwork or hoops I have to jump through now?

Yes, possibly. See your state's BON website and view the application for licensure -- see exactly what is asked.

You may also find some helpful information in the Nursing Licensure with Criminal History forum. https://allnurses.com/nursing-licensure-criminal/

Natanis · Feb 13, 2012

I know two women from my graduating class that have yet to receive the Authorization to Test from the Virginia Board of Nursing. Without this ATT they have not been allowed to sit for their NCLEX. There is an appeals process but I am not familiar with it for you state.

Don't panic. Just identify and complete each step as soon and as best as you can and that's all you can do. Worry will not solve this.

Best Wishes. We're rooting for you.

JSJones,RN · Feb 13, 2012

EricaSAFJAF: I understand your concerns as I have a close friend that received a DUI during our nursing program. I don't think you'll be kicked out of your program but you'd have to check the progam's policies related to that. He had to go before the board of directors at our college and before our nursing directors but in the end stayed in the progam.

A DUI is not a felony unless someone was hurt (ie. God forbid but some is hit by a drunk driver and injuried and/or killed) then its a felony! Otherwise its usually a Class 1 misdemeanor. As far as the NCLEX goes, you'll most likely have to pay all your fines in advance and complete a DUI class prior to being able to take the test. I know in Virignia that class is usually around $400 and you have attend 20 hours of the class to complete it.

The other thing that you'll have to worry about is everytime you apply for a license in another state by enodorsement, you have to report it and give that state supporting documents to prove you paid your fines and any other court ordered tasks. Which usually isn't a big deal just kind of a headache getting all the needed 'official' court documents in a timely manner!

I know how scared you must be but you're going to be okay! Yes it was a stupid thing to do but we are all human and people make mistakes! There will be a lot of people to judge and say rude things to you but hold your head up and move forward with your life! And DON'T DO IT AGAIN! lol

Hope this response helps and good luck!

OCNRN63, RN · Feb 14, 2012

Graduation is in 3 months, so taking the NCLEX is a few weeks after that. I got a DWI this past Saturday and court is Friday...can they kick me out of school for getting a DWI? Can the BON prevent me from taking the NCLEX? Is there additional paperwork or hoops I have to jump through now? I'm getting a lawyer hopefully tomorrow but I'm really scared I scrwed up my whole nursing career before it even begins..
(and yes, I've learned....I feel like a ****** person for getting a DWI, I could've hurt someone or my self and the guilt is killing me.....)

Yes the school can possibly kick you out, and yes it is possible that your BON may refuse to let you sit for NCLEX. You really may have screwed up your career before it's started. Not to mention you could have killed someone driving while under the influence.

I really, honest to goodness have no sympathy for you. For crying out loud...this close to graduation and you get drunk and drive? You should feel guilty. I hope you look over your shoulder a long time for this.

Even if you do manage to graduate and sit for NCLEX and pass it, you may have a really hard time getting a job, particularly in this market. Who's a manager going to want to hire, you or someone who didn't get arrested for DUI?

Personally, I hope the judge throws the book at you. We do not take DUI seriously in this country, and people are dying because of it.

motivatedlilly · Feb 14, 2012

Yes the school can possibly kick you out, and yes it is possible that your BON may refuse to let you sit for NCLEX. You really may have screwed up your career before it's started. Not to mention you could have killed someone driving while under the influence.
I really, honest to goodness have no sympathy for you. For crying out loud...this close to graduation and you get drunk and drive? You should feel guilty. I hope you look over your shoulder a long time for this.
Even if you do manage to graduate and sit for NCLEX and pass it, you may have a really hard time getting a job, particularly in this market. Who's a manager going to want to hire, you or someone who didn't get arrested for DUI?
Personally, I hope the judge throws the book at you. We do not take DUI seriously in this country, and people are dying because of it.

I understand everything you stated. I had a friend that was killed by a drunk driver but some of things you said was just plain unnecessary.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 14, 2012

Let me move this to the nursing licensure with a criminal history forum.

Altra, BSN, RN · Feb 14, 2012

FYI - my school generally denied admission to applicants convicted of drug/alcohol related offenses within the 10 years prior to application, on the grounds that they would likely be unable to be licensed in our state. Just to give you an idea of the situation you are now in.

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Feb 14, 2012

Even if you do manage to graduate and sit for NCLEX and pass it, you may have a really hard time getting a job, particularly in this market. Who's a manager going to want to hire, you or someone who didn't get arrested for DUI?

That's not true at all. I made the incredibly poor decision to drink and drive and received a DUI a little over five years ago. I received diversion for the DUI and have not had as much as a speeding ticket since. I am currently working both in home health and in a critical care setting as a RN, with full disclosure of my DUI. I have at least two other friends who easily found hospital jobs as RNs right out of school -- with more current DUIs on their records. When it comes to getting a job, full disclosure is what is important. What will really come back to bite you is if you lie about it. Be honest. Be remorseful. And keep your nose clean from now on.

wooh, BSN, RN · Feb 14, 2012

You need to contact your school and contact your state's BON. You've screwed up. Now you have to deal with the consequences.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 14, 2012

I don't think it's necessary to pile on the OP for this. She made a horrible, horrible mistake and will undoubtedly be paying for it for a long time to come; she knows it, she's owning it and I don't see her asking for sympathy.

If we cannot offer any support, it would be better to simply walk away from this thread. After all, there but for the grace of God (and a LOT of dumb luck) go some of us. I sure as heck can't judge anyone; in fact, the only difference between the OP and myself is that I was never caught. It makes me sick even now, two decades after I stopped drinking, to think of how badly things could have turned out if I hadn't, so I can all too easily identify with what she's going through. She came to us for help, not condemnation; maybe with a little encouragement, she can turn things around and use this experience for good, instead of letting it define her for the rest of her life.

6spdftwtm · Feb 14, 2012

OCNRRN63: THAT was a total waste of 30 minutes of your time. Anyone with more than two braincells would instantly look right past that useless heap of judgement calls.

EricaSAFJAF: The most challenging thing (hopefully) to deal with is going to be guilt. Second to that is going to be the court system. Each state and county/jurisdiction will differ greatly in how they deal with DUI offenders. In general, you will receive the minimal punishment if your BAC was

After you have satisfied all of these requirements with the court, I would check your school student handbook to see if they require you to report any criminal charges directly to them. My guess is most likely not, but you need to check for sure.

As far as the state BON, check the nurse practice acts to see. Most (if not all) BON's stipulate that you notify them immediately of any criminal conviction. Usually, a letter stating the facts (this location at this time, this officer arrested me, my BAC was this, I was cooperative with officers, have no prior criminal record....grievous mistake and feel guilty...court said to do this and I have complied with all court mandates, paid fines and me and the courts are groovy with eachother). KEEP EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF PAPERWORK YOU GET THROUGHOUT THIS WHOLE ORDEAL because EVERYONE is going to want a copy of EVERYTHING. It is a headache. But having a DWI on your record does NOT make you an unsafe nurse. This may be slightly different, since you are applying for NCLEX and aren't actually licensed, yet. But I'm sure the BON wouldn't mind pocketing a couple more hundred dollars to afford you a license. Rule #1 - do not lie about anything on the application...they will know and you will be permanently denied licensure. Occasionally, they will request a face-to-face meeting with you before they grant you a license. I doubt it will come to that. Most state BON's deal with this sort of thing similarly. They will want to make sure that you are complying with the court orders and that you are...well, basically...just sorry for your actions.

ABOVE ALL ELSE....never forget that you aren't driving a car. Think of it as a 2-ton weapon and thank God that you nor anyone else was injured. Mull it over in your head for a few weeks and eventually....forgive yourself. It'll be ok.

Late,

Trav