First public drunk charge, May graduation

Published

I live in Mississippi and received a public drunk charge a few weeks ago. My record is clean beside that, and I have a court date on January 8th. I graduate from my BSN program in May and looking to find my first job in Nashville, TN. I was wondering if anyone else has had a public drunk charge and if they would mind sharing how it effected the NCLEX process and finding a job.

I am already talking to a lawyer about getting it expunged, but he said they could take up to a year.

Thanks so much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
I live in Mississippi and received a public drunk charge a few weeks ago. My record is clean beside that, and I have a court date on January 8th. I graduate from my BSN program in May and looking to find my first job in Nashville, TN. I was wondering if anyone else has had a public drunk charge and if they would mind sharing how it effected the NCLEX process and finding a job.

I am already talking to a lawyer about getting it expunged, but he said they could take up to a year.

Thanks so much!

Since it's going take some time, put expungement on the back burner of your concerns. Your immediate issue is facing the BON this summer as you apply for licensure.

Talk to your BON (anonymously if you prefer) or go to your BON's website to see what info you will need to provide when you apply for licensure. Save any copies of court paperwork, judgments, etc.

See what happens at court, as the outcome of your case will affect your BON application. If you haven't gotten a good lawyer yet, get one to try to mitigate the damage and get the best possible outcome. If he/she can get it reduced to a lesser charge or an infraction, all the better.

I also recommend having a lawyer to help you deal with the BON, especially if the BON wants you to appear in front of them to discuss this incident. The BON is not the nurse's friend. What they care about is whether you are safe to practice as a nurse, and the onus is on YOU to prove it to them.

Best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congratulations on completing your BSN. From my nursing experience and what I have been told DON and Nurse Managers are more concerned with drug charges and any type of elderly abuse charges. I have a DWI charge from 1997 which I left on my record and I have obviously taken the NCLEX and securied a full time position as an ED RN, as well as two per diem positions. During your interview you may be asked about the incident just be honest. We are nurse and we are human, most people have drank in their life time. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much! I've been looking at the Mississippi Board of Nursing website but cannot find anything useful. I also tried to call them but no one answered. This is all very stressful since it's so short notice to when I need to take the NCLEX.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

By 'drunk chanrge' do you mean public intoxication (misdemeanor) or DUI (felony)?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is a misdemeanor public intoxication charge.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A DUI/DWI is a misdemeanor

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
A DUI/DWI is a misdemeanor

Actually, it can be either. Whether it's a felony or a misdemeanor depends on the state the DUI occurred in and the circumstances surrounding it.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Very true I was referring to a simple DUI stop. No accident no injuries etc. First offense.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Did you disclose the charge to your nursing school (since the charge occurred while you are a student) or do you just plan to disclose it to the BON?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

In my state its not even that (for the first one anyway!) It's a forfieture---only state in the nation where your first DUI is not a crime!

A DUI/DWI is a misdemeanor
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am wondering what ever came of your situation? I graduate in May and just got a drunk in public ticket.

Court date is also in May before my final exam.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion