First-time DUI applying to nursing school in Fall 2012

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Apr 24, 2012

I think the hope you're looking for had better come from your lawyer.

Before worrying about whether or not the CA BON will issue you a license, whether or not you can get into schools, etc, you need to get this settled first. If there's a possibility of your doing jail time, or losing your driving license (even suspended), don't you think THAT will have a significant impact on whether or not you get into school?

First, see what your criminal history is going to be. Then figure out what to do about it.

Guest219794 · Apr 24, 2012

Call the nursing board. They know the answer- At least regarding your license.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Apr 25, 2012

Call the nursing board. They know the answer- At least regarding your license.

And tell them what? That the OP might get a conviction or might not....or might get jail time or might not...or might get a suspended or revoked license--or, you guessed it--maybe not?

No, the thing to do is get out from under this first, and THEN call the BON with the results. Give them one question to answer ("will this outcome affect my possible future licensure"), not multiple possibilities.

heynurse1971 · Apr 25, 2012

I live in Texas, and got a DWI in 1997 prior to nursing school. I was on probation for 1 year while in nursing school. I had to write a letter to the board when it came time to graduate and take boards. I had no problem, nor have I ever had a problem getting/keeping a job. THANK GOODNESS. And, I learned a valuable lesson...I DO NOT drink and drive now. EVER.

jtmarcy12, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2012

Congratulations!:w00t:

nursie_nursie_415 · Jul 19, 2012

I got my DUI in 2006 while I was an LVN. My BAC was 0.16 & I tried to fight it but lost the case although my lawyer kept pushing me (he was a terrible "new" lawyer who took advantage of my desperation & I got half of my $$ back after complaining - but that's a totally different story). My license went under review & after sending them all the paperwork they requested, I was able to keep my license.

When I applied for my RN license in 2007, I once again had to send lots of requested paperwork to the BRN & was able to obtain my RN license without further inconvenience. During RN school, I was stopped from doing my 1st day of clinical rotation at the jail because when doing the background check, my name triggered an alert, labeling me as a "convict". It was totally unexpected & embarrassing, but after clearing up the details of my "conviction", I was allowed to continue with my clinical rotation (although the missed day did count against me).

After passing the NCLEX in July 2007, I feared my DUI would prevent me from being hired. On every single job application I was required to provide information regarding the DUI. That, coupled with the tightening of the economy back in 2007, I felt hopeless & even more depressed. In January of 2008 I was able to land my 1st interview & accepted the job (med/tele) when offered. A month later I was called for another interview, which I declined because of having accepted a position already. Despite applying at many hospitals, I only got called for 2 interviews - not sure if it was related to my DUI or new grad ADN status.

I do not plan on having it expunged from my record. It has been over 6 years since that incident & if I ever apply for another job, I will give the DUI information as required. If it hinders me from being hired, then so be it. There are many reasons employers will choose to not hire an applicant - this is one of the points I have against me & I have accepted it as part of my past that has severe consequences in my life. It was probably the best things that ever happened to me because not only did I stop drinking & driving, I stopped drinking altogether. Luckily no one got seriously injured & through God's mercy I was still able to get a job in one of the highest-paying acute hospitals in the Bay Area.

javigarcia · Aug 15, 2012

Im a current Nursing student who has had a dui. All that I know from what others have told me is that the BRN will give me trouble when I apply to sit for the NCLEX. My DUI happened in 2005 and I have already got it expunged. I do not think you will have trouble completing school but I am not sure bout licensing. I plan on going t another state and trying to get my license there after I complete school in California.

isotao · Dec 15, 2012

It matters not at all whether or not your DUI arrest results in a conviction or not. The court side of a DUI has nothing at all do with the actions a BON will take once you are arrested for DUI, or any other crime. Once you are arrested, you have a permanent RAP sheet, that will never be cleared, regardless if you win an expungement. If you have a license, you must report your arrest to your BON. The chances are very good that your license will be revoked, or that you will be unable to pay for the various programs most BONs require after a DUI arrest (regardless if convicted or not). If you are still in school, in an increasing number of states now, a DUI arrest will prevent your BON from granting you a license. In the majority of DUI arrests, a lawyer has no bearing on your outcome, other to advise you to plea to the lesser charge levied against you (most DUI arrests incur multiple charges, in fact, to increase the likelihood of your taking a plea, as if the prosecutor has granted you some sort of a favor?). Also, if you are a student- a DUI may prevent you from attending clinicals, based on your hospital rules. DUI is the number one criminal offense now in the US, 1.5 million per year. And every year the sentences are being increasingly harsh and permanent, by the courts, by the MVDs, and by the BONs, etc.

donnacarol · Jan 5, 2013

I got a dui in my first semester of nursing school, also an Entry Level Masters for Nurse Practitioner. It wasn't a problem for me until I applied to take the RN licensing exam which they denied. I had to negociate a settlement with the BRN and the Attorney General's Office and I was given clearance to take the exam. I rec'd my RN licence a year later, have to comply with the conditions of probation including attending 1 AA and 1 Nursing Support group per week. I have to submit to random urine testing by checking in online daily. I must abstain from all mood-altering substances including some OTC meds. The Board must approve all employment and I am to have my work supervised. I must submit quarterly reports to the BRN within the designated time period. My probation monitor may take measures to rescind my probationary license if I fail to comply with the terms of our agreement. I have managed to graduate with a MSN, its been a big hassle but I think I've made it except that I have missed a few check-ins and my probation monitor has sent my case back to the Atty General's office, will likely have probation extended. I have heard different things from different people about where the Board stands as far as accepting applicants with DUIs in the future. Your best bet is to contact the board directly

bigred61472 · Jul 28, 2013

i have a dui from 2010. i am now being charged with it. i just got into nursing school and was wondering will this effect the out come of the program and me finishing it this happen befor school have already done two sermester with two and a half to go cant find any thing out with illinois laws on that

mzaur · Jul 29, 2013

You are being charged with a DUI 3 years later? huh? BTW please use periods when you write