FL New Grad worried about multiple DUI's

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Hi Everyone,

My name is Elizabeth and I live in Florida. I am graduating in a week and am super excited about my new career as an RN. I'm writing because I have two DUI's, one in 2004 and one in 2008. I have since then become sober. I've been clean and sober since June 2008, and proud of it. I recently heard a rumor that you have to wait seven years since the last DUI in order to sit for the boards and have been unable to "google" anything on the subject. Is that true? Do I have to wait?

I'd appreciate any information on the topic you guys have, or anyone who's been through it themselves. Thank you for your time and consideration. Anyone who wants to pass judgement need not reply. I've seen how some of you respond to posts like these and want to express how irrelevant and needless your posts are. So, if you find yourself with a scolding or judgmental tone...please omit your response in order for those who are helpful to be seen. I've paid my dues and put myself through nursing school alone, which i'm sure all of us who went through it can agree is tough :) Thanks again to those who can help!

- Elizabeth

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Did you find the other threads were not helpful for you?I would suggest you contact your state board and ask them your exact question- they don't have to know your identify to answer a question.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

It appears the Florida BON considers each application on a case by case basis. Check out this PDF and on page 13 it will give you an explanation of what is needed.

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/ap_licensure-rn-lpn.pdf

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Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

Call the FLordia BON and they will tell you exact information needed.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I doubt the BON will answer specifically enough to satisfy you. They will want to consider lots of factors. I think you may have a good chance of being successful and recommend you worry only when, and IF, you hear from the BON after you submit your licensure request. Good luck!!

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congratulations on your sobriety. it will always be the right thing to do, and if they are interested, the board will look favorably upon it.

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While unfortunate that you have 2 DUIs, I was expecting to open up an entirely different thread when I saw the "multiple DUIs" in the title. I don't see how anyone could be judgmental given that you have taken responsibility for your actions and have enjoyed several years of sobriety.

I think you are going to find that the Florida BON will not give you a definitive answer that you can bank on. You will probably have to jump through some hoops to document that you have more than learned your lesson, but I think the odds are good that you will come out okay in the end. You're just going to have to submit your stuff and see what happens. Good luck and congrats on your sobriety.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Hi Everyone,

My name is Elizabeth and I live in Florida. I am graduating in a week and am super excited about my new career as an RN. I'm writing because I have two DUIs, one in 2004 and one in 2008. I have since then become sober. I've been clean and sober since June 2008, and proud of it. I recently heard a rumor that you have to wait seven years since the last DUI in order to sit for the boards and have been unable to "google" anything on the subject. Is that true? Do I have to wait?

I'd appreciate any information on the topic you guys have, or anyone who's been through it themselves. Thank you for your time and consideration. Anyone who wants to pass judgement need not reply. I've seen how some of you respond to posts like these and want to express how irrelevant and needless your posts are. So, if you find yourself with a scolding or judgmental tone...please omit your response in order for those who are helpful to be seen. I've paid my dues and put myself through nursing school alone, which i'm sure all of us who went through it can agree is tough :) Thanks again to those who can help!

- Elizabeth

Congratulations on your sobriety and congratulations on your impending graduation.!!!

:yeah:Have you contacted the FL nursing board?

I think you may be better served if you posted in the Nursing Licensure With A Criminal History Nursing Licensure With A Criminal History for Nurses | Nursing Students section.

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moving to Nursing Licensure with a Criminal History forum.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Oncology, Neurology, Rehab.

I agree with the other posts. If you have been sober since 2008 I congratulate you. But you must contact the BON and ask the question. Don't be afraid of the past, just be honest and when you fill out the application if you like when they ask to explain the DUI just also add how long you have been sober and how proud you are of yourself etc. Never depend on other's information, ask the source the one who will be giving you your license because it is on a case by case basis. I believe that you have a good chance of getting your license. I will be praying that all is well. They may even wonder if you would seek out other mood altering substances since you will be administering narcotics, and only you can ask yourself that question!

Blessings to you:nurse:

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The state of Florida and many others now try to generate revenue by selling criminal histories on the internet to anyone with a credit card. The FBI intends to enter this new field of commerce known as data mining with a billion dollars startup (paid for with Homeland Security tax funded dollars) over the next ten years. More than half of their data is arrest only and one out of three americans are arrested before their 24th birthday. They will be offering employers an additional service of continuous ongoing notification of arrests. That is the interesting part as we used to have innocent until proven guilty in the USA. I would venture to say that such notification could interfere with a person being able to pay for a lawyer. This also impacts victims of identity theft and those with common names as the internet companies and for that matter the states have little accountability for accuracy. In our current job market this can have devastating impact. Stay strong and sober for the challenges you will be facing.

If you care about our basic right about innocent until proven guilty even if you feel safe from this new big brother threat let your legislators know your concerns.

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The 7 year thing is untrue in Alabama. On the application, there are "regulation" questions that ask you about things like criminal offenses and substance abuse. If you answer yes to any of the questions, you're then required to provide a written disclosure explaining the situation. It's in your best interest to be completely honest. Tell them what, when, why, all of that. Then follow up with what you've learned and how you've bettered yourself, which is sounds like you've done! It will take your application a little longer to go through, but it's definitely better than 7 years.

I know we're in different states and things might be a little different in Florida.. I just thought I'd share, considering that you're not limited to sit in Florida just because you live there.

(Source: Soon to Be Nursing Graduates videos from Non-CE course offerings)

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