Getting an RN with a prior DUI

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2005

Tell your state board of nursing about your DUI up front. I have a classmate who got a DUI just after LPN school, just prior to starting an RN program. The BON did not allow her to work as an LPN or get her LPN license. She had to complete RN school and show the BON she could stay out of trouble first.

She had no further problems w/ the law and got her RN license w/out any problems.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2005

I have just started a pre-nursing program and would really like to become an RN. The problem is that I was convicted of a DUI about 2 years ago. I, of course, have paid my fines, attended the classes and learned quite a bit about myself in the process.
How likely is it that I would be approved to take the RN test? I would hate to spend money on an education that won't be of any use.

Please use "search" and review of some the several hundred threads available on this topic.

The only group that can answer your question would be the BON of your state. VIRTUALLY ALL CASES are decided on a case by case basis by the BON. Anything else would be merely speculation on our part and not be very helpful to your cause.

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 26, 2005

I have just started a pre-nursing program and would really like to become an RN. The problem is that I was convicted of a DUI about 2 years ago. I, of course, have paid my fines, attended the classes and learned quite a bit about myself in the process.
How likely is it that I would be approved to take the RN test? I would hate to spend money on an education that won't be of any use.

Hello, mfogo,:balloons:

I hope you have apprised your nursing program regarding this issue. They need to know as well. Your state BON will also decide about this issue when you apply for licensure. They decide on an individual basis, collectively as a board.

I wish you much luck.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2005

I was just going to say what Siri said, the nursing schools applications usually require one to fess up about such things. First you need to find out if this is going to hinder you getting into school.

Here in Florida a DUI does not mean one can't become a nurse. Glad to hear you're not making excuses and you've learned from it. Good luck.

lisa bear rn · Sep 27, 2005

I have just started a pre-nursing program and would really like to become an RN. The problem is that I was convicted of a DUI about 2 years ago. I, of course, have paid my fines, attended the classes and learned quite a bit about myself in the process.
How likely is it that I would be approved to take the RN test? I would hate to spend money on an education that won't be of any use.

You should be fine, but talk with the board of nursing about it. You would be so surprised how many nurses there are with DUI arrests as well as "other" problems, and they are still able to practice, not without paying their dues. A friend of mine in nursing school got a DUI when she was 20 years old (before nursing school) and she just had to disclose that on the application to nursing school, when she was accepted to the prof. program, she had to get some paperwork concering her arrest, and she had to show she completed a 12 step program for AA. She made it through nursing school just fine and has been a nurses for 4 years now, and the DUI does not have anything negative to do with her license. Good Luck!!

LISA

Mississippi_RN · Sep 27, 2005

Please use "search" and review of some the several hundred threads available on this topic.
The only group that can answer your question would be the BON of your state. VIRTUALLY ALL CASES are decided on a case by case basis by the BON. Anything else would be merely speculation on our part and not be very helpful to your cause.

A little snippy, aren't we?

To the person who originally posted the question, just let the BON know. They ask for you to explain anything you put on the application as "criminal". Not impossible...or at least, I know someone who had a DUI and is now a RN.

:)

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2005

A little snippy, aren't we?

Not in the least.

This question gets posted generally 2-10 (or more) times per month. And the answer does not change.

The OP is new and may not be aware that the search option exists or that this so common a question. As such, it behooves us to let them know.

Much like "RN vs LPN", "ADN vs BSN", "Nurses being mean", "Are all the payrates in FL so low", etc. Letting someone know that they can bump /get info from one of the many existing threads will allow them to get more opinions and info, than if every single person starts a new one. Because eventially people get tired of posting the exact same info over and over, on every single repeated thread that comes up. And then the poster in need gets little to no posts/information.