Got a dui and just got accepted into nursing program what to do!!??

Published

I am in the process of recieving a dui, not just a regular dui but an aggressive dui. There is an error in my report so I am PRAYING that it can be dropped but i highly doubt it. Besides the emotional punishment I am going through based on my horrible decision... I will forever have this on my record and this is not typical behavior for my part. I am extremely worried as I just got accepted into the RN program here and this has been something I have wanted to do since i became a CNA 6 years ago. I have no officially been charged with a DUI; however, it is very likely. I am wondering how this will affect my state boards and finding a job. I believe if I take probation that it will give me the chance to prove that I learned my lesson and that it will never happen again as opposed to taking jail time. I was also under the understanding that some states are a lot more strict as far as this issue goes and was wondering if anyone knew any information at all about what this all entails. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

I have no idea how to advice you as your school and your states BON will have the most accurate information for how this will effect you. You can call your school and ask them what is their policy on DUI's since all schools vary.

But I am curious, what is the difference between a DUI and Aggressive DUI?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

a dui is when you have a bac of anything higher than .08, and aggressive dui is when you blow anything above .15 i blew a .249 which was also an hour after i was actually driving but it is extremely high... like i said the worst decision i ever made in my entire life... I was obviously not in the condition to make that decision accurately...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm going to move this to the nursing career with criminal history forum.

These are answers we simply can't provide. Each nursing school and then board of nursing handles each case individually.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In all honesty, this is a really bad cituation to be in.

In my state, you can not get your license if you have a DUI.

If you are lucky enough to avoid charges, you are really going to have to make some strong decisions about how important nursing is to you and make the needed life changes. Alcohol is a dangerous drug no matter how socially acceptable it is. Boards of Nursing will view a DUI as a someone who put other peoples lives in danger and did not display accountability regardless of the fact that it was a mistake and everyone makes them. If you make it though this, you will really need to decide if you are really ready to commit to nursing and that will mean you can't do things that other people do. You will need to stop hanging out with your drinking friends and maybe even cut out drinking all together.

I used to smoke weed but the day I decided to go to nursing school I quit. I had to stop hanging out with my old friends and I won't even be in the same room as drugs. The reason is because I know that a single drug offense will mean a PERMAMENT exculsion from licensing. I'm not saying I'm better then you, I'm just saying that nursing requires life changes.

Everyone makes mistakes and maybe it isn't fair to judge peoples nursing abilities on what they did in youth but when nurses deal with peoples lifes, they are more strict in their standards. There really isn't a demand for new grad nurses and I'd imagine they want to choose the ones who have not made choices that have put lives at risk.

I'm sorry, this is harsh but true

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is not my dedication that i am worried about or my capabilities of being an amazing nurse- this i already know. I am concerned about what actions to take from here on out. I have never drove and drank before this occurance and am thankfull i was stopped because who knows what could have happened if they didn't. I got this dui before being accepted, not making this ok i am just saying. I have not drank since the occurance not because of my acceptance but because it scared the hell out of me. I do not wish to hear about what i should have done or how horrible my decision was this i already know. So if you have any suggestions about what I can do now, or what states are stricter or any advice i would appreciate it. Any opinions or judgemental comments i do not want to hear please and thank you. i appreciate any helpfull comments.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

As we have stated, these are just questions we can't answer. The board of nursing handles in each states handles things differently. We can't know the specifics of your charges, (nor should you post them in public).

All we can do is offer support.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We are all human and make mistakes.... It is those who are willing to take a chance with us, in order for us to move forward and contribute to society in a positive way.... I have been in your situation, and I am praying it is not going to affect me getting in to nursing school...Keep your head up high, and stay strong..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
It is not my dedication that i am worried about or my capabilities of being an amazing nurse- this i already know. I am concerned about what actions to take from here on out. I have never drove and drank before this occurance and am thankfull i was stopped because who knows what could have happened if they didn't. I got this dui before being accepted, not making this ok i am just saying. I have not drank since the occurance not because of my acceptance but because it scared the hell out of me. I do not wish to hear about what i should have done or how horrible my decision was this i already know. So if you have any suggestions about what I can do now, or what states are stricter or any advice i would appreciate it. Any opinions or judgemental comments i do not want to hear please and thank you. i appreciate any helpfull comments.

Well, don't post this on a public forum then because there really are no suggestions. You will be at the mercy of the BON and that is that.

There is such a thing as a right judgement by the way. All I was doing is explaining how the BON looks at DUI's and I agree with them. Good luck. I really do wish you the best but you should really expect to take some flack when you post on a public forum, is all.

Hope you learned a good lesson and I hope you are given a second chance!:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am sorry about the situation you are in. I would recommend getting consultation from an attorny who specializes in dealing with your state's respective board of nursing. An attorney will be able to help guide you in your situation in regards to a criminal conviction and licensure and dealing with your school of nursing. Here is the link to the American Association of Nurse Attorneys website and there is a hotline to call to help find a nurse attorney http://www.taana.org/Public/home_page2.asp.

I don't intend on giving legal advice but I recieved a dui (actually it was the lesser charge to a dui but that is beside the point) as a nursing student and I was still able to receivie employment at multiple hospitals in my area as a nurse tech and I am set to graduate at the end of the year. It was a dumb mistake but I owned up to it with upmost integrity and responsibility. However, I couldn't have survived my dui without proper legal advice from a criminal defense lawyer and a nurse lawyer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Update please!

Hope that things went well,

:)

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

Well, with any luck for you, you live in my state where your first DUI isn't even a criminal charge, it's a misdemeanor (unless there are extra circumstances, like having a minor in the car with you). I had a classmate with FOUR DUI convictions to her name (so she was definately into criminal territory) and she got an LPN license without any problem.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion