Got a DUI in nursing school & NCLEX

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Hello to all registered users on allnurses.com and to those who are frantically searching for anyone facing a similar situation or know a friend who has gotten a DUI in nursing school.

I was in my 2nd semester in nursing school and was out celebrating a classmate's birthday at a local bowling alley/lounge. I drove and my friend was in the passenger seat accompanying me to the destination. When I first got there I had one mixed drink with my friend. We arrived about an hour before the birthday girl got there so I figured why not drink just one. Then it turned into another one. And then another shot of whisky (i think). This happened in 2014. On Thanks Giving morning at 2am I drove home and was pulled over for driving too close to a Highway Patrol vehicle that had already stopped a motorcycle on the side of the road. I was honest to the police officer and admitted right away that I had a couple of drinks before I drove. That night I was arrested for a DUI.

Did I get a laywer? YES. How much did it cost? 2k. Was he worth it? YES. In the county I live in, a DUI fine can range from $10,000 at the max to $4,000 at the minimum. Yes 4k, minimum. My lawyer helped cut me a deal with the judge. In lieu of jail time I was on electronic monitoring for 21 days and YES THAT WAS WHILE I WAS IN NURSING SCHOOL. I went through a LOT. I had to get rides EVERYWHERE including work and clinical. I lost my drivers license for a month. I am on probation for 3 years. With a BAC of .11 my lawyer was able to convince the judge that I was not drunk while driving, considering the subpoenaed dash-cam video as I stepped out of my vehicle to begin the field sobriety tests. I was convicted of driving while under the influence of a BAC of .08 or greater. (Technically not a DUI but in the same area).

Did I ever cry about it? Yes, absolutely. I completely understood the consequences and took full responsibility for my actions. Did I become depressed? No. Stay strong. This is literally not the end of the world. That's exactly what the cop told me haha! And he was right. Am I sorry for what I did? YES from the bottom of my HEART YES I AM SORRY FOR WHAT I DID. I thank God that no one was hurt. I vowed never drink and drive again.

Did I tell my school about it? No.. Nothing in the student handbook required me to disclose that information while in the program. Was I scared? Yes! I could not afford to fail out of nursing school so I literally had a fire lit under me the whole time in nursing school knowing I had to step my game up and could not make any mistakes under any circumstances.

Naturally, I searched all over Google on possible ramifications of my DUI arrest. I wondered if my career ended right then and there and contemplated if I should finish nursing school because of what happened. There are other registered nurses out there who have DUI's on their background prior to becoming a nurse. Just keep that in mind.

Here I am, March 2016, three months later after graduating nursing school and after applying to take my NCLEX. I just received my ATT via email. Please remember, every case is different and the board reviews every application as an individual. Not every case is the same. Disclose everything. Have ALL your documents ready when you submit your application. You'll regret not submitting everything as it prolongs the application process by MONTHS.

I am not lucky. I am an individual who made a mistake and learned from it. Don't let anyone bring you down. I wanted to write this for those who are feeling hopeless and are searching for answers. I can't answer all your questions but I am willing to try.

Cheers...

(AND DON'T DO IT AGAIN!)

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Specializes in EMT since 92, Paramedic since 97, RN and PHRN 2021.

Good post on accountability [emoji106]

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What state are you in?

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California

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Your post couldn't have come at a better time. I just graduated and am facing this exact situation. I can't believe I was so dumb to put myself through this, but the point is that I made a dumb decision which I am now paying for. I just wanted to ask you if you pled no contest or if your attorney had your charges dropped all together? I keep reading about how the California BRN is so strict (rightfully so) but I'm wondering if you could give any recommendations as to how you plead and tips on your letter to the BRN. Thanks again!

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Did you finish your 3 years DUI probation prior to applying? I received a DUI in my last semester of nursing school (charged oct 2014, convicted March 2015). I told my instructors and department and they supported me and allowed me to finish my last clinical and graduated in December 2014. I've reached the 1 year mark of my DUI and plan on setting a motion to terminate my DUI early at the halfway mark in September. Please help me as I am also in California. I hear it's best to get off probation before applying.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Did you finish your 3 years DUI probation prior to applying? I received a DUI in my last semester of nursing school (charged oct 2014, convicted March 2015). I told my instructors and department and they supported me and allowed me to finish my last clinical and graduated in December 2014. I've reached the 1 year mark of my DUI and plan on setting a motion to terminate my DUI early at the halfway mark in September. Please help me as I am also in California. I hear it's best to get off probation before applying.

The California asks a question bout criminal offenses involving alcohol or substance use/abuse. It is best to be truthful when answering this question - because if you lie and the BRN finds out you will be in a world of hurt! When you pass the NCLEX you will likely be called before the BRN to talk about your conviction. Do not do this without a lawyer. If you are not an alcoholic/addict and this is a one time incident that you have learned from and moved on a good lawyer experienced in professional licensing issues can help you negotiate with the BRN about stipulations you may have going into practice. Without a lawyer you will likely be given an "OPPORTUNITY TO VOLUNTEER" for a diversion program. Such programs are difficult and at times seem high unreasonable but you can and will get through it. While I believe many people get caught up in these programs without being in true need of them. That being said I am an alcoholic in recovery and a Diversion program saved my life and my career so if you do have a problem I would not wait until later in your career to seek help. Get it now and get it done with.

Peace and Namaste

Hppy

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In the county I live in almost no one gets away with a DUI. No one can even get it dropped to a Wet and Reckless either because the DUI rate here is so high they want to really get people to learn their lesson. There are two counts I went to court for: Driving while under the influence of alcohol and driving with BAC of .08 or greater. Most people that get one charge also get charged for the other. I pled guilty of driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. The charge of driving while under the influence was dropped based off the evidence my lawyer provided.

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Applying for which, the NCLEX or a job?

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Nclex. I'm coming off my first year of probation as of this month.

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I am still on probation. My halfway mark will be in September, which I plan on getting this expunged from my record. I don't suggest waiting after probation until you apply.

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How high did you blow of you don't mind me asking?

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