Got a DWI 10 yrs ago and another just recent, will BON approve me?

[rc1999]

Hello, I am currently in school for LVN, I received a declaratory form from Board of Nursing (TX), on June 18th. I have A (dismissed -for completing program) DWI on my record from 10 years ago. On June 20th, I was pulled over because I closed my eyes at a red light and fell asleep for a few seconds, I was pulled over and charged for DWI, It was 2 am, but I wasnt drunk, I had some drinks with friends earlier that Saturday, but the truth is that I was so tired, I had class early morning that day, then after class did homework, then went to a party and then was heading to get a bite to eat with some friends, I was on way to ATM... I am so devestated, I am almost done with the program and to have gotten this far for nothing? I have hired an attorney, because again I was not intoxicated....Anyhow, I had already sent in paper work from previous charge, and do I need to let them know about this charge? How do I let them know? by email? letter? or call them? Nursing is my passion, I currently work as a CNA, love working with elderly patients (home Health...:redpinkhe) please any advise out there?

[pers]

Honestly, I don't know. I hope someone else can chime in with real advice for you. Based on other posts I've read here, it sounds like BONs tend to prefer you be upfront with them but again, you may want to wait for someone more knowledgable than me. Have you considered contacting an attorney who deals with the BON regularly for advice?

[GilaRRT]

If you were not drunk, why were you charged? A breathalyzer or blood test should have cleared you.

[NurseTrishaH]

It's hard to tell what the BON will allow... it's by individual case. I'm just curious how they charged you with DWI if you weren't drunk. If you truly weren't intoxicated wouldn't it just be a traffic violation? I may be misreading your post, but it isn't adding up to me.

[corky1272RN]

If you had a DWI 10 years ago and that was it, the BON would probably think "ok this person learned from their mistake and probably changed since it has been so long" but now you have had another. Unfortunately, that will not look good for you. I don't think that taking the stance "I wasn't drunk"will do well either, in fact it looks worse. And just a sidenote, in some states being sleepy (and dangerous) behind the wheel can still get someone charged with DUI (driving under the influence).

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history and if so, can i get a job?
  
• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a mip, dui, or other related charges?
  
• what happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
  
• can i go to nursing school and/or be licensed/be employed if my record has been sealed or expunged?
  
• what if i have a “deferred adjudication” or a “withhold of adjudication”? will i have to declare this as a conviction?
  
• will i be able to go to nursing school and/or attend clinicals with a criminal record?
  
• what can happen if i receive a mip/dui/dwi or other charge while still in school?
  

these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing.

if you are currently licensed as a nurse and have been charged with or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor including dui/dwi or any criminal offense, you need to contact the bon in every state you hold a license/wish to be licensed and ask their reporting requirements.

if you are a nursing student or are interested in becoming a nurse you need to contact your bon and/or your school of nursing directly. you need to be completely candid with them as to the nature and disposition of the crimes. each board of nursing makes a determination on a case by case basis and some are willing to issue a declarative statement in advance.