should I continue school if I have an old dui

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2016

This isn't a "youthful mistake". You were convicted of driving while intoxicated. "Technically" doesn't matter if you are convicted. You must understand in the adult world no one cares about excuses. It is a LIABILITY world in nursing. If you injure a patient the lawyers will be all over your criminal record. The hospital where you work may have to explain why they hired a person with a criminal record. It goes on and on.

I am not saying you will or will not be able to get a license. However take responsibility and man up. If you are "discouraged" they only person you have to blame is yourself. You have made your life more difficult. That is a fact.

Serhilda, ADN, RN · Mar 25, 2016

Don't mind the previous poster, he's always like that. In Texas at least, I know a cousin of mine had no problem getting licensed with her DUI and she got that during nursing school. Her problem, however, was finding a place that was willing to hire a nurse with a criminal record. If it comes down to it, perhaps consider relocating if you want this bad enough.

gere7404, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2016

I work with a lot of nurses who've had DUI's in the past -- I think a single DUI can be overlooked if it was a while ago, however habitual DUI's on your record would most likely be a no-go for your state's BON.

kim2075295 · Mar 26, 2016

Wow so hateful. Thanks for your comment any way I'll keep it in mind.

kim2075295 · Mar 26, 2016

Thank you, I actually know a lot of nurses who actually have some type of addiction and have never been caught and I was so mad when I was told I might not get licensed because of my past. I definatley learned from it. Doesn't matter if was one drink or 5 you just don't drive. Thank you for your input.

sailornurse · Mar 26, 2016

Background checks nowadays include credit reports & even a bankruptcy may be a reason to decline to offer a job as it points to character. And windsurfer is simply telling you the reality that exists. Every state is different. As former faculty I know if 2 individuals that Texas would not grant nursing license due to prior legal problems. One lied on school background check got caught on fingerprints.

FatsWaller, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2016

I love the first repliers comment....where is that compassion that all nurses are supposed to have and that so many taut? OP, you made a mistake, hopefully you learned from it and thankfully no one was injured, we are not here to analyze your morals or tell you what kind of person you are. Like some said it is dependent on your state but a DUI, especially in the past is generally not something that will bar you from getting you license in most areas, that's not to say some may not. A good point was by a previous poster was that you will likely get your license, its getting a job that may prove to be more difficult and require some explanation. I don't know how every state BON handles it, but I know there is always an area on applications for you to explain yourself and the charge. My advice, tell the truth and do not down play it. When people lie or try to hide the charge is when real trouble occurs.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2016

What "compassion" do you think you will get from a lawyer? What "compassion" do you expect from the state BON? I am not judging the person. I am saying in this day and age alcohol/drugs convictions are VERY serious and people can and have lost careers over them. Management do not care about feeling sorry for people..they care about lawsuits and liability.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Mar 27, 2016

In my state, you can get licensed with a DUI. I'm not sure if the license will have stipulations, though.

I say this because I have at least 1 classmate with a DUI.

At the board meeting, 1 of our CIs asked the board this question and the reply she received was that the student needs to submit all paperwork, but that a DUI would not make her automatically denied a license.

FatsWaller, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2016

First off to my knowledge you're not a lawyer, nor are you the board of nursing, so I expected more from a nurse then a stock statement from a lawyer/overseeing licensing/disciplinary body, my mistake. I am not Mr. Compassion over here, but everyone is always pushing it and saying they are full of it, so I just feel a conducive answer rather than a scolding would be better (Im sure the scolded her in court). Second, how many nurses have abuse issues? and how many continue to work under diversion and through state provided programs. I think your treating this person's DUI as if she used to be a heroin addict.

It seems to me in this day in age, alcohol/drug convictions are almost taken less serious and more accepted (I am not saying I think it's a good thing). People seem to just shrug when they hear of a co-worker being caught with an abuse issue, and feel it's expected. There are definitely more programs and diversion opportunities, people are not fired as much on the spot anymore, and if there is a revoking of a license it usually takes years of litigation and paperwork. I don't know, it just seems to me that most states are loosening restrictions rather than tightening them, I definitely saw it in the fire department when I left. It used to be that if you had a DUI (while you were employed) you were fired, but that's no longer the case.

I really don't foresee her not being able to become a nurse because of a mistake that was made however many years ago. Now finding a job because of the mandatory section where she will have to report the infraction may prove more difficult. An important question to also ask is if it was a misdemeanor DUI or a Felony DUI. Now if it was while she was on her way to work, or after, then I could see reason for revoking or barring a license, but with how many stories I have heard about drug abusing nurses still working, I am skeptical, especially if it was a misdemeanor DUI they would not allow her to license. Now her license may have stipulations or might be contingent on her attending a class every so often. Also if it's a state where there are nursing unions, this may also come into play while looking or once you have a job.

End of story, contact AZ BON and ask, they get this question plenty of times I assure you.

barrelrcer · Mar 27, 2016

Call the AZ state board of nursing. They can answer any of your questions. It may just take longer to get your approval for your license once you test because they will most likely investigate the incident.