I got a DUI

truern5 · Sep 23, 2004

I know how you feel. I got one 2 years ago, never reproted it, now the board caught it. IM NOT AN ALCOHOLIC! It does happen to non alcoholics too. What happend in your case?

I'm not sure what way to go, enter the Diversion program and loose Lic and go to stupid alcoholic class every day for next 3 years or let them take me to trail since I know this was a one time mistake and take a chance?

southern_rn_brat · Sep 23, 2004

I know how you feel. I got one 2 years ago, never reproted it, now the board caught it. IM NOT AN ALCOHOLIC! It does happen to non alcoholics too. What happend in your case?
I'm not sure what way to go, enter the Diversion program and loose Lic and go to stupid alcoholic class every day for next 3 years or let them take me to trail since I know this was a one time mistake and take a chance?

Entering the Peer Assistance Program is probably the ONLY way you will keep your license. You really want to take a chance with your career?

I just entered the PAP program myself. I met with a screening board instead of the actual board itself. NO WAY I would want to meet the entire board after THAT meeting!!

Do what you have to do to keep your license.

Da Monk · Sep 24, 2004

A DUI is a misdemeanor and in the states where I have renewed licenses, I was asked if I had been found guilty of a crime other than traffic violations. I would not put my head on the chopping block by "confessing" to the State Board in your state. Your auto insurance company will find out, but probably not your SBON. If you do not have an addiction issue, forget it. If convicted you will need to work a little OT to pay your auto insurance premiums.

jumpstart-hrts · Sep 24, 2004

I'll have to find the information. I'm basing my statement on the fact I work with someone going through this. He actually got a DUI in another state and is trying to get licensed here in Florida. Which they gave him his license to practice in Florida (under certain restrictions like no overtime, no floating, etc.) (so maybe it's not against the nurse practice act), and to keep it he must go to meetings, drop urines when asked, etc. for two years.
I also know someone who is a group facilitator in the Intervention Project for Nurses, which is an outside agency the BON uses to monitor and intervene in those with chemical dependency problems, and those with DUI's. I will ask him what the nurse practice act says,
But you're right it may not be against the nurse practice act, but I do know one must jump through hoops to prove one is safe after getting a DUI. Again, it's because the overwhelming majority of persons with DUI's are alcoholics. Not fair, but true.
Regarding your statement "he hasn't been convicted of the crime", I'm not sure I know what you're saying, as the person said "I got a DUI".
Sorry, but I feel it is the business of the BON as a patient safety issue.

Even though it doesn't seem to be the popular vote, I have to agree with 3rdshiftguy.......at least as far as Florida is concerned. They are VERY strict on licensure.

I am from another state and want to transfer to Florida. Even the state I'm licensed in requires total honesty. I got a DUI 12 yrs prior to licensing. No problems since, not even a parking ticket. But I was required to state my prior offense(anything relating to drug or alcohol use, or any type of physical abuse) In my state I had to write a letter to the BON stating that I had learned my lesson (I have) and that it will never happen again. (It won't) Thankfully I never had to appear before the board in my state, but I may have to in Florida.

and my reasons for my statements..

My reasons were: I was 22 yrs old. Yes, I made a huge mistake, but now I see what my actions could have caused. In the years since my DUI I have had time to think of the consequeces my actions could have had on others. What if were me and my children coming home from a Friday night movie and some "non-drinker" decided to have a few and hit and killed my babies?? Would I have as much sympathy for them as I did my "non-drinking" self back then????" NOOOOOO...HELL NO!!!!!!

14 yrs later and Florida is VERY interested in my DUI. 14 yrs! Yes, your past will come back...again and again...especially if you want any kind of job or life. 14 yrs and I'm still explaining that one night out.

I think.."yes, it was only a couple drinks, and it was only ONE block from home", but I could have hit and killed the neighbor boy" What if it were my children??

Yes, I have learned my lesson, but think......doesn't every family member (ourselves included) deserve to feel safe and secure in their nurse?? Don't they have the right to have a safe, competent and SOBER nurse????? I don't know about you, but I think I do. The last thing a person who is begging for their loved one's life needs to think about is "Gee, I hope my nurse isn't a drunk." Sorry, but it's true....and I'm an offender.

I am in no way, whatsoever, saying the OP is a drunk. I know we all make mistakes. But I do think the fact that they are here and asking questions is a good thing. We all make mistakes, that's what makes us human. It's when we don't learn from them that makes us animals....or worse.

The BON's job is to keep the public safe from US, not to keep our secrets or to protect us from anyone.

Just my opinion......

jumpstart-hrts · Sep 24, 2004

I haven't had time to check the FL BON yet. But my friend says that every DUI is reported to the BON, not sure of the mechanism of reporting if it's electronic or what.
But not every DUI causes a person to have to enter the intervention project and a DUI is technically not against the nurse practice act if it's alcohol. Drugs is another story however.
In other words, a DUI does not necessary have consequences from a nursing standpoint, but the BON is aware of it. I'm not sure why my coworker had to jump through so many hoops, I guess because he was coming from another state.

In my small town, two yrs ago I had to make them look for it!!!!! Really! The BIG law books and all!!! No computers in our town. Heck, they couldn't even find it because I wasn't married then, I had to give them my maiden name! :rotfl:

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2004

I had a friend in Az who got a DUI just after completing her LPN program. By the time the BON allowed her to get an LPN license, she'd graduated from an RN program.

The BON delayed her being able to be licensed for over a year.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Sep 24, 2004

old threads never die, and they don't fade away either apparently. this one is from september of 2003. let's let it rest in peace.

locking it