I need help! Got DUI 2 years ago...

Town & Country · Sep 28, 2004

This was two years ago?

I wouldn't do anything, I wouldn't go into any sort of program that takes two to four years.

I would just keep working.....if they are investigating you, and you've worked since then, I really don't believe they will do anything.

How did they find out?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 28, 2004

I don't think the advice above is good. You simply can't ignore them. Here in Florida they are tough and you have to do exactly as they say.

Can't believe it took them two years to find out?

Like it or not people with DUIs because they have a high probability of drinking problems are lumped in with alcholics, and denial is rampant so they tend to not listen to the "but I'm not an alcoholic" arguments. At least that's how it is here in Florida.

Good luck. I would try to find out how easy it is to defend. You probably are going to have to pay for an evaluation, get character references, job references, etc.

Either way a lot of drama and I wish you well.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 28, 2004

never reported it to CA Board in fear of loosing job quickly! Just got letter from board they know, I have 2 choices. Enslist in Diversion program, loose job, and attend a alcohol class every day for approx. 2-4 years and keep lic.? OR let board investigate and take a risk of being taken to court/trial and still rick loosing lic. and lots of $$$$on attorney fees if I get one. I'm NOT a alcoholic. I Hate drinking! It does happen! It happend 2 yrs ago after a bachlorett party and deeply regret the Stupid night! Any comments greatly appreciated!

Well, the first thing is, you should have reported this when it happened.....I'm presuming you were convicted and paid a fine, and that it's all a matter of public record. Since you didn't do that, it looks worse to the board than if you'd been honest with them from the start. HOWEVER......now that they know about it, you need to have an attitude of cooperation, and that means jumping through some hoops in order to keep your license. (Although I don't know why you'd automatically lose your job---did the letter tell you the BON would inform your employer and recommend termination, or are you merely assuming you'll be fired?)

If I were in your shoes, I would write them a letter explaining what happened, any mitigating circumstances, and the penalties you paid. Then I'd tell them what you learned from the experience and what you've done since then to ensure that this will never happen again. Don't protest that you're 'not an alcoholic'; they hear that all the time and tend to be rather cynical. Just say that you were convicted of DUI, you learned your lesson, you've lived a clean life for the past 2 years and that you'll do whatever it takes to keep your nursing license......then DO it. Would 'alcohol classes' really be that bad? You just might learn something, you know......it may be something you might not WANT to learn, but that you NEED to learn for your own sake.

Best of luck to you.

FizzgigRN · Sep 29, 2004

I totally agree with MJ. It's time to face the facts, come clean and be honest. If they see your sincerity, they might be a bit easier, but if you're in denial, they'll throw the book.

I wish you the best of luck. Pray (if that's what you're into) and try and stay focused on the job. I know this is probably very distracting. I also wouldn't mention this to anyone on the job.

Fizz

Town & Country · Sep 29, 2004

I didn't say she should ignore it.

But I wouldn't just give up my job, either ~ I would try to show them that I'd had a clean record since.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 29, 2004

Exactly. Everyone deserves a second chance, and if the OP has maintained a clean record since the incident her employer shouldn't have a problem with it. I agree with Fizzgig that it's vital NOT to discuss it with anyone at work, as hospitals are nothing but rumor mills, and if that got around then the employer could have a legitimate concern about her effectiveness on the job.

Once again, good luck to you, and please let us know how things go for you.

truern5 · Sep 29, 2004

I hired a lawyer, his going to try to negotiate with the BON and diversion program. I told him I don't want my case to go to a hearing, knowing that would most likely lead to my LIC. being revoked. I don't mind enrolling into the program. I hope they will recognize I have nothing to hide and that I'm Clean. His going to see if he can reduce the time of the class. So far from what I understand you have to STOP working immediatley once you enter the program and perhaps go on disability for approx. 3-6 mos. I'm very worried on how much that would provide to pay my bills. So I'm trying to work straight...20 days in a row before my decision date Oct 15, when I have to give the BON a decision on what I've decided. I hope I can survive on the $$$ I'm trying to make.

I've come to realize that you don't know how important something is untill it's taken from you! I've been thinking of going back to school and getting by bachelors in something different than nuring, but not this way!