If you have DUIs on your record does that mean you cannot be a nurse?

Published

If you have DUIs on your record does that mean you cannot be a nurse? I have talked to a number of different people in the field and everyone seems to have different answer. I have made mistakes in the past and want to move forward. I have been accepted into a program in the fall of 2009 but am scared that my past may haunt me.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

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?
  • 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 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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion