Licensing delays due to old DUI?

[KM71]

I am starting our RN program (In Texas) in January. I'll have a December graduation 4 semesters later and have already decided to enter a bridge program to go straight from ADN to MSN.

I have a few questions based on some things I have run across. If anyone can give me some insight (Especially in Texas) I would appreciate it.

Does the TX BON determine WHEN you can take your NCLEX after graduation, or do they just give you (you know what I mean) your license once you pass? I know that there is a probable delay in getting the BON to release my license, but I am not sure if I can still test right away or if the BON tells me when I am allowed to test.

Because of this old (8+ years) DUI, I know that there will be a 3-6 month delay, according to the TX BON website.

The DUI was in Ohio, and they don't expunge them there, so that is not an option. I"m not trying to hide anything, just trying to get a real idea of what to expect.

Will I be able to get a GN position while I am waiting on the BON to approve me?

I appreciate any experience or knowledge that anyone can share.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

These are difficult questions and ones which we can't answer. Each case is handled individually.

Moving to the Nursing Licensure with a Criminal History forum.

[KM71]

Thanks for moving this, I had no idea it was here or I would have come here first.

I'm reading some of the horror stories about other TX people's experiences and it's not helping my state of mind..

I technically can't even apply until September 15. It's now July 8. Should I go through the TX DO process now so that it will hopefully be back before I apply? Or would that be a waste of time?

Who knew that a misdemeanor would have such a dramatic effect on future life plans..

[KM71]

I was asking more for personal experiences. I know this seems to be more common that I once thought.

I'm wondering if I should apply for the TX DO now so that it will hopefully be done by the Fall semester when they officially decide on applicants.

[sillywilly]

I am in Ca, so I don't know how different things are in Tx, but here is my past experience: I got arrested for a DUI about 3 years before starting my LVN program. I was never charged with a DUI, the case was thrown out of court. That arrest was the only thing on my record. I did not have a problem getting into the LVN program, or with background checks for clinicals.

I was able to take the NCLEX right after I graduated. About a month later I got a letter from the board of nursing saying I passed, but I may not get my license due to my background. They were going to do a investigation, and let me know if they were going to deny my license when they were done.

I had to get certified copies of my arrest paperwork, all court paperwork, DMV paperwork, and paperwork from the driving diversion class I had to take. I had to mail all my certified paperwork in along with a letter of explanation about the event.

It took the board of nursing ten months to do their investigation! It was terrible, I was terrified that they were going to deny me my license. They finally sent me a letter saying they ruled in my favor, and sent my license

It was a huge pain for me! I didn't even get charged with a DUI and it caused a ten month delay. I had a friend in nursing school who got a DUI in a different state years ago. The board of nursing said she had to fly to that state to get certified copies of all her paperwork.

I would call your state board of nursing right now and ask how the process works, and what paperwork you will need to turn in. It would be good to be prepared and know what your in for. I hope everything turns out well for you!