LPN student. DUI first offense. No bashing, just help.

Julz034 · Nov 12, 2009

I really, honestly, don't think it will affect you. I don't know how it affects getting your license, but if you can it shouldn't affect getting a job. When I worked in HR for a home care company we hired a RN who was found guilty for a vehicular homicide case 20 years ago. She has been a nurse a very long time, however, we had certain things we were not allowed to hire for. I would search our book, and if the number on the BCI&I did not match what was in our book, they were fine. I've hired many people with DUI's, etc. We did not hire with a background of trafficking, drug use, assault, domestic violence, etc.

Don't beat yourself up. You made a mistake, you've been punished, you have learned never to do it again. People make mistakes we're human. Good thing is you didn't hurt anyone... I say stay in school keep working. I doubt that the BON is going to not let you test because you got this DUI. My cousin just had one completely dismissed. Her attorney saw that the ticket wasn't notarized and is supposed to be within 24 hours or so, the cop failed to do his part! Have your attorney check EVERYTHING, he can explain what's going on to the judge, you may receive a little credit for that. Stress to them that you have learned your lesson, and it will NEVER happen again. Agree to a drug/alcohol treatment program, and agree to pay whatever fines you need to to get it reduced to a wreckless op, which is what they typically reduce it to.

I know how stressful the divorce thing can be. No one should judge, as it's not in their place to. *hugs* from one nursing student to another! I will be praying for you!

kat7ap · Nov 12, 2009

Honestly there is some possibility that you may not be able to get a license when you graduate. However you will not know this until you apply for licensure. When you apply for your license, the board will ask you about all previous convictions or law violations not including minor traffic offenses. It is at the board's discretion to whether or not they allow you to take the NCLEX. They may say yes but with stipulations on your license or certain requirements that you must keep. The process could be a long one too. My state (Texas) takes the DUI offense very seriously so YES it can definitely affect your nursing or future nursing licensing. On the Texas BON website they list every single disciplinary action against nurses and yes there are some that do lose their license for DUI offense. I think the most important thing is to be honest and open about it when you make your case to the board of nursing. Make it clear that you will do whatever it takes and they willl more likely be able to work with you. But then again, no promises. Sorry you are going through this.

happy2bme2 · Nov 12, 2009

thank you....so much, for your responses. the separation/divorce has been very taxing on me, and all combined is taking it's toll. devastating, but what doesn't kill us makes us stronger! i have 3 beautiful, grown and successful children to be so proud of, an adorable little 19 month old granddaughter, and the whole future to look forward to. unfortunately, i didn't need this, but will do whatever it takes to right a wrong. attorneys are brutal by the way, as were the police officers. unbelievable and traumatizing in itself. i'm continuing to research all i can on the subject, but any other ideas or suggestions you might have would be so appreciated!! i feel better already. if i do decide to drop classes for the time being, at least i can get the rest of my life in order; i.e., divorce proceedings, living arrangements, etc before returning to school, at that point, i'll be in a much better position to focus solely on my studies. it was easy for my husband and i to agree to certain 'arrangements' in the meantime, but much, much harder to actually follow through on them. not what i was looking forward to at this point in my life, but where there's a will, there's a way. thanks again, my fellow nurses! have a good night.

happy2bme2 · Nov 12, 2009

You are like an angel. thank you, from the bottom of my heart! i've decided to drop my classes for now; focus on the personal stuff, inc. the dui, which i'm so ashamed of. i feel like a load has been lifted, and i can finally move forward on things that are holding me back. a huge part of the puzzle is moving away from my abusive husband. i have renewed strenght thanks to your kindness. please write me again!!

happy2bme2 · Nov 12, 2009

hi again....i've made the decision to drop classes/clinicals for now, get my stuff in order, and move on with a clear head. i will return to school in either january or may; depends on how things go on the homefront, which means moving to a new home; probably my brother who is so kind to offer a bedroom to me free of charge. thank god for him. i have no $$ to speak of, and have been made to tear up credit card, but still have the use of a debit card, which is being monitored contantly. i'm ready to move on in life, feel good about my decision, and get out of this office of mine, where i lock myself in to avoid harrassment. so i feel very positive and good today about things, and feel like a 200 pound load has been lifted. my instructors, director, and kids are all being very supportive, as are you all. thanks again so very, very much for your advice and insight; i hope to hear back from you great nurses. :loveya:

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Nov 14, 2009

Best wishes in moving forward with your life. Not having outside stressors interfeering with your classwork will find it much easier to study, ace those tests, graduate znd pass NCLEX.

Closing thread for now.