2 Major Car Accidents in the Last 2 Years + 2 Minor-Moving Traffic Violations

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Hello,

I have been thinking about pursuing a nursing career because I realized how rewarding the job is. However, before making any commitment, I would like to know if my poor driving record will keep me from getting certified after completing a nursing program. I have two major car accidents in the last 2 years and a few minor moving violations... I was going through a very hard time and it affected my driving performance. But, I've come to learn how to handle difficult situations and now really want to become a RN. Does anybody here know or have any ideas of how difficult it would be for me to get licensed and get a job at a hospital afterwards? I live in CA and am planning to get my license here. Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated. Thank you!

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Specializes in General Surgery.

1. You become licensed not certified.

2. Every situation is different.

3. I know RNs with a hx of ETOH behind the wheel before they became RNs.

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Thank you for your reply! Now I'm leaning more towards going to a nursing school.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Moved to the Nursing Licensure with a Criminal History forum to help you get more responses. This is a moderated forum, and all replies are reviewed before being published, so there may be some delay in your post appearing.

To answer your question, depending on what these moving violations are, it may hinder you a but...but I wouldn't think they'd be career-killers though, so have hope :) You may have to report the violations to the BON of the state you want to be licensed in, and whenever you report any criminal history (and yes, this would include applicable traffic/moving violations), they review your application more thoroughly which may result in the process taking longer. Also, BONs review such applications on a case-by-case basis.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

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Did any of the violations have anything to do with alcohol or drug abuse? Did you have to serve any time related to them? Was anyone seriously injured or did anyone die?

If all 3 answers are no, you should be ok. Otherwise I would worry about this. The best way to be sure you would not be spending a lot of time and money on an education you wont be able to use, contact your states board of nursing and ask them. They will be able to give you a definitive response about whether or not this will prevent you from becoming licensed.

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In California you must report traffic violations resulting in a fine over $1000. (Luckily it just changed from $300). Like another person stated you will have to report any convictions like DUI, wet reckless, etc. Again, fines above $1000. I don't think anything else matters. No matter how bad you feel about your acccidents they only concern themselves with that number.

If there is nothing else going on you should be fine. Take a deep breath. Also look on the CA BRN site under reporting criminal history and it will give you the specifics of what you need to give them if you do have something in your background that qualifies.

I wish you all the best! :yes:

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