Month away from graduation and NOW realize DUI will be an issue. Experience MD BON?

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Hello all.

I have a DUI charge only a little over a year old that I plead guilty to in another state. I hadnt even considered this being a potential breaking point for my new career! Any advice what I can expect when I apply for RN license in Maryland? I can not prove recovery bc I have never sought recovery means. I am an occasional alcohol drinker who made a VERY poor choice. :confused:

SN: I truly believe in this profession, and believe in second chances.

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Not 100% sure how things work in Maryland. But in Florida they can and will go back 10 years and get ya. Personally, since you know it's going to be an issue now, just get the ball rolling. Call your state BON and talk with someone there. Just be 100% honest with them. You might have to jump through their hoops, but in the long run it will be worth it.

Wishing you the best of Luck

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I would check with the state board asap and see what their requirements are on that subject. Most places require you to disclose such things when you apply for licensure intially plus you may also be fingerprinted. I wouldn't even THINK about trying to hide this because it may pop up in a database and then you will have some real explaining to do, maybe be denied testing for your license because you lied. Just be honest about everything and it should work out okay

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Hi! Your state board of nursing and licensure should be able to help with that because there is no doubt it will come up as part of your background/criminal information that you will be asked to provide prior to licensure. You should be able to simply go online to your state department of health website and do a little research on your own before making any calls. Good Luck and Good Health. Also congrats on getting closer and closer to that graduation.:)

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I wouldnt worry to much.

Depending on the state you may have to write the Department of Regulation a letter saying that you made a poor choice and will never do it again.

This happened to me 10 years before I went to nursing school.

No worries.:)

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Specializes in CRNA, Law, Peer Assistance, EMS.

I am very familiar with the MD BON and this issue. You should indeed include a letter of explanation for your DUI with your application. You MUST be honest about the DUI or you will find that you will have a permanently revoked license in MD....just based on lying on the application and even though you never even received a license. And if that happens your chances of getting a license in ANY state approach zero.

One of two things will happen: You will receive the license with no problems, or you will be required to enroll in the rehabilitation program and be monitored for a period of time (probably 1-3 years in your case) which includes attendance at weekly professionals meetings and monthly drug screens. The program is anonymous and does not appear in the public record or on your license. Note that this DUI is going to follow you the rest of your professional life. You will be asked about it at every job interview and on every application for a license you gill out. That is not to say it has to affect you greatly...but don't get another one that's for sure.

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