Need help with LLR licensure application (DUI arrest on record, not convicted yet)

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Hi community,

First let me start off by saying that I know what type of mistake a DUI is. I have had my fair share of hardship because of it. It occurred during a completely vulnerable/unfocused point in my life and while I am not proud of the decision I made to drink and drive (as someone else could have been badly injured or killed), it is something I value as a part of my past because I have learned from it. In many ways, it put me on a better path.

It occurred literally days before I started my last semester of nursing school. I don't know if I should go into details of what I blew on breathalizer, etc or if it matters with the question at hand. I did get a lawyer who I am paying an "arm and a leg" for, so I have not been convicted yet. I was arrested though...and booked (spent the night in jail), fingerprinted, etc.

As advised by my lawyer, I did not tell my school. It occurred in another county all together (all in SC). I did graduate with my BSN in May. I am waitressing to take care of my bills, lawyer fees, testing fees because I have been so unsure of how to go about applying for the NCLEX with this on my record. The problem is if I get licensed, I could pay off these lawyer fees and fines so much faster. I did do a background check online which said I have a clean slate, but I know that the board is going to do a more extensive background check and I don't want to lie on my application.

My drivers license was revoked and I got a TAL (temporary alcohol license) until everything is cleared up. I also have to take a class. It is clearly marked on my license "TAL" and I have to provide a copy of my license.

My question is has anyone else been through this and gotten their RN license? What do I need to do if I have only been arrested and not convicted?

Please resist telling me what I already know about getting a DUI. I know it was bad decision and I am obviously paying for it.

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

You should call the BON and see what they want. You obviously can't lie even if you wanted to as the license suspension and probably the arrest will pop up somewhere. You will probably need to provide a notarized statement of what happened when you got the DUI so you can be proactive with that. Otherwise only the BON can tell you exactly what to send in or even whether you will have to wait until your case is over before applying..

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It depends on your state board. First thing...document absolutely everything. Get recommendation letters from your optional\required aa counselors as well as any distinguished colleagues or individuals and even spiritual leaders like your pastor. Have proof of all your completed rehabilitation classes as well as your court documents. They will ask for them. I would also recommend getting an evaluation from a psychiatrist\ nurse practitioner that specializes in addiction counseling to state that you don't have a current addiction and that it was an isolated event. It's an observational opinion based on a few sessions with a few negative drug tests. The board wants to see that it isn't a recurring\chronic issue and that you are making steps to correct and learn from your mistake. Volunteering at an addiction counseling program would probably help alot as well.

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It will take longer than normal but I'm sure it will happen. Nurses are people too and not infallible. Anything else?

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