New Grad with DUI from 2 years ago...What to expect next? Is employment possible?

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Hi I am a recent new grad with a prior DUI that I got during my first semester of nursing school. I made a super DUMB decision of getting in the car after drinking. My BAC was 0.22. Since then I have graduated, applied to become licensed, and have applied to a few new grad programs. I was given the opportunity at a local hospital for a PCU new grad position in Feb of this year (2015). Think that I would be able to get my license by then I accepted it, but soon after I had to revoke my acceptance because the BRN said it was a much longer process.

I've read a lot of post on the topic (posted between 2010-2013) about what to expect and all seem to be true. I initially applied in September 2014, graduated December 2014, got denied several months later in March 2015, sent my appeal letter in and accepted the waiver to take the NCLEX one time without knowledge of the results until after the BRN decides what to do.

Now I am waiting to be contacted by the Dept. Attorney handling my case. I managed to find out his information from an individual I was communicating with from the BRN Enforcement Dept.

After speaking with the Dept. Attorney to find out what the next step is in processing my application/appeal letter he said that they were drafting the Statement of Issues (SOI) that lists why they denied my application. He also informed me that I should expect to either take the stipulated agreement that includes a probationary license (min. 3 years with 19 conditions) or go to court.

I then spoke with an attorney who specializes in this matter and told her how far I am in the process of getting my RN license. She was honest, told me that her services cost $3500 flat rate, but if we go to court it is a $7000 deposit. She also said that she cannot guarantee that she would be able to produce different results from a probationary license. She informed me she could potential narrow my restrictions or try work out a public reprimand.

This post is for those of you who have experience the same situation. While I am collecting more mitigating evidence, I am trying to decide if I should take the quick route by accepting the Probationary License or spend tons of money and time by having a formal hearing in court.

I've read the 19 conditions for the probationary license and they appear very restrictive, highly expensive, and seem to be almost impossible to find a decent job. Is there anyone out their in California who has experienced this same situation and have some incite in finding a job with a probationary license??

Any information helps. Thanks and God bless!

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Specializes in Public Health.

I don't have any experience in this but I would advise you to move to another state or an area that is less saturated with nurses once you do get your license so that you will find a job easier.

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Specializes in hospice.

Take the probationary license and do what you can with it. So you won't be able to get the plumb jobs right away. Well, sorry, you earned that. Take your medicine, put up with it for a few years, and then move on once your license is unrestricted. You gave up the right to compete equally with other new grads when you decided to risk lives by your actions.

And mitigating evidence? Please. You were an adult, you made a bad choice, so just own it without making excuses.

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Hi I am a recent new grad with a prior DUI that I got during my first semester of nursing school. I made a super DUMB decision of getting in the car after drinking. My BAC was 0.22. Since then I have graduated, applied to become licensed, and have applied to a few new grad programs. I was given the opportunity at a local hospital for a PCU new grad position in Feb of this year (2015). Think that I would be able to get my license by then I accepted it, but soon after I had to revoke my acceptance because the BRN said it was a much longer process.

I've read a lot of post on the topic (posted between 2010-2013) about what to expect and all seem to be true. I initially applied in September 2014, graduated December 2014, got denied several months later in March 2015, sent my appeal letter in and accepted the waiver to take the NCLEX one time without knowledge of the results until after the BRN decides what to do.

Now I am waiting to be contacted by the Dept. Attorney handling my case. I managed to find out his information from an individual I was communicating with from the BRN Enforcement Dept.

After speaking with the Dept. Attorney to find out what the next step is in processing my application/appeal letter he said that they were drafting the Statement of Issues (SOI) that lists why they denied my application. He also informed me that I should expect to either take the stipulated agreement that includes a probationary license (min. 3 years with 19 conditions) or go to court.

I then spoke with an attorney who specializes in this matter and told her how far I am in the process of getting my RN license. She was honest, told me that her services cost $3500 flat rate, but if we go to court it is a $7000 deposit. She also said that she cannot guarantee that she would be able to produce different results from a probationary license. She informed me she could potential narrow my restrictions or try work out a public reprimand.

This post is for those of you who have experience the same situation. While I am collecting more mitigating evidence, I am trying to decide if I should take the quick route by accepting the Probationary License or spend tons of money and time by having a formal hearing in court.

I've read the 19 conditions for the probationary license and they appear very restrictive, highly expensive, and seem to be almost impossible to find a decent job. Is there anyone out their in California who has experienced this same situation and have some incite in finding a job with a probationary license??

Any information helps. Thanks and God bless!

I seriously doubt that the attorney is going to get you any different results than what the Board is offering you. Under what circumstances could she argue? There really isn't any.

Keep in mind, this conviction was ONLY two years ago. If it was 10, it would be unreasonable.

You have to understand that drugs and alcohol is the #1 reason that nurses have their licenses suspended or revoked. You have to look at it from the Board's perspective.

PS: Can you apply for the NCLEX before graduation? I haven't heard of that.

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I appreciate all the comments and advise for this post. I am leaning more towards a probationary license, and will remain hopeful in finding a job.

While this situation is not ideal for a new grad and the circumstances of my misdemeanor are very serious I do not believe that my DUI defines who I am as a person or my capabilites; nor will I allow it to control my life. I refuse to use my DUI as a "crutch." I prefer to see it as a "stepping stool" that is based on a lot of hard learning from my mistake.

For those of you who are going through similar situations and need some support please feel free to message me.

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I agree with you that a DUI does not define a person or their capabilities. I know many successful people who made mistakes and were able to over come them. What's most important is that you learned from it and use that mistake to make yourself a better person. I, too, received a DUI 2 years ago, am currently working as an RN in a different state, but trying to endorse my license in California. In the state I'm working in, they have no problem with me working with a DUI, but in California they view me as some criminal. So, I'm still waiting on California's response. lol.

just hang in there

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newgradui,

I like your attitude!

So you made a mistake. Who hasn't? 98% of the students in my class drank while eating out with the class and drove home afterward. Then, they have the audacity to chastise other people with DUIs. Hypocrites exist everywhere.

You will have learned a valuable lesson without hurting a soul (other than yourself). You will take that lesson and fly high. You will never drive dangerously again. Along with it you will likely develop a tremendous amount of compassion for other people who are not perfect either. People who are just human. Don't mind the others who judge. They usually have the most skeletons.

Sorry I don't know about jobs with a probationary license but I will check back out of curiosity.

I wish you the best of luck! You just have one DUI. In the grand scheme of things it's small potatoes.

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Specializes in hospice.
, but in California they view me as some criminal.

That's because you are one. You committed and were convicted of a crime.

Your minimizing attitude bothers me. DUI is nothing to make light of.

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