New Grad with 2 duis

Published

Hi all,

I am in major need of advice. I have sought legal counsel but my gut feeling is leaning me towards a different direction with my situation....

I was convicted of a DUI last May while I was still in nursing school. I got off probation early, all of my UAs were clean, and I even had the interlock removed early. I recently graduated at the top of my class. I unfortunately am facing charges for a second DUI that occurred shortly after graduation. I take full responsibility for my actions and am doing everything I can to remain sober-I've been attending AA, working with a sponsor, and will be meeting with a therapist.

I am about to apply to test for the NCLEX. The application asks about previous convictions, so I technically only have to disclose the first conviction. This is what my lawyer suggested I do so I can get my license, then once I am convicted of the second I will disclose that to them once the time comes. However, I am having a hard time with this decision and it does not feel right. I feel as though I am being dishonest, especially because they want a letter of explanation and my statement on how this was an isolated event. I would rather be honest about the fact that I am facing charges for the second but am also doing everything I can to assure this never happens again and how I am maintaining sobriety. We then go back to the fact that the BON may be more likely to work with an already licensed nurse who is facing these issues and would just deny an application for someone with two DUIs.

I am struggling and have been facing this back and forth argument for the past two months, I need to move forward with my life and application. I would greatly appreciate all and any advice.

Thank you for your time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi all,

I am in major need of advice. I have sought legal counsel but my gut feeling is leaning me towards a different direction with my situation....

I was convicted of a DUI last May while I was still in nursing school. I got off probation early, all of my UAs were clean, and I even had the interlock removed early. I recently graduated at the top of my class. I unfortunately am facing charges for a second DUI that occurred shortly after graduation. I take full responsibility for my actions and am doing everything I can to remain sober-I've been attending AA, working with a sponsor, and will be meeting with a therapist.

I am about to apply to test for the NCLEX. The application asks about previous convictions, so I technically only have to disclose the first conviction. This is what my lawyer suggested I do so I can get my license, then once I am convicted of the second I will disclose that to them once the time comes. However, I am having a hard time with this decision and it does not feel right. I feel as though I am being dishonest, especially because they want a letter of explanation and my statement on how this was an isolated event. I would rather be honest about the fact that I am facing charges for the second but am also doing everything I can to assure this never happens again and how I am maintaining sobriety. We then go back to the fact that the BON may be more likely to work with an already licensed nurse who is facing these issues and would just deny an application for someone with two DUIs.

I am struggling and have been facing this back and forth argument for the past two months, I need to move forward with my life and application. I would greatly appreciate all and any advice.

Thank you for your time.

That's a really tough one. Does your lawyer specialize in BON issues? If not, I'd look for one who does. And I'd probably seek a second opinion even if the first lawyer does specialize in BON issues.

You're really between a rock and a hard place.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Have you beeen convicted of the second DUI? If not then the answer to the question on the application is NO!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Have you beeen convicted of the second DUI? If not then the answer to the question on the application is NO!

This.

It really doesn't matter. If rigorous honesty in all your affairs plagues you go ahead and tell them. You will be starting your career with a monitoring contract anyway.

Hppy

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Have you beeen convicted of the second DUI? If not then the answer to the question on the application is NO!

It's not a matter of yes or no on the application. It's a matter of explaining away the first incident only to have the second one come rolling in a few months later.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

Gonna be straight to the point with you because I personally know a new grad with 3 DUIs and is now working.

You're nursing career is on hold until you can prove you can stay out of trouble. Your ATT will be initially denied requiring you to submit multiple appeals. In the meantime, AA mtgs are great. I would find a local support group. You must be invited and okay with everyone else that you be present in those meetings, because these are RNs already in a program and you are not. Most likely they will welcome you as they did my friend. So, I don't prolong this reply, my friend from that initial denial of ATT to finally getting his license was a little over 3 years.

After that, it'll be a challenge because of the mark on your license. Please remember this is case by case and everyone is different. But, one thing for sure your nursing profession is on hold for a bit. Not impossible. You're gonna want this. I never seen a nursing student work so hard. Good luck to you. Please feel free to PM me. One thing I know for sure, the BON is forgiving as far as second and third chances provided you show you can do the work.

Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion