NJ Nursing Grad With DUI Awaiting Licence

Nurses Criminal Nursing Q/A

I made a horrific mistake and drove after drinking in 2015. I lost my driver's licence, paid a lot of fines had an interlock device installed. Then I graduated nursing school (May 2017). I disclosed everything to the board, I sat for and passed the NCLEX. Now I'm waiting for a license number. Most of my classmates received theirs in 2 days. It's been WEEKS for me. I drove to the BON (2 1/2 hours away) because I couldn't get any answers over the phone. I was told that I am on the agenda for 10/6 for review. Can they refuse me? I am a single mom of 2 who lost her job after 13 years in (started at 19), during school and now my unemployment is gone. I have a job who REALLY wants me, all lined up but is waiting for that number. If this doesn't pan out, I will lose everything. I have next months rent and little food im stretching out. Does anyone have any insight? I've read MANY threads, blogs, public NJ BON disciplinary actions...and im at a loss. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

@julesstarz1226

I agree I feel that I am going to have to go through literal hoops of fire to finally land a job. I find myself getting so discouraged but think about quitting and to think it was all for nothing just doesn't make sense to me. I want to grow from my mistakes not get stuck in the same cycle and do nothing with my life. You mentioned speaking to a lawyer which I did already two of them and they did not seem to be worried at all for me. They told me that they have represented far worse cases such as a grand theft of one nurse he represented that stole over 30,000 worth of stuff and DWI's you name it. He told me that I should have no problem but in the case the board doesn't want to give me a license that I should give him a call back. In my opinion I feel that he was underestimating the whole thing because I just feel that it will be very difficult for me. As far as receipts and stuff I dont think that I have everything but I have the court documents where the case was dismissed and expunged from my record and my court documents and intoxalock documents where I complied and did everything I had to do including the IDRC program. I guess if worse comes to worse I can use my bachelors for something else?

I was wondering if you were also charged for your accident? I was charged with a DUI and also assault by auto as I hit another car and the other driver had a minor laceration. Ultimately the assault by auto charge was dismissed and expunged (I know I still need to disclose it) and then of course I have the DUI. This happened 6 years ago by the way, years before I ever decided to become a nurse.

Hey!

Fortunately for me the other cars involved were parked on the street with no people inside. My recommendation is to write the most gut wrenching disclosure letter ever. We had been dealing with an unexpected tragic death in the family. My due happened at our first family function without him. I explained how the event changed my entire life around. It made me want to become a nurse to have purpose in my life to be a good example to my children ect. I also called like everyday to check up on my licensure after I passed my NCLEX so they knew my name they knew how important it was to me ect. But tbh I believe I got very lucky. I had a friend I went to nursing school with that got a dui before me with no accident involved and she was put on ramp. I think a huge difference maker was I didn't have an interlock installed. I negotiated a longer loss of license and 2 night overnight idrc program in exchange for not requiring an interlock. It seems that the interlock is immediate ramp. It may be different now that we are so desperate for nurses right now during the pandemic that perhaps they will be more lenient. I hope it all works out for you.  Good luck!

Thanks for replying! You know exactly what I’m going thru and my anxiety level is thru the roof! Googling anything I can to try and get info and your posts were one of the main things that gave me hope! I was honest in my letter I lost both of my parents within weeks of one another and it was a really bad time for me. Luckily I had no interlock I did attend a two day 12 hour IDRC (not inpatient) and also sent them my completion letter for that showing the clinician did not recommend me for further treatment. I also have a recommendation letter from one of my instructors that is aware of my past. So hopefully it all pulls thru, I’ll just be a nervous wreck until then LOL 

I am so sorry for your loss. I think you will be OK. I can't guarantee it but I have a feeling you will be fine. I really think no interlock will be a huge benefit. Please keep me updated. I'll be praying for you. We all make mistakes. Nobody is perfect. It's what we take away from those mistakes and how we learn and grow from them that matters. Good luck!

My unrestricted license posted today! just wanted to update you and thank you for your help and well wishes!

hey wondering if you ever had issues finding a job with the DUI on your record? I started applying for jobs so I'm wondering if that would be an issue at some point. THANKS

Hey!

No issues with a job. However, if you get a job that requires you to transport pts in a vehicle or drive to and from. Pts homes they might pull your drivers abstract and it could possibly a problem. I've always worked in a hospital setting and haven't had an issue. Good luck!

 

Thank you for your response. I appreciate it very BERY much. All of what you spoke about are my worst fears. Im going to do whatever it takes. The only hope I havre is in that NJ does not consider DUI's a criminal offense but rather a traffic offense. The little time that has gone by is certainly a major concern for me. October 6th is when I was told the board will review everything. I do not have to appear and have found very little on what it entails. I will moat certainly check out the threads you suggested. I will update when I hear something. Thank you for the well wishes and honest information!

Yes! I gave them all the paperwork they requested. Including a narrative and character references. I was worried about 2 things with the paperwork. 1-they asked for superior court papers. My case has heard in municipal court. 2- They asked for the police report. I tried to get that and was told multiple times that they could not supply me with the "police report". They said they can do that for victims of cases, but not for me in this sort of case. I WAS given the "arrest report" though. I was sort of relieved that you used the same terminology, I am hoping that suffices the need. Now, I did write up a letter explaining all of this, as to why those specific documents were not enclosed. All of this was done before I was able to take the NCLEX, so I thought it was all taken care of.

I was told the board is going to review on October 6th. I do not have to appear. Im under the impression this is when they go over everything and make a decision. Im not really sure though. Super scary stuff.

Specializes in med surg.

How come the original posters never come back to let us know what happened? hopefully she got her license

I wish she would come back to let us know something. A lot of individuals are going through the same thing and wishing for a miracle. Give Us some HOPE

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