Nursing License and DUI

suzanne4, RN · Aug 20, 2005

Each case is determined on a case by case basis, and what one person has had happen has absolutely no bearing on your case. You will need to contact the BON. They are the only ones that can make a determination in your case, and they have the final word.

vette4me · Aug 20, 2005

Thank you Suzanne4, I appreciate your help.

jane51 · Aug 27, 2005

Has anyone had any experience with the Florida BON and a DUI?

I need to know this also. Have you talked with the Florida BON yet? I called yesterday and the voicemail I was connected to said the director was out until Monday.

suzanne4, RN · Aug 27, 2005

You need to speak to them as well, each case is determined on its own merits. And only the BON can give you an answer, none of us can.

jane51 · Aug 27, 2005

Thank you for the information suzanne4. I will speak with them as soon as possible.

vette4me · Aug 27, 2005

I need to know this also. Have you talked with the Florida BON yet? I called yesterday and the voicemail I was connected to said the director was out until Monday.

Hi Jane,

I went to the FL BON web site and looked at the FL State Statutes. If you need help with that, let me know and I will guide you through it. But the bottom line is like Suzanne said, each case is taken on an individual basis. They say to tell all the surrounding circumstances that may have led to this, like problems you are having to deal with, like grief, for instance. Let me know if you find out anything or if I can help you in any other way.

Thanks,

Mickey

jane51 · Aug 28, 2005

Hi Jane,
I went to the FL BON web site and looked at the FL State Statutes. If you need help with that, let me know and I will guide you through it. But the bottom line is like Suzanne said, each case is taken on an individual basis. They say to tell all the surrounding circumstances that may have led to this, like problems you are having to deal with, like grief, for instance. Let me know if you find out anything or if I can help you in any other way.
Thanks,
Mickey

Hi Mickey,

Thanks for the response. I too have looked at the FL State Statutes concerning nursing licensure. I don't see dui specifically listed as an offense that would result in denial of licensure, but there is ample room for interpretation of language such as unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill by use of alcohol, or unprofessional conduct, as defined by board rule. However, if dui was an offense that commonly barred graduates from obtaining licensure, one would think it would be specifically stated.

I also checked out the FAQ at the FL BON website. Here they specifically state dui, or any arrest, must be disclosed when applying for licensure. Noting that "The Board cannot make a determination for approval or denial of licensure without evaluating the entire application and supporting documentation," I really don't think I'll have an answer yea or nay until I graduate and submit my documentation. All I can do now is try not to worry, put my nose to the grindstone, and graduate.

Again, thanks for the response. If you find out anything else, I'd love to know. I'll get back to you also if I find more out. Good luck!

grannynurse FNP student · Aug 28, 2005

Hi Mickey,
Thanks for the response. I too have looked at the FL State Statutes concerning nursing licensure. I don't see dui specifically listed as an offense that would result in denial of licensure, but there is ample room for interpretation of language such as unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill by use of alcohol, or unprofessional conduct, as defined by board rule. However, if dui was an offense that commonly barred graduates from obtaining licensure, one would think it would be specifically stated.
I also checked out the FAQ at the FL BON website. Here they specifically state dui, or any arrest, must be disclosed when applying for licensure. Noting that "The Board cannot make a determination for approval or denial of licensure without evaluating the entire application and supporting documentation," I really don't think I'll have an answer yea or nay until I graduate and submit my documentation. All I can do now is try not to worry, put my nose to the grindstone, and graduate.
Again, thanks for the response. If you find out anything else, I'd love to know. I'll get back to you also if I find more out. Good luck!

The courts of Florida state that only a conviction must be listed.

Grannynurse :balloons:

jane51 · Aug 28, 2005

Has anyone had any experience with the Florida BON and a DUI?

Hi Mickey,

It might be a good idea to contact a Florida RN, JD, who specializes in defense of nurses before the FL BON. Do you know of any? I would like to contact one at some point before I apply.

Thanks, Jane

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2005

Most of the time the Florida BON makes a referral to the Intervention Project for Nurses and follows their recommendations which could mean a evaluation for alcholism.

If you are a practicing nurse, and you got a DUI, there is not necessarily a reason to report it to the BON. If they have a problem with you, they'll contact you and let you no. Not every DUI case is an issue with the BON.

jane51 · Aug 28, 2005

Most of the time the Florida BON makes a referral to the Intervention Project for Nurses and follows their recommendations which could mean a evaluation for alcholism.
If you are a practicing nurse, and you got a DUI, there is not necessarily a reason to report it to the BON. If they have a problem with you, they'll contact you and let you no. Not every DUI case is an issue with the BON.

Hi Tweety,

Thank you for the info. Have you known anyone who was a student nurse when they received a dui (the situation I'm in)? I would think they would treat it similarly but I don't know.

Jane