Nursing Major in Doubt...

leenak · Jul 5, 2012

Well my first advice would be to stop drinking and driving.

Secondly, did you miss classes due to the DUIs or other reasons?

I would recommend that you retake the classes you got Cs and work on ensuring that you get As. You might want to look for a LPN/LVN program if you are currently trying to get into an RN program. Afterwards, you can look into a bridge programs. It seems like you should work your way up with your previous grades.

RNGriffin · Jul 5, 2012

As an experienced nurse my advise would be, you need more education in those classes you have basic knowledge in. Anatomy & Physiology should be a course where you exceed or do well above bare minimal, as this is the course that will prepare you for what is to come of the nursing program. I can not give details on your 2 DUIs in a 2 year time span. A lot of individuals will look at these cases as a failure to accept and learn responsible behavior. I am not judging you on the basis of one DUI, but 2 within a short time frame is alarming. I would continue on my pursuit of a nursing program, but know it is highly competitive and the bare minimum grades will not suffice. (tough love)

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jul 5, 2012

Moved to nursing licensure with a criminal history to elicit further response.

mzrainydayz, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2012

If I were you I would first contact the dean of the your nursing program about the DUI issues. At my school if you have a minor traffic violation like a speeding ticket it's ok, but if you have a DUI the answer is no for hospital clinicals, because at my school the hospitals are the ones looking at your background checks. They won't approve your clinicals so therefore you can't proceed in the nursing program once accepted. Don't waste your time on money getting into any allied health program, because they will require a background check, just my two cents.

inquiringRN2B · Jul 5, 2012

Bianca this is my two cents. I believe you should address the most important situation first DUI's. are you living/seeking a life of sobriety, if so then I suggest seeking legal counsel to see if the offenses can be expunged and contacting your state board of nursing and asking them how does this affect you going forward. Bio classes basically depends on the NS you plan to attend. Have you taken any form of Teas test or entrance exam to improve and prove science advancement ? BIO classes have you taken a Teas or entrance exam to improve and prove your science advancement? Just adding I have no knowledge of if this legal situation but I reiterate contacting someone with knowledge of the legal system. I hope the best for you!

butterfly journey · Jul 5, 2012

My sister has one DWI on her record and although she was told by the nursing board of our state that they would allow her to be licensed as long as she satisfied her school requirements, she didn't continue on with the nursing program. Thankfully so, she has since become certified to be a cardiothoracic technologist in a cath lab. She's set to start the minute she gets a job. Unfortunately she's now interviewed at several hospitals and a year after graduation has been offered two jobs only to have them rescind their offer once the background check has come back. Mind you, my sister has been an upstanding person (her DWI actually was related to her diabetic state at the time) and has nothing else on her record (except 17 years of service at her current employer) and no hospital will hire her because of her DWI. She even told one hospital before they did the background search and yep, they rescinded as well.

So, I don't want to discourage you from your passion, but be prepared to fight like hell to get through nursing school (you're grades wouldn't be enough to get you into the program I just went through where a 3.95 was the lowest gpa accepted) and then fight like hell to get a job. I wish you all the luck in the world.

willowita, ADN, RN · Jul 5, 2012

Have you spoken to a nursing director/advisor at your school? You have to come clean with them and get their honest opinion. It can vary from state to state so your nursing advisor should be clued into how your DUIs will affect you where you are.

I knew someone who went through nursing school with a DUI and graduated and got a job. So people can overcome it. My advisor said that it's not always an automatic out but they have to look at your whole history. What they don't want to see is a pattern of behavior. So if you had one 10 years ago and a clean record since then, it might be different than your situation of 2 DUI's within the last 2 years. That could be considered a pattern. But talk to your advisor and take their advice to heart. It's better you know up front if it will hold you back so you can look for a different career.

Leonardo Del Toro, RN · Jul 5, 2012

Unfortunately times are so tough right now everything an anything out of the ordinary you bring will impact your chances of landing a job as a new nurse. Age, GPA, handicap, achievements, will set you apart, or rather tear you apart. There are so many applicants for jobs that in order to eliminate applicants they look for the absolutely perfect apples. Any apple with a little bruise or spot is tossed out of the basket.

RNGriffin · Jul 6, 2012

I think Marcos999 has elicited fear in those who do have a criminal background of minor offenses or misdemeanors. I wouldn't say your chances are absolute none, but a criminal track record will likely make it a little more difficult to explain. Say you had one misdemeanor or DUI, you could easily explain to a future employer your mistake & accept responsibility for your actions. But, having multiple hits on your record will make it the more difficult. As nurses we see many patients who are victims of drunk drivers. I don't count all drunk drivers as terrible human beings, and you may not be a terrible human being. But, an individual who is willing to drive under the influence twice is one to look out for. As I said previously, there is a lack of responsible thinking.