Nursing "students" have no rights, no protection ... but...

SentinelTruth · Jan 10, 2016

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 10, 2016

Ok so the OP has a DUI and was expelled from nursing school but had an attorney "freeze credits". All the issues related to a DUI conviction before or during nursing school and is apparently ineligible for a TN nursing license? Either she's bitter that an APN has a DUI with fatality & injuries gets to keep their license resulting from a plea bargain whether it's perceived "injustice" or perhaps she was or knows the victims.

I'm lacking sleep

SouthernBelle85 · Jan 10, 2016

I'm guessing. You got a DUI and got kicked out of the nursing program. That's how my nursing program operates. We may have a chance if we tell our instructors or dean and they take it to the board but that's a maybe. DUI is serious, it shows that you made a very irrational, irresponsible decision and they don't people who make those types of decisions in the medical field. I think if you do your time and maybe go to rehab or AA...something to show that you are responsible then maybe, just maybe...they will let you in but that DUI is going to haunt you for rest of your life because you are going to have admit to the board or whoever with all the background checks, that happened.

mrsboots87 · Jan 10, 2016

So you made an irresponsible choice to endanger the public while driving intoxicated and are now mad that the BON does not want to license someone who makes reckless life choices.

Because thats at a going to win you some points in life. :banghead:

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2016

Really? Also, I was on my best behavior for clinicals. They should be glad that they weren't allowed to progress and probably be unable to get a job. A lot of schools do not guarantee eligibility for NCLEX with criminal records and let students ineligible to sit graduate.

direw0lf, BSN · Jan 10, 2016

I thought this had to do with the underage drinking question that was here. I got curious and googled "nursing student sues school" and couldn't believe how many think they are entitled to compensation and readmittance when they fail or have a charge on their record.

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 11, 2016

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2016

It seems that the OP thinks that a nurse with a license already will have it easier if charged with a DUI as opposed to a student who is simply expelled from the program. While it's not ideal that a licensed professional gets a DUI, they have earned the "rights" the OP is screaming about. Students have it easy. It's much easier to be a student than it is to be a licensed pro. I am also running on fumes after a full day at work and so what I may say will likely be misconstrued as I can't articulate it much better than this: the nurse can drink and let steam off and mistakes happen; the student may not because the student is in the position of proving his or herself worthy of becoming a professional. Besides, it's definitely EVEN HARDER for the licensed professional with the DUI. Now the bar has been set even higher and it's a difficult situation to come back from.

:confused:

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2016

Any nurse accused or accused and convicted of a crime has so many lawyers and agencies protecting them. Their crimes disappear... A lot. Or are kept very quiet. A nursing student has no rights no protection no one gives a ****. Excuse my language but for 4 years I've tried to find even more one single person, group, lawyer etc anyone pretty much that stood up FOR nursing students busting their own ass to learn how to save strangers. You all know it sure as hell ain't easy. So why in the hell can a nursing student be subjected to NEVER receiving a nursing license, when if she had got that DUI after she was licensed .... Here come TONS of people to defend her.
What about murder? No ADMN no need to email me I'm very well aware that's a serious accusation. Its fact. Google ***** ***** Lawrence county Tennessee. Plea of guilty she killed 2 people. A husband and wife. And pushed them into another car head on severely injuimh two college students. But no worries she received judicial diversion... 4 years probation and its completely wiped off her record. And don't y'all worry she's happily practicing at her one stop rapid blah blah clinic in Lawrenceburg Tennessee. And no no one contacted the nursing board. MY POINT IS DONT GET ON THIS THREAD WITH YOUR DUI IS WRONG SOAPBOX becaus that's not the point at all.

I don't know what you expect to get from this incoherent rant.

elijahvegas, ASN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 11, 2016

why is everyone struggling to figure out what the OP was getting at ? Sure its a little incoherent and not tactfully written, but the general idea was made within a few sentences.

Why aren't nursing students protected as well as licensed nurses or at the very least, protected from some degree of liability, and why is it that nursing students can be expelled from a program and denied licensure while an already practicing nurse will have advocates that can maintain their licensure for the same crime. At least thats what I gathered.

To the OP, i don't think its as black and white as that. While you've probably faced expulsion and possible licensure banning, already registered nurses with new criminal convictions have to face their own obstacles. Often times that includes suspension w/o pay which results into the loss of what I'd assume is very necessary income, and often administration will leave accused nurses out to dry if its relates to negligence of that nurse. The hospital will protect itself and their people, right up until the point where they can find a finger to point, and its not at all uncommon that it falls on us. And with something like that on your nursing record, even if you don't lose your license, you've basically been ostracized as finding employment afterwards can prove to be difficult at best, as it takes just a few mouse-clicks on the BON website to look what you've done.

If you can't find licensure in your home state, consider moving, completing nursing school somewhere else and applying for licensure that ISN'T in compact with your home state (as it is likely that compact states may deny you for the same reasons). And if all else fails it may be time to consider a new professions.

Good luck

Nonyvole, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2016

I'm paying for insurance and for people to go to bat for me, because my employer may not. It is one thing that is protecting my livelihood. I lose my license, my career options range from very little to nothing at all. So yes, I'm going to protect it.

Students have options. They get dismissed from the nursing program? Well, most schools have other majors, even if the student has to give up on a large dream. And, well, dismissal from a program isn't the same as being expelled from school.

NurseEmmy · Jan 11, 2016

I get the general idea of the rant - The OP feels students have limited protection. I agree with this statement. However, as a student you should be fully aware of this when you start the program. You are paying an institution to teach you. The term "special snowflake" hasn't been used in awhile on here, but this is an example of the problem of entitlement. If you broke the law (hence a DUI) the school has not incentive to keep you. They can kick you out and let another, more resposible person, take that spot.

Instead of ranting on AllNurses come up with a plan on how to get your life back on track. DUI's have far reaching consequences so start working on those. Talk to other schools and see what your options are. And next time, try to at least be clear in your post. It is much easier to take you seriously and offer sincere advice if we can understand what your needs/wants/situation is.