Nursing Student with DUI

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · May 15, 2006

Please review the many others threads on this topic.

In virtually every state, the BON is the only one that decides these cases and they do it on a case by case basis. What the decision is in one case is not necessarily the same decision in another similar case.

Ditto, for your school. They should have a code of conduct available.

HM2VikingRN, RN · May 15, 2006

im a nursing student in california and just recently gotten a dui. fortunately i did not get in an accident and/or hurt anyone. im currently worried about this situation and how it will affect my schooling and my future career (if there is still one). if there is anyone that can help answer a couple of my questions, which are: (1) will this be terms for discontinuation in my BSN program (i only have one more year left to go) and (2) will this affect my ability to take the boards next yr as well as affect my future job opportunities? i appreciate any information that will help me answer these questions.

Above all else be truthful to your school and the BON. If you lose your integrity by lying that will be far worse than being truthful.

minizero · Jun 5, 2006

I wonder if you are planning to fight the case? I heard that it doesn't matter whether you win the case of not. It will still show that you have been arrested for DUI. However, reading the BON site, it has the word "convicted" NOT arrested. I spoke to an attorney on the phone, it will cost me $5000, with over 50% chance to reduce from a DUI to a traffic violation.

I personally wouldn't might pay $5000 if they could save my career, the only problem is that, will BON still dig the DUI arrest, even if I wasn't convicted?

I will contact the BON this week, until then..

Good Luck

mydogboo7 · Jun 5, 2006

The DUI might not affect your ability to continue in the program, but it certainly could impact your ability to apply for licensure. In Massachusetts, (as I imagine in most states) there is a CORI check done witht he application for state licensure for your RN. In order to avoid any surprises next year, I would certainly find out the specifics from the BORN as well as your school's policy (Check your student handbook).

I do not know how the language affects the school or the states decision....such as arrested/charged vs. convicted.

Once you do your homework, then you will know better how to proceed. :nurse:

BabyRN2Be · Jun 5, 2006

Not only will you have to be honest with your school, your state's BON, but it might affect future employment. When you apply for a job, it will ask of you've been arrested for ANYTHING. I know that this is not the greatest of news, but if you haven't already, you may want to speak to an attorney who deals with these type of legal issues. Best of luck to you.

luvmy2angels · Jun 5, 2006

In the program I was in, this would be an immediate dissmissal from the progam. I have no definate answer about it affecting boards, but I would venture to guess it very well may. Check with the BON and find out for sure.