Old DUI Conviction

Published

Hi,

My husband is due to graduate with his BSN this coming December. (I've got another 1.5 yr to graduate with BSN). We are both in recovery, and he has been sober for 13 years. Here's my question: He was convicted of a felony DUI in New York about 13 years ago (yes, felony, isn't that great). We are living in Kentucky and do not plan on practicing in NY, and he has not been in trouble for anything since that incident. Should he report this on his NCLEX application? I don't think convictions can be expunged in NY. Help! We want to be honest, but at what point do you stop paying for the past?

Your feedback is appreciated!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Congrats on your sobriety - but please be totally honest with the board of nursing. If you lie or don't tell the whole story, you may be in big trouble later. Good luck...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Post OP.

I was wondering if the law was different in NY because out here u have to get FOURDWI's for it to be considered a felony :imbar . How many do u ned for a felony in NY, best thing to do is be honest call BON, and get his stuff all the paper work he made need together. I wish him the best of luck, because we all have made mistakes and deserve second chances

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... be totally honest with the board of nursing. If you lie or don't tell the whole story, you may be in big trouble later...

Or sooner.

Major congrats on your recoveries! Keep it going!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Denetra - I think it depends on the circumstances. In Illinois, you can get a felony conviction if you have minor children in the vehicle, if there is an accident where there is serious injury or if you kill someone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

Report it. To omit it would be fraud.

In KY, it shouldn't pose a problem for him as far as getting a license, although he probably will have to make some sort of explanation about the conviction.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The only thing you can do in this case is tell the truth. I worked with an RN who had been in prison for murdering her husband. So despite her felony she was able to get her RN license. Best of luck to you. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Contact the New York board. I know of a Michigan nursing student who has to wait just a few extra weeks to process some paper work. A neighbor called the cops on him and his wife regarding the arguement the neighbor was hearing, and he was arrested instead of his wife at his request. The most important thing is to tell the whole story truthfully. He will be allowed to sit for boards sometime this March. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

See if he can get a pardon in the state where he was convicted. If he is pardoned, he should not have to admit it, although the honest and right thing to do (you did say, recovery, didn't you?) would be to tell the whole truth, including the progress and lack of problems since then.

Plenty of nurses with prior problems are good nurses.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Tell the truth, I know someone who gratuated in my class and the board found out about his past and he is still fighting to get his ATT. It is not worth the lie.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatry.

Should he report this on his NCLEX application? >>

Most definitely. Be absolutely honest with the BON. Everyone deserves a second chance and it sounds like he has turned his life around. The BON will be able to see that. I think you will have to give the circumstances surrounding the charge and how he has changed since that time. Just think, you'll be starting fresh, and showing the BON you are honest and good people. Dishonesty loses trust and you don't want to lose that in nursing or anywhere for that matter. JMO

Best of luck and KUTGW on your sobriety time! :-)

Kelly

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion