Please help.

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I am an ER nurse of three years and have recently made a stupid mistake of driving home after having a few drinks and was pulled over. I am being charged with dui of .12. I would just like some advice on how to approach the Missouri board of nursing with this situation. I know that this is very serious and I am not taking this situation lightly, as nothing of this sort has ever happened to me before. I am completely embarrased and distraught by this and in my oppinion, I have learned my lesson the hard way since this has been one of the most stressful and scariest times of my life. I can definitely say that I will NEVER get behind the wheel again after having any amount to drink. That being said, I would like to know if any other nurses in Missouri have been in my situation and how they approached the board to ask for forgiveness and reconcilliation. Any information will be greatly helpful and appreciated. Thank you...

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Welcome!

((HUGS)) You are not the first and I am sure not the last to be stopped for DUI. I think the BON's are, at times, a bit harsh on first offenses....however that are many here in this forum who can help you. You will see a delay in posts as this is a moderated forum. I suggest you get a lawyer familiar in licensing issues and do NOT go before the BON without representation. If you have call them immediately for they provide legal assistance for license protection.

If you don't have it get it now...it won't help you now but it will in the future.

((HUGS))

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Hello rnstl-

Wow, I can really relate to your debacle. I myself am based in Oregon and have been a nurse for over 10 years, 5 of which was ED. About 15 months ago, I self-reported to the BON for medication diversion, among other discrepancies, and faced a 6 month investigation. Yes, our offenses were different, but similar and I can really relate. Also, I appreciate we are dealing with completely different boards here, but I will tell you some of my experiences and insight.

First of all, I self-reported to the BON almost immediately, and took time to collect myself before reaching out to others. I needed that. I t was very public, embarrassing, and rocked my self-identity and self-perception to the core. I entered out pt treatment within the next week, and attended 12 step meetings and kept a log of those meetings. In my experience, the board likes to see some motivation and accountability. I am not in way inferring that you have any substance abuse issues, but since it was a substance that incurred this situation, I wonder if that will be required or recommended to you. I also called a bunch of helplines reaching out for any assistance.

Throughout my 6 months investigation, I was very forthright and cooperative, and initiated a lot of the communication on my own to see where I was at. Fortunately, I had a great investigator who I did not feel was out to get me. However, I was frequently reminded that the BON investigators and the BON themselves are to protect the safety and welfare of the public and not necessarily the nurses themselves.

I am now on probation with the BON for 36 months, and am having a difficult time moving forward in my nursing career to be quite honest. I do appreciate the seriousness that you view this situation. I think that says a lot about you and your character, and I sincerely wish you the best of luck. As Esme12 says, you are not the first and you are not the last. I would like to add, you are not alone in this. Good job reaching out.

HenryBood

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Hi HenryBood, I'm currently in Portland Oregon and was wondering if you were able to find a job on probation? I'm hoping you can give me some leads for probation friendly employers in Oregon. Thanks

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