post DUI success

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I wanted to come on here and post my story because over the last several years, I have come to this site many times in search of answers and hope and situations like mine and didn't find success. I hope my story gives hope to others.

A few years prior to starting nursing school, I was convicted of 2 DUIs. I went to nursing school anyway, and when I graduated, the state BON took a few years to process/investigate my application. I was broken and thought I would never be a nurse. However, they finally granted my license without restrictions. As a side note, fellow classmates with DUIs were smart enough to expunge their record prior to getting their fingerprints done for the board and did not have a delay. 

I practiced as a nurse for several years, then went back to school and graduated as an NP. I was worried the state would again take their time reviewing my application, but they did not. I was granted a full license with prescriptive authority without issue. 

I have obviously kept my nose clean and have not had any issues, but I was still worried. As much as it hurt at the time, I am now fully licensed and happy to move on (except with applications that ask about my past of course).

 

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Thank you for posting this - happy for you that all worked out for you in the end. That's great news. I am in a somewhat similar circumstance. I have just been accepted to a program, and I am concerned how my past record may affect things. I did speak with the BON and they told me things are looked at on a cases by case basis, and that I will not be categorically denied a license. A background check for school/clinicals will be coming up soon, so that's on my mind as well.

May I ask what state you are licensed in? Also, did you have any issues  with your record being a barrier to clinical site approval?

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I'd rather keep my state confidential for now, but it is known as a tougher state overall I believe. 

I never had an issue with clinical rotations, and I did not have any issues finding a job. I was always honest on applications and usually it was not asked about it. Honestly the state board was my biggest hurdle, and it took a while the first time they reviewed my information, but I was granted the license and finally moved on.

Again, I just hope this gives someone the hope I was looking for a few years back.

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thank you so much for sharing this!

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How long did you have to wait to test for the NCLEX and receive your license? Also what did you do for work while you had to wait? I’m worried that after I graduate, the BON will make me wait an extensive amount of time to get my license which I’ll hinder my ability to work and make money to support myself. Just like everyone else, I have bills and student loans to pay off so it all seems ridiculous to have applicants wait a few years to review their application. 

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I can’t speak for the OPs experience but I had a dui before nursing school too. I applied for my authorization to test (att) for the NCLEX about two months before I graduated in July and I received my ATT in August a couple days after I graduated. It took about a week after I passed before I received my license. However a lawyer I talked to before did say what you put in your explanation can affect your license. Hope that helps.

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