Avi369

I am glad I was able to help, it’s never easy discussing this with people that haven’t experienced the process or stigma that can be attached. Honestly, I count myself lucky, I graduated after a student that was in the exact same position as me, 2 DUI’s in our early twenties now attempting to gain a license in nursing in our early thirties- as he went through it the year before me, I had tons of insight into what I needed to prepare for and do. It also gave me someone to lean on when we were looking for employment and to be trusted. I think the hardest part of entering these programs is the lack of transparency in the process, we are often left with so many questions on the various decisions made about us. Keep your head up and don’t let the past define you, we are more than our past mistakes, especially ones we have already paid for- with lots of time, money, urine, blood, and hair. ?

If you are no longer on probation or in a voluntary program, you do not have to share anything in regards to that specific detail- if it doesn’t show up on your license. If it does show up on your licensing history or your license is ‘encumbered’ then you’ll have to discuss it. If your background checks reflect a criminal history- and the application for the job asks a specific question in regards to that history- it’s best to answer honestly, but include changes since that experience. If the application doesn’t ask don’t say a thing on paper or in person- just be prepared to answer questions honestly if asked at the interview or once they receive your background check- and of course always discuss positive changes taken to reflect growth and change. Example: I have two DUI’s in my history, my job application did not ask a question in regards to criminal background. It did ask if my license was encumbered- as it is not I can write NO. At my interview I wasn’t asked about my history, but was asked back for a second interview with the floor managers, I often took towards the end of the interview to discuss my background while I was in the PNAP program, now that I’m not- I never bring it up unless specifically asked to discuss my background check as it will show the two DUI’s. I usually just focus on the fact that they happened a decade ago and prior to my nursing license as I’ve grown a lot since that tumultuous time in my life. I have been fortunate to work at one hospital for my time as a nurse during the program and have easily interviewed and transitioned into areas that the PNAP contract considers high risk towards recovery- I’m in the OR now. Good luck, focus on being honest, but never giving away unnecessary information. If it’s not asked or demanded by any agreements you have entered you don’t have to offer it up.

I can’t speak to Ohio, but in PA, I applied early April 2017 and received a letter on June 7th, 2017, it stated they wouldn’t permit me to test until I was deemed ‘not impaired’. My dui’s were from 2007 and 2012, I had a lifestyle change after the second one and provided information. I was evaluated and told that while I wouldn’t need treatment, they would still have me see a counselor for private sessions until she signed me off (After about 6 sessions) and that I was considered impaired until I completed the program, and all that it entailed (random testing, meetings, and paperwork). I consulted a lawyer and he said that he wouldn’t be able to do much for me as the BON has the power to deny you testing rights for a license. Either way, it sucked, but I jumped through all the hoops and was granted the right to test by Oct of 2017, passed, and then had to jump through hoops to be granted rights to find employment- which I was able to do (with no narcotics restriction) in Feb of 2018- employed in MedSurg by March of 2018. I was offered every job I applied to, the hardest part was holding off of dreams to advance in my career as I wanted to specialize and gain increased experience- but I remained on MedSurg the remaining time. I hope you have a different outcome. On a brighter note- I completed the program without incident (today actually) and start in the OR on the 9th- no matter what comes- try to push through the BS and keep doing what you are already doing- improving yourself.

I have experience with the PA BON, they are usually willing to work with you if you are willing to enter into a voluntary recovery program and follow whatever direction is given to you. Hoops, a lot of hoops. It might benefit you to enter into a recovery program and document meeting attendance, graduation from an IOP or inpatient treatment center and above all things lawyer up. If you would like more in-depth information on my situation and what was expected of me/the timeline of it all message me directly at [email protected]. I was super fortunate to have a great group of people that filled me in on what the process could consist of and I'm glad to pass that on to anyone that may require some hope in moving forward.