StudentM2021

Hey all, I am a new nurse w/ 6 months of experience right now. I graduated May 2021 and was granted my NYS license in August, started working in September. I have a criminal record w/ 2 misdemeanor DWIs - convictions dates of May 2017 and July 2021, and a DWAI from 2012 (I was told this is "only" a traffic violation and does not come up on a background check, at least in NYS). I am in recovery, completed substance abuse treatment and am on criminal probation from that July 2021 conviction. My probation is 3 years however as long as I continue on the right path I have the chance for early termination in January 2023. I lived in Florida a few years ago and my plan has always been to move back there after nursing school (that was obviously put on hold). I did look on the FL BON website and I know I have to successfully complete probation before I can even begin an application/transfer of my nursing license from NYS to FL. I am seeking advice on what I should do when the time comes.. do I hire a licensing attonery? Gather letters attesting to my moral character and the changes I've made in my life since these convictions? I have heard the licensing board in FL and other southern states tends to be more strict than in NY (we're big on recovery I guess). Does anyone have personal experience they could share on what my chances may be and if so a time frame? I really would like to go back to FL, be with family, work as an RN, and just have a new lease on life. If my chances do not look good is it possible to keep my NYS license and maybe try for a WFH position for an insurance company based in NYS but live out of state? I would like to start preparing or get an idea of what I will need to do in the future. TYIA! Edit: I would like to add I had an arrest in FL in 2020, it was a battery charge that was dropped, nothing ever came of it. Long story short: my friends boyfriend was hitting her and her dog, had been going on a long time, and I was still drinking at the time, hit him with a broom and I was the one arrested. I was taken to jail for a few hours and let out. Like I said charges dropped and no conviction (the bf was arrested for assault and battery on her the next week). Would this be something I need to disclose on the app? Should I try to get this sealed or expunged if possible? I know reading my post given the recent offenses I look like a mess, I truly have turned my life around and will continue on this path.

marples - thank you so much for this response! A little update: I graduated in May 2021, passed NCLEX in June 2021 and then began the licensing process. I went through a moral character review and they granted me my full, unrestricted license in August 2021. I started working at a hospital in September! I did tell my now manager about my situation because I was supposed to start my job in August but had to push that back and she was very understanding and supportive. Nursing has been challenging to say the least but I am continuing what I need to do! I'm not going to pretend its all been rainbows and butterflies as I definitely have my days where I want to give up but I try to reflect on what it took to get me here. I'm still learning everyday about recovery and nursing. I am so grateful for second chances.

Hi! I went through the same thing. I disclosed what I do to stay sober when I had to do the substance abuse eval mandated by my states BON. The counselor who did my eval gave me a good recommendation. Even if your state didn't have you do one maybe look into that. Hope this helps!

I want you to know that you are not a bad person, people make mistakes. I was at the beginning of my final semester of nursing school and got a DUI. I also crashed into a ditch (no one was hurt). I thought it was all over and I almost gave up. I entered myself into a treatment program immediately as this happened during our Winter break and I had a few weeks off (I'm not saying you need treatment/substance abuse help but I did). My case was pending all throughout the semester. I got rides to school and clinical like you mentioned. I laid low, focused on school and myself. Now a big difference here could be that this happened during covid lockdowns and we weren't allowed into the hospitals and had to complete clinical hours virtually so I lucked out there regarding background checks, just keep that in mind. I also want to mention I went to school with someone who had a previous DUI conviction on their record and it was never a problem regarding background checks and clinical. My lawyer also advised me not to disclose any of this to instructors because although I did have charges pending I was not convicted of anything yet. Fast forward -- I graduated, was convicted of the DUI after graduation, reported this to my states BON, passed NCLEX and it took longer than most of the others I graduated with to get licensed but I did. I went to treatment and got moral character references. Do what you can to show that you know you made a mistake and are sorry, look into your schools policies, and always listen to the advice your lawyer gives you. Also, talk to a trusted nurse you may know.. I did and although they weren't in the same situation as me they knew other nurses in my state who gave me some advice. It's going to suck for awhile but not forever, don't give up.

Hi all, NYS - I shared here before that I have 2 misdemeanor DWIs. I just graduated nursing school in May, passed NCLEX, have a job lined up, and am currently in the moral character review process with NYSBON. I need to get 3 letters of reference in total (2 from instructors at school), my concern is that I was in school throughout covid meaning our clinical were cut short leaving little time for instructors so vouch for my skills, also the instructors I ask need to be aware of my history and I can only think of 1 that is which is the director of the program (I disclosed this information to her at the start of the program). I don't know how to go about asking her or another instructor for a letter and am embarrassed to disclose this part of my past. I did get sober and can get letters to attest to that however I think the letters they really want to see are from my instructors. Any advice?

I am in an almost identical situation except I’m in NY. I’m waiting to hear from the review board right now but am not hopeful because my time frame is more recent. Do you have any updates?

I’ve posted here before but a quick background is I have 2 misdemeanor DUIs (4 years apart) on my criminal record, and the last one was less than a year ago. I got sober, graduated nursing school with an associates this past May, took and passed NCLEX in June. NYS BON is in the moral character review process currently and I have yet to hear from them. I have lost hope that I have any chance of being licensed and it’s been countless sleepless nights stressing out about my future. Does anyone have suggestions on what kind of job I can get with my degree and no license? I just want to be prepared and have a back up plan if they decide officially on a denial. I’ve googled a little and what comes up is CNA or MA but to be frank I am not interested in those positions. Thanks in advance.

Hi all, I am about to graduate in 1 month from with an ASN. I have struggled with alcoholism for about 10 + years. I got a DWAI in 2012 and misdemeanor in 2016 (but comes up as 2017 due to conviction date). I got sober after the second, remained sober for some time and thats when I worked into getting accepted into nursing school. I relapsed in the program and got a DWI in December 2020. It is currently a felony but is being reduced to a misdemeanor and I will be on probation for 3 years. Like I said before I am about to graduate, everyone is applying and accepting positions at area hospitals and I am not because of this criminal record. I entered in-patient rehab during Winter break and am continuing with outpatient currently while living in a sober home. I will not have a drivers license for some time but that is not my concern. Is it even worth sitting for my boards, would I even be allowed to sit for them? Beyond that, should I even attempt to apply for jobs (I've always wanted to work in the ER)? Or is it in my best interest to look into what I can do with my degree that wouldn't require licensing. I understand my idiotic actions got me here and I truly messed up a good thing. I am down about it but I need to stay focused on my sobriety to have any chance at a happy life and hopefully a career in nursing. Any input from nurses in NYS would be helpful, thanks.

K., Everly Thank you for the info! I'm new to this site and not sure how to send you a message directly but please send me an email if you can, [email protected]

I am currently in nursing school in New York set to graduate in the Spring. I have a misdemeanor dui (happened in 2016 but was not settled until 2018) and a dwai (2013) I have since completed treatment and continued rehabilitation. This past Summer while staying with a friend in FL I was arrested for battery as I intervened on a fight between her her boyfriend. All charges were dropped but I believe it would still come up on a background check. I'm concerned that I have wasted my time in nursing school and will not be approved for my license. Does anyone have any advice or experience with something similar?