donnacarol

Well put. Thank you.

Let me tell you about my experience with the CA BRN. I began an entry level NP program in the Fall of 2009. I got a DUI in December. I didn't have any problems with clinicals in the pre-licensure portion of my program. The trouble started when I went to apply for the NCLEX. The BRN declined my application which set in motion a process which eventually led me to get a probationary license. I got my license just in time to start clinical rotations as a NP student. There weren't any major obstacles while in school and I was able to graduate with my cohort. Keep in mind that the Board may change its protocol regarding enforcement but the way it is currently structured NP licensure is possible in your situation. My advice is to be hyper-vigilant about deadlines and getting paperwork in. Everything you do will need to be approved by the BRN and things take longer (ie. my application for furnishing license has not been approved yet and I applied in March).You will have lots of hoops to jump through so you'll have to decide if its worth the effort. The conditions of my probation are that I attend 1 AA and 1 Nurse Support group a week. I have to check in daily with a lab service and randomly submit to urine drug tests. All employment and volunteer positions requiring a license must be approved by the Board.You will also have to explain your probation status to any potential employers; some will find it unacceptable but others are sympathetic. Its just more difficult to get a job. My lawyer explained to me that if I had had him on my case initially he could've gotten me out of those requirements so hiring a lawyer could help you when negotiating your probationary license. BTW expunging your DUI doesn't make any difference to the BRN. Hope this is helpful.

I am a new grad NP and have good luck with applying to job postings on craigslist. Have your resume and cover letter ready. I have applied the last 2 weeks, 6 jobs per week. Have had 2 interviews already and another interest.

This is an atypical treatment of a DUI case regarding Board licensure.

I am a new grad NP form an entry-level master's program and I honestly feel that the education cannot compare to that of the MD. The education prepares the NP to start practice with minimal and basic medical knowledge and does not require any type of "residency" which is where medical students put their extensive didactic knowledge into practice. There is no such required supervised, structured, cohesive training period for nurse practitioners and honestly it is terrifying to think that there are so many undereducated, untrained, green primary care practitioners entering the workforce in quasi-supervised clinical situations. My recommendation is that NP programs tighten up their curriculum and raise their academic and clinical standards. This does not mean pushing for the privalege to put Dr. in front of their name.

You really need to study.

I got a DUI in Dec 2009, the first semester of nursing school. When it came time to sit for the NCLEX, the BRN declined my application. The next year I went back and forth between the Board and the Attorney General's Office and finally entered into a stipulated agreement regarding the status of my license. I agreed to the conditions of probation and have to submit to random urine tests (must check-in daily), attend 1 AA meeting and 1 nurse support group a week. Probation will last 3 years.

I got a dui in my first semester of nursing school, also an Entry Level Masters for Nurse Practitioner. It wasn't a problem for me until I applied to take the RN licensing exam which they denied. I had to negociate a settlement with the BRN and the Attorney General's Office and I was given clearance to take the exam. I rec'd my RN licence a year later, have to comply with the conditions of probation including attending 1 AA and 1 Nursing Support group per week. I have to submit to random urine testing by checking in online daily. I must abstain from all mood-altering substances including some OTC meds. The Board must approve all employment and I am to have my work supervised. I must submit quarterly reports to the BRN within the designated time period. My probation monitor may take measures to rescind my probationary license if I fail to comply with the terms of our agreement. I have managed to graduate with a MSN, its been a big hassle but I think I've made it except that I have missed a few check-ins and my probation monitor has sent my case back to the Atty General's office, will likely have probation extended. I have heard different things from different people about where the Board stands as far as accepting applicants with DUIs in the future. Your best bet is to contact the board directly

I had a similar experience and I will share with you the outcome. At the end if my first semester of nursing school, I got a DUI. I had a fairly high BAC at 2.1. The BRN requested more information about my arrest and subsequently denied my application to take the NCLEX. I was given the option to wait one year to reapply or to appeal the denial. I was offered 2 options for appeal: either enter into a stipulated agreement with the BRN or have my case heard in court. I began the appeal process and chose to enter into a stipulated agreement with the BRN. THe attorney general's office contacted me, I don't remember the exact progression of things but they eventually sent me a document outlining the conditions of our agreement which I agreed to and signed. The agreement was then sent to the BRN to either approve or deny. I received notice just last month that the agreement was approved by the BRN to be effective today 11/2. The conditions of the agreement are a bit painful. I have accepted a 3-year period of probation. In this period I must submit to random alcohol and drug testing. I must attend 1 AA meeting a week, enroll in a 6-month substance abuse program, have a psychological evaluation, work with a physician specializing in addiction who will follow my case. I think that's it.