dinguino

I got my nursing license in 2000. Got my DUI in 2008 and yes I was convicted of misdemeanor DUI. The board sent me a letter saying I had a accusation against me from the board for the DUI. I was placed on probation after wasting 4 k on a lawyer. They don't help against the board. Save your money. The board made me pay a 3200.00 fine for there time in the accusation(standard for probation) then they make you attend a alcohol tax program. Monthly random drug and alcohol tests usually 3/mo at a cost of 90 a piece. Probation is 3 years and you cannot drink. They can detect alcohol w these etg tests up to 5 days. It is complete overkill and redicilous for a one time DUI 4 years ago. I know it sounds crazy but look at the boards web site and look under disciplinary actions. You can get an idea of how they are treating people. Had I known this is how I would be treated I would have moved to a state that wasn't so hard on nurses for a event that occurred outside of work. I am about off probation but I just want to try and help other nurses in my shoes. Get ur license in a state that sounds desirable then apply in ca. They ask you though if you have a license in another state when you apply and once ca puts you on probation the state you have ur license in could follow suite.

I am on probation in California. I will tell you California is the strictest state of the 50. Again I'm not trying to scare anyone I just want you to avoid the BS the rest of the new grads are going through.

If any one has questions related to this topic just post them here. I cannot respond to private messages because all nurses won't let me. Again if you have any alcohol related misdemeanor charge you will be placed on probation. Since I am on probation for a one time DUI charge I have to attend nurse support groups and I see what people are put on probation for. Our newest new grad nurse on probation had a one time DUI in 2003. Please don't believe people telling you that w a DUI the board won't put you on probation because it is simply not true. They have black and white rules. Any DUI or alcohol/drug related offense and you will be placed on probation. I am simply trying to help you new grads out. Go get a license in another state first then apply to California. Dont apply for a license in ca first and get put on probation then go to another state because if your on probation in one state then the state you are applying for will most likely follow suite. Good luck

I would have to say this is a state by state case. California would not send a letter like this. If you have a DUI you will be placed on 3 years probation. My friend got denied licensure for a 102mph speeding ticket because the board stated it was risky behavior and she needed to wait 3 years from offense. I am on probation for a 1 time DUI in 2008. California is the strictest state on nurses

Hi I am currently a RN going through the probation process for a DUI in Califonia. First do not get a lawyer for this. It is a waste of money. You are not dealing with judicial law you are dealing with the BRN and Dept of Consumer Affairs. They have black and white punishments. If you have a DUI you will be placed on 3 years probation. You will have to attend weekly AA meetings and random alcohol and drug screenings usaully 3x month at a cost of 90.00 a piece. They will make you jump through several other hoops as well. I got a lawyer and tried to fight the whole thing. I wated 4k and ended up with the same thing as everyone else. Keep in mind too the board moves very slow. I got my DUI in 2008 and started probation in 2010. My advise to and new grads is NOT to get a license in Ca. If you get a license in Ca you will be placed on 3 years probation and you will most likely not get a job. I see it all the time. I would go to Nevada or Arizona. If you get a license in Ca and get placed on probation other states will be most likely to deny you or place you on probation as well, but if you aplly to another state first you will most likely just get your license and can start working immediately. Ca is the most strict state period. If you have any questions I can help you out w let me know.

I go to Mexico frequently 2-3 times a year while on california probation for a DUI. They do not test while out of the country for probation. Diversion is different.

Yes get in to a routine of when to call in. I do it before I get out of bed in the morning. It will probably be a warning this time but you reall need to be vigulant now. I was placed on probation for a first time DUI in 2008. Probation is a difficult thing.

So I would just call first lab on Monday and your monitor. Your first miss I have heard they don't do much about but you have been on probation for a month correct? You have missed twice and one being a test. Just call your monitor and realize you are most likely on the razors edge of a extension. Get into a routine of not getting out of bed until you have called in. I am in contact currently with lawyers. Legislation I am going after first are incidents that happened outside of work such as first time DUI RNs with good work reviews. The DUI will only stay on your record for 10 yrs just like your DL. If a addictionologist states you do not have a problem with addiction then no random testing. If your work states you are not a danger to patients then no restrictions at work for a non work related incident. If all of us nurses come together we will be a very powerful voice against the board. Alone we are nothing. Just a number. Things will change. I am going to see to that. I will keep every one updated.

What you need to do first is call first lab and schedule a immediate retest. Then call your probation monitor and explain what happened and u sched a retest. Unfortunately we are at the mercy of the board w there over zealous punishment , because they have the power to dangle our nursing licenses over are head like a carrot. Thats why we need some sort of movement or representation. Lawyers do not work fighting against the board. I spent thousands of dollars and recieved the same punishment. As far as missing your call ins it is easy to do. I got into a routine. Before I get out of bed in the morning I get on my phone and check in. The best way to check in is by calling in. I checked in by there website once and they said I didnt. I didnt miss a test but I had no proof I checked in, but if you call in and they say you didnt you always have a phone record as proof. I would definately call your monitor about this. They can and often do extend your probabtion by a year. So rediculous! Write Barbara Boxer and lets stop this craziness. I am declaring war against this craziness......

I have one DUI too with excellent work reviews. I have been writting senator Barbara Boxer about the excessive punishment for such offenses to nurses that are safe practioners. I suggest going to her website and doing the same. She has been responding very postively. We have no advocate and we need one.