newgradui

I appreciate all the comments and advise for this post. I am leaning more towards a probationary license, and will remain hopeful in finding a job. While this situation is not ideal for a new grad and the circumstances of my misdemeanor are very serious I do not believe that my DUI defines who I am as a person or my capabilites; nor will I allow it to control my life. I refuse to use my DUI as a "crutch." I prefer to see it as a "stepping stool" that is based on a lot of hard learning from my mistake. For those of you who are going through similar situations and need some support please feel free to message me.

Hi I am a recent new grad with a prior DUI that I got during my first semester of nursing school. I made a super DUMB decision of getting in the car after drinking. My BAC was 0.22. Since then I have graduated, applied to become licensed, and have applied to a few new grad programs. I was given the opportunity at a local hospital for a PCU new grad position in Feb of this year (2015). Think that I would be able to get my license by then I accepted it, but soon after I had to revoke my acceptance because the BRN said it was a much longer process. I've read a lot of post on the topic (posted between 2010-2013) about what to expect and all seem to be true. I initially applied in September 2014, graduated December 2014, got denied several months later in March 2015, sent my appeal letter in and accepted the waiver to take the NCLEX one time without knowledge of the results until after the BRN decides what to do. Now I am waiting to be contacted by the Dept. Attorney handling my case. I managed to find out his information from an individual I was communicating with from the BRN Enforcement Dept. After speaking with the Dept. Attorney to find out what the next step is in processing my application/appeal letter he said that they were drafting the Statement of Issues (SOI) that lists why they denied my application. He also informed me that I should expect to either take the stipulated agreement that includes a probationary license (min. 3 years with 19 conditions) or go to court. I then spoke with an attorney who specializes in this matter and told her how far I am in the process of getting my RN license. She was honest, told me that her services cost $3500 flat rate, but if we go to court it is a $7000 deposit. She also said that she cannot guarantee that she would be able to produce different results from a probationary license. She informed me she could potential narrow my restrictions or try work out a public reprimand. This post is for those of you who have experience the same situation. While I am collecting more mitigating evidence, I am trying to decide if I should take the quick route by accepting the Probationary License or spend tons of money and time by having a formal hearing in court. I've read the 19 conditions for the probationary license and they appear very restrictive, highly expensive, and seem to be almost impossible to find a decent job. Is there anyone out their in California who has experienced this same situation and have some incite in finding a job with a probationary license?? Any information helps. Thanks and God bless!