Recently convicted of a DUI in California--any nurses in similar predicament?

15 Posts

Hi guys,

I recently was convicted for a DUI (driving under the influence) this past February. My BAC was a .10% and there was no accidents or anything like that involved. I am currently tending to my court-ordered obligations. I have been reading many threads and searching the web for what might happen to me when it comes time to take the NCLEX, and it seems that everyone's experience is different. I was wondering if any currently working nurses (with a recent DUI conviction) in California could tell me how their experience was with the BRN, what the outcome was, what steps I should take in order to make this career as a nurse possible for me. The reason why I am posting a new thread is because I heard that the BRN is "cracking down" and changing the process to make it more difficult for those with criminal convictions, and most posts regarding DUIs have been fairly old.

As of right now, I am taking prerequisites to be eligible for an Entry Level Master's Program. However, I don't want to waste both time and money if I will end up not being able to sit for the NCLEX. I've lost many hours of sleep, tossing and turning, spending hours and hours on the web trying to see if this is still a possible career path for me. I'm not looking for sympathy or empathy, or any negative comments regarding my situation... just simply a straight answer on whether or not I should be pursuing a nursing degree.... I have recognized my mistake and I'm paying for it emotionally, financially, and spiritually. I'm extremely distressed.

Any and all help is appreciated. Thank you.