Surely somebody else has been through this!

[cowgrrlRN]

To make a long story short, I was recently convicted of misdemeanor DUI. I have contacted my BON and am awaiting a reply as to what consequences I face if it is necessary to report this offense. I'm more afriad than I have ever been in my life. I see all my years of school, work, and continuing ed. being flushed down the drain because of one instant of incredibly bad judgement. I'm not asking for sympathy. I would like to know if anyone else has similar stories and what happened to them as a result. Thanks.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Take look through your state BON's website - it should explain the process of what happens to licensed nurses convicted of DUI or other crimes.

Unfortunately, I don't think other people's recountings of their experiences will help you much as this varies from BON to BON.

Good luck to you.

[cowgrrlRN]

Mostly I am looking for some hope that I will get through this and might even make it with my career intact. Thanks for your input.

[Music in My Heart]

\

You've done the right thing by reporting it. Now do the right thing by learning from this "instant of incredibly bad judgement" and not repeating it. I know that you know that it's not worth it.

I'm not offering sympathy but I do hope this works out OK for you (and that you never, ever get behind the wheel after having been drinking).

[Tait, MSN, RN]

In an age where, I personally, have heard stories of nurses who let patients die, steal meds and still get to continue their careers I wouldn't be sweating this one too much. I would definitely stock this in the "stupid things I did and will never do again" box, but I wouldn't be losing sleep.

Yes every board is different, but if this is the one mar on your record they would be foolish to let a good nurse go due to it.

But that is just from my little corner of the internet, without a whole lot of details.

Peace be with you,

Tait

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

In Florida it's kind of "if your job isn't affected, we really don't care what goes on between you and the highway patrol." People don't have to report DUIs to the BON here. I work with on administrator whom has lost his drivers license from two, yes two, DUI convications. Another coworker has gotten one and is working without difficulty.

Obviously, we can't tell you what to do or what will happen.

[NurseCard, ADN]

I can't tell you what will happen, nor have I ever been in your shoes, but I know that we all make stupid mistakes. Whether we allow ourselves to learn from them is the real measure of who we are.

Good luck to you.

[Weeping Willow]

I think you'll be alright. I do hope you have legal representation.

[TazziRN, RN]

If you do a search here on All Nurses you will find many threads about chemical dependency and DUIs and such. Many of us have been through it, some before being licensed and some after. Each state is different, but the one thing they seem to have in common is that they will require you to jump through some hoops to stay licensed.....a peer assistance program, a recovery program, etc. Don't argue, do what they tell/ask you to do, and you'll get through just fine.

[cowgrrlRN]

Thank you to everyone for the great support and encouragement. As it turns out a misdemeanor DUI does have to be reported to the AZ BON. We'll see what kind of penalties I face in addition to those from the court. Yes, this has definitely been filed under mistakes never to be repeated. It has been placed at the No. 1 position in a long list.lol Seriously, this is something I will never do again even if it is only one drink. Hmm, may have to move to Florida!! This is my first offense ever so I am going to try to be hopeful. I am willing to jump through any hoops required but I don't know how understanding my travel company will be.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Really what you are asking is decided on by the BON and they make their decision on an individual case. For this reason I am closing this thread.