transfering to Texas...

RN34TX · May 13, 2007

Hello, I am an RN w/ current valid license in CO. I am preparing to move and transfer to Texas but am concerned about a dui I received 2 yrs. ago. Has anyone had, or heard of, instances like this in Tetxas and how hard it might be to transfer my license to Texas?
Thanks!

You're going to get the generic "Only the BNE can answer that" response which is true but your question really asks if anyone has ever heard of instances like yours.

I have personally worked with 4 RN's in Texas with prior DUI's, one of whom transferred in from another state with a DUI on her record, so yes, there are RN's in Texas with DUI's that get licensed here but every individual situation is different. I'm also not sure if they had additional requirements to meet as a result of their DUI's but they definitely all had unrestricted licenses.

lscannonrn · May 13, 2007

You're going to get the generic "Only the BNE can answer that" response which is true but your question really asks if anyone has ever heard of instances like yours.
I have personally worked with 4 RN's in Texas with prior DUI's, one of whom transferred in from another state with a DUI on her record, so yes, there are RN's in Texas with DUI's that get licensed here but every individual situation is different. I'm also not sure if they had additional requirements to meet as a result of their DUI's but they definitely all had unrestricted licenses.

Thank you RN34TX, it makes me feel better being reassured that it has happened.Of course, I knew that there had to be RN's w/ prior DUI's but freaked out a little. What I didn't write in my initial post(due to time restraints yesterday) is that I had already petitioned for my license and was denied. I received a letter stating I need to pay another $150 and resubmit w/ court documents b/c they found something on my background check that I didn't acknowledge in my app. I didn't acknowledge it b/c I wasn't "convicted"...I pleaded down to a misdmeanor. I know I'll have to call the BNE tomorrow to talk w/ them but was afraid I was screwed when I got the letter. It also says it takes a MINIMUM of 3 months to resolve. :madface:

Thanks again,

Any other input from others is welcome as well.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · May 13, 2007

Just hang in there and do everything the BNE asks you to do.

You might see about an impaired professionals program--I'm not saying you need it, I'm saying if you do it, you will have assured them (because you "passed") that this is not an issue for you.

But for sure be nice and smile a lot. Remember that the BNE doesn't just deal with nice people like you who don't really have a problem (I'm guessing here), they also deal with people who are trying to sneak one by.

And know that when you get your Texas license, you'll have passed muster.

NurseElaine · May 13, 2007

I am currently going through a similiar situation. I , too, transferred my license to TX and had to pay the additional fee of $150 d/t a past conviction. I believe that you were initially denied because you didn't reveal the conviction (even it it was a misdemeanor) . I did reveal mines and was told that had I not, there would have possibly been additional fees (up to $350). It has taken 6 months, and finally I will be issued a TX license w/stipulations for the first year. The stipulations are that I must attend 2 board approved classes within that first year on jurisprudence/moral ethics. I know that this can be a VERY stressful time, it was for me, but just keep in mind that the board is trying to weed out the really "bad apples". I was really discouraged through the whole process, and I know how you must feel, however, it is a process that you must go through to obtain your TX licensure. Just hang in there and be patient. Feel free to email if you have anymore questions. Good luck!!!

lscannonrn · May 14, 2007

I am currently going through a similiar situation. I , too, transferred my license to TX and had to pay the additional fee of $150 d/t a past conviction. I believe that you were initially denied because you didn't reveal the conviction (even it it was a misdemeanor) . I did reveal mines and was told that had I not, there would have possibly been additional fees (up to $350). It has taken 6 months, and finally I will be issued a TX license w/stipulations for the first year. The stipulations are that I must attend 2 board approved classes within that first year on jurisprudence/moral ethics. I know that this can be a VERY stressful time, it was for me, but just keep in mind that the board is trying to weed out the really "bad apples". I was really discouraged through the whole process, and I know how you must feel, however, it is a process that you must go through to obtain your TX licensure. Just hang in there and be patient. Feel free to email if you have anymore questions. Good luck!!!

Thank you so much for your reply! It has made me feel better, I really did not think that my DWAI would interfere with my nursing license. I have been a pediatric nurse at Children's Hospital in Denver for 8 years, since I graduated from nursing school. My husband and I want to move to Dallas to be close to his parents and raise our family. Now I am wondering if I it is still what we are meant to do?

Its A Calling · May 19, 2007

I have been through a similar situation. I strongly encourage you to get an attorney that specializes in this sort of thing. The texas BNE can be very difficult at times. Send me a private note if you want the name of an attorney I have used with good results.

Be prepared Texas can take forever to issue an endorsement. Mine has taken one year. They are going through legislative reivew right now and are severely understaffed. Things move slowly. Don't be angry or aggressive with them but I would again suggest getting an attorney to expedite your case. Best of Luck!!