Two dui' 6 and 9 years old

Gr4ceffa, CNA · Jan 27, 2017

ALmadain,

Hi! If you're worried about completing the BSN program and then not be granted you RN license due to your "criminal history", I would suggest talking to your school, or potential school ahead of time to get their thoughts, I wouldn't see why you'd be denied, but different states have different rules and regulations about "criminal activity". Good luck!

KatSor · Jan 28, 2017

I am in Texas. I have two dwi's and a possession of paraphenalia charge. Dwi and paraphenalia are from 2004 and another DWI from 2012 (was later reduced to obstruction of highway.)

I sent my declaratory order and application to sit for the NCLEX before I started my nursing program in 2014.

Overall, the process took about 10 months to get the greenlight from the BON. I paid some extra fees, was sent to a psychiatrist for evaluation, and had so much anxiety during this period of my life. In the end, I agreed to an order that encumbered my license for the first two years.

I recently graduated with my BSN, have a job in a hospital nurse residency program ( I took a job as a tech for the last year of school to get my foot in the door), and as long as I adhere to my stipulations I will have an unencumbered license in 2 years.

My stips include taking two board approved classes in ethics and jurisprudence. I can not work in more than one place as an RN. I must submit to random drug/ alcohol test for two years. Finally, my employer must send in a performance/behavior update to the board every 3 months for two years.

It was a tough journey to get thru but I am glad I did it and I feel that it was worth it.

Good luck to you!!

ATX77 · Jan 29, 2017

Here's my anecdotal experience for what its worth...I was in a BSN program in TX and prior to starting our clinical portion we had to get approval from the Board of Nursing (BON) via background check. This was in 2014, I had two similar convictions (2004 and 2006) so I had to submit a declaratory order disclosing these events. The process included providing a personal statement, court documents and completion documents. The board evaluated these events and ultimately approved me to start the program and sit for the boards. The process took about 6 months to complete which put me a semester behind. I was fortunate that they didn't consider adding any stipulations to my license. In my letter, I acknowledged the events and showed that I had taken the steps to move past them...that included returning to school at 34 years old. The thing to remember is that the BON main goal is to protect the public. They want to be sure that you are safe to practice and able to make sound decisions. Be prepared to disclose, be honest and patient.

All in all, I'd say go for it. Its the best decision I made. Time passing is a good thing, in my experience. Check out your state's BON website for any specific info. Good Luck.

kearsleyRN · Jan 29, 2017

I'm not sure where you are located. But if you are in CA, I can assure you that your license will be initially denied and then they will eventually give it to you after you enter an agreement with them to be on probation for an a few years (usually 3). This will have serious implications on where you can work, you may or may not have to do drug and alcohol testing, outpatient rehab, AA, and nurse support groups. CA BRN will not tell you all this if you call them and tell them your situation and ask their opinion on whether you should pursue a nursing degree. They are absolutely NOT transparent about this. It's maddening! I too have 2 DUIs... both from before I ever even started nursing school or even knew I wanted to be a nurse. It absolutely stinks that you have to pay for your crimes all over again. Good luck to you

ALmadain · Jan 30, 2017

Did get a job as RN yet with encumbered licenses? Was it easy to get employed with such restrictions?

kearsleyRN · Jan 30, 2017

Yes, I still managed to get a job offer here in CA within a couple of months of getting my probationary license. I learned to just be upfront about it at the end of the first interview.

ALmadain · Feb 5, 2017

i m glad you could get a job with ur restricted license. I guess I will just go ahead and start my nursing school. I am just so anxious because I don't want to invest money and time in nursing school to get denied a license or a job. I heard that in Texas you can get an approval from the board before even starting school and same thing in Florida . I am thinking to take my exam in a state that is more linient towards candidates with dui.

i am honestly don't know what to do. I maybe should pursue another career

Texasmama72 · Mar 25, 2020

You got a job?

Texasmama72 · Mar 25, 2020

NVM you answered that already

beachbabe86 · Mar 31, 2020

On 1/27/2017 at 12:46 PM, Gr4ceffa said:
ALmadain,
Hi! If you're worried about completing the BSN program and then not be granted you RN license due to your "criminal history", I would suggest talking to your school, or potential school ahead of time to get their thoughts, I wouldn't see why you'd be denied, but different states have different rules and regulations about "criminal activity". Good luck!

It is a very real possibility that the OP would not be granted a license without board activity. Depending on advice from the school is not recommended. The BON is the ultimate decision maker in every aspect of these situations.

beachbabe86 · Apr 4, 2020

On 1/28/2017 at 7:04 PM, ATX77 said:
Here's my anecdotal experience for what its worth...I was in a BSN program in TX and prior to starting our clinical portion we had to get approval from the Board of Nursing (BON) via background check.

I'm impressed with Texas! It is far better than being told by the Board "we handle things on a case by case basis "after you have completed school.