Under-age drinking ticket?

mandyc · Jul 27, 2010

well, a few things first. there are many current rn's that have received "underage" drinking tickets. i know a few personally. it depends on the length of time since the offense and the application to the nursing school or board of nursing to test for your license. because you currently have your cna, i believe with most regulatory agencies you are required to report the offense to the board...this will eventually need to come out, so it is best to deal with it now, then later when you have to explain to the board why you didn't alert them to the offense with your active cna license. it is not going to "disqualify" you from going to school as long as you don't lie about it. generally speaking (and i do mean generally) schools will not deny your acceptance based on a single offense. they are looking for a pattern or habitual offender. the board of nursing will probably ask that you see an alcohol counselor to determine if your situation/offense is related to an addiction or not. this would be something i would actively pursue, to be proactive and show them that you do not have an addiction and it was a huge mistake on your part, but not a pattern that will continue. the worst and i mean the absolute worst thing to do is ignore the situation at hand and do nothing. i am not sure what state you are from and all regulatory agencies have different laws/policies regarding offenses while you are licensed. things happen and it is best to learn from mistakes and be proactive instead of reactive. on a side note, i have had to go through this as well, just many years prior to getting my rn license. i am not telling you that it will be easy and it will probably prolong the licensing process (not the schooling though), but i am sure you will be fine. a great letter of explanation is very important. take full accountability for your actions, do not blame others (ie...was with a bad group of friends). take ownership of your future and steps to assure the board of nursing or school that an event like this will not happen in the future. good luck! and stay out of trouble..lol....

this is not legal advice...just opinion and suggestions..

SICU_Murse · Jul 27, 2010

In the same boat, but I have already invested all the time, work, and money...waiting on the BON to make a decision now...

soxgirl2008 · Jul 28, 2010

Thanks for the advice! I called the nurse aide registry and they told me I didn't even need to report it because it's not a criminal offense and is only a citation, so I'm good where that is concerned

studentnurse7775 · Jul 28, 2010

Seriously an a MIP?? I know too many nurses and nursing students who had this offense and were fine. I wouldn't stress on it too much. Most states offer court diversion for this offense anyways

Destiny's mom · Jul 30, 2010

I am kind of in the same boat. almost two years ago I was a bartender where the police set up a sting, i sold a beer to a minor unknowingly and got a ticket. Since then I have gotten my C.N.A license, well know that I have completed all my pre req's for LPN, they are telling me the won't let me in because of it!!! And this is the same school that let me go through C.N.A course....I'm confused...

mandyc · Jul 31, 2010

I would be confused to. I am not current on the laws and regulations regarding violation codes and what types of offenses are which..But, I do know that policy changes on a continuing basis. I would call your State board of nursing, tell them your sittuation, and see what they will say.(" we will never give you a license" or "Send in the paperwork and we will make a decision" ) It is hard to base the rest of your student career and nursing career on a maybe,but it is also worth a shot if somewhere in there you see a glimmer of hope! The state board of nursing will NEVER give you a straight YES or No answer on what offenses they will take until they have all of the information in hand and all the requirements have been met. However, an explaination (not an excuse) will do a tremendous amount of good in your favor, especially if it was a single, one time offense. I doubt that they will be worried that you will make the same mistake in your nursing career, they seem unrelated to me. Maybe you can convince your nursing school to take you based on your determination to become a nurse as well as your dedication to correct the issue at hand. If not find another nursing school that will!....Good Luck to you!

Destiny's mom · Aug 2, 2010

Thank you, I appreciate your reply. I actually did call the WA state health department and they told me from what I said they would have no problem letting me get my license. They said it was case by case, and from what I said it wouldn't be a problem...But they also said unfortunately each school can do what they want...So, for now I had the court write a letter saying It was going to be off my record as of August 12 and that I had not been found guilty of anything...That the gave me a continuance, and as of that date it would be clear. My school said they will have an answer for me tomorrow... So I'm praying hard. Again thank you for responding, it's hard not knowing where to turn or whom to speak with. I am grateful for this site.

Lou2012...CNA · Aug 19, 2010

I had a dimissed OVI back in 2007 and im not to proud of it! I had to plead guilty to underage consumption driving a motor vechicle, show up in court, pay fines, and take community service. I am a nursing student and a CNA. Im ashamed of what happened, but u cant let it worry you. I also know plenty of people whom are in the nursing field with OVI's an such. I have an interview with a hospital and trust me, im afraid its going to keep me from having the dream job. Best of luck to you!

Lou.....LPN in 2012 :nurse:

mandyc · Aug 23, 2010

These mistakes are just that, mistakes...and if you have learned or corrected the underline issues, chances are the mistakes will not happen again. It is important to identify why they happened in order to make sure the mistakes do not happen again. Most places will look at several issues, length of time since offense, if this is a "habitual" offense, if you have taken steps to correct your issues and or problem if one exists, and how you are dealing with everything in the mean time. One of the most interesting questions I had in an interview was, "how do you deal with the stress of nursing?" It kinda caught me a little by surprise, I remember when "having a cold beer after work" would have been the answer, however, now I do other things,....school, gardening...and such......Nursing is a stressful and very enjoyable career...but, just like anything, stress can be delt with in a positive way or in a negative way......make sure to find ways that work for you without jeopardizing yourself or others....good luck to you and your dream job...