will 2 misdemeanor dui's from 9 and 10 years ago absolutely guarantee that...

[mmiller257]

I have already applied to a nursing school in San Diego Ca for an ADN program. I am currently enrolled in my last 2 classes in community college before I can apply for BSN programs. I have already passed the teas test, and received all vaccinations to be eligible to apply for these programs. I unfortunately have TWO misdemeanor DUI's one from 2006 (I was 19) and the second/last from November 2007 (a month after I turned 21). I had a reckless start into adulthood. I am 28 now, and have been taking the prerequisites for the last 4 years (part time). I have worked my butt off in school and have mostly A's with a few B's. I recently applied for the ADN program at Grossmont College. The Dean of Nursing informed me that she has never seen a student with TWO DUI's get licensed by the CA BRN. I have called the board 3 times and asked them is it possible for me to get a CA RN license with my criminal record, and they tell me each time that "it is case by case". They won't tell you a yes or no answer. I understand why they do it this way, but it would be terrible to spend $30,000.00 to $50,000.00 to attend a BSN program, and then not be able to take the NCLEX. Not to mention the stress of nursing school, 2+ years of my life, and the added stress of trying to convince a board that you aren't an negligent alcoholic.

A lady overheard my situation, and told me her friend had the same problem, she couldn't get licensed in CA due to her 2 DUI's. The lady was able to move to Seattle, and get licensed as an RN in Washington. I guess she was able to be licensed in Washington and Hawaii with her record.

I just don't want to gamble all that money, time, stress, etc. if the CA BRN does not license RN's with multiple DUI's. I understand I am going to have to jump through hoops, provide lots of extra paperwork, prove my character has changed and be watched very closely. I am ok with that, I have the 2 DUI's, I was completely irresponsible, and have no problem owning my past. I just don't want to waste my time/energy/money/feelings etc. if the BRN actually DOES NOT ever give the ok to somebody with 2 DUI's.

I had a former classmate who actually knows the VP of the BRN, and asked him for me, but I still was unable to get a straight answer, and he just basically said its case by case, you will need to show you have made dramatic changes to your character. Examples of this were proof that you had gone to AA, proof that you currently have a sober sponsor, or that you attend sober meetings frequently. Well... I do not attend AA, or have a sponsor, so I'm not sure what I am suppose to do.

My real question is: does anybody know of any situations in California where a nursing student had TWO misdemeanor DUI's before applying to take the NCLEX, and what were the results? If I could just meet one person who was actually able to make it happen, I would love to fulfill my dream of becoming an RN. I have been trying to brainstorm other careers to go into after receiving this new, and over the last 2 months, I really can;t think of anything I want to do as much as nursing.

Any advice/stories/testimonials would be greatly appreciated. Please share this with any health field professionals that you know.

Thank you, Sincerely, Mindy... having a quarter life career crisis.

p.s. Does anybody know anything about pardons? I have heard they are way better than expungements, but much more difficult to get.

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Moved to Nursing Licensure With A Criminal History for more response.

Good luck!

[onehope67]

I empathize with you and the situation you are in. Mine is the exact same but I have 2 theft misdemeanors. As there will really be no certain way of knowing before submitting your application, just know you have to be an LPN before a RN. This is the only thing getting me through. About 12 months into my program I would have to apply for a LPN license. If the state will give you a LPN license you will get a RN license in my opinion. 12 months is better than 24 if worst comes to worst. Keep your head up. You won't be a nurse without trying either :) I have gotten expungements for both my convictions, I have researched pardons a bit. You need to contact your governor and ask for one. Not sure on the details of what you have to submit but I have heard they are very hard to come by. Not to say they don't happen, there is a shot, and you have to get everything you can before you submit that application. Best of luck!