Will a past DUI affect taking the NCLEX/Getting hired?

KeepItRealRN, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

I don't know about NY, but I had a student in one of my clincial groups when I taught in S. Florida who had a DUI in his background. He eventually was able to sit for the boards but had to jump though a lot of hoops to do so, and even then I think his license was restricted for the first year. It was a shame too because he was a great student and a pleasure to have in class.

I don't think it will prevent you from taking boards, but it will most likely be a hasstle none the less.

Just FYI for anyone reading this. If you get a DUI after you get your license, it could get reported to the board and have an effect on your license. In the state I currently live in a DUI conviction is a Gross Misdemeanor.

eslvn · Nov 4, 2011

You will have to look on the state board website. In many states you will be able to pay all the fees and take the boards, but when you pass and pay for your license you will have to probably write a letter explaining the situation and how you have changed, maybe letters of recommendation, and also provide all the legal documents. It will be a pain, but you should make sure its possible to get a license so I would call the board.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

Hi,
I received a DUI in California when I was 19 years old. (BAC .07) but under 21.
That was 4 years ago.
Wondering NY's policy/process on applying for the NCLEX and/or the job likelihood.
I am already enrolled in nursing school, in fact i finish summer 12.
Do i contact the BON now or wait till i graduate?
Also, if anyone has any suggestions on Preceptorship choices (as in hospitals, specialties etc) that would help too!
thanks!!

I think it really varies WIDELY by state. I had a classmate with 4, yes FOUR DUI convictions and she sat for the NCLEX (LPN) and got a license and a job right away.

KeepItRealRN, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

I think it really varies WIDELY by state. I had a classmate with 4, yes FOUR DUI convictions and she sat for the NCLEX (LPN) and got a license and a job right away.

I hope that classmate busses, or takes a cab to and from work and every where else for that matter. After 4 DUI's I believe that she is a menace to society.

ooomonkeys · Nov 4, 2011

You should look into getting your DUI expunged. Then when you apply for jobs you don't have to disclose it on your application. (Unless it's a government job.)

As far as the nclex, just don't get anymore misdemeanors and you'll probably be fine. No one can really say for sure.

SweetheartRN · Nov 4, 2011

This is one of those posts everybody hates....:chair:

realnursealso/LPN, LPN · Nov 4, 2011

http://www.op.nysed.gov/title8/part28.htm

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

I hope that classmate busses, or takes a cab to and from work and every where else for that matter. After 4 DUI's I believe that she is a menace to society.

ITA, believe me. Public transportation/cabs are not a reality here, sadly.

Jaimie.RN · Nov 4, 2011

Where I live, if you have a DUI conviction, the BON will not even think about licensing you. =/

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Nov 4, 2011

Moved to our Nursing Licensure With A Criminal History

foreverstudyin · Nov 17, 2011

If you have plans to work in another state(differ than the state of which you are sitting for NCLEX), then you better start gathering any info/documents about your DUI situation. Ex: I had to answer "yes" to the misdemeanor question (a DUI in 2004). Since I answered "yes", the app requests a state criminal background check of where I have lived in the past 5 years (even though the DUI occurred on the opposite coast). Also, they are requesting any documents avail and a handwritten summary of what happened/resolved. So... I have to drive to a differ state that I lived in 5 years ago and get fingerprinted/do a state criminal check. And now, I have been waiting a 1.5 weeks to get the results in the mail... Alot of delay in the whole process of looking for job out-of-state... Alot of headache and hassle.

If you answer "no" to the job application or on a state license application to work in a differ state, and they find out about your DUI, then you lied on the application..... ANd they now have the legitmate right to deny your app.