Here is part of an edited email I received from a nursing student.
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I am a nursing student at a 4 year university in State A. While visiting my family in State B, I made the worst decision in my life and was arrested on DUI charges this month. Because of my current student status I am very scared that I will be kicked out of school and will not be able to get a nursing license. I have a yearly clinical clearance upcoming.
1. Do you know if I will be able to pass this with a DUI charge?
I also have a scholarship from a local hospital with the expectation that I will work for them for 2 years starting immediately after getting my license. There are nurses from the hospital who are on staff as lecturers at my nursing school. So I am assuming the hospital will find out soon.
2. Can the nurses who are staff at the hospital and guest lecturers or adjuncts disclose this to the Hospital?
I graduate in late 2010 and I expect to NCLEX in early 2011.
3. Do I have any chance of staying in school and NCLEXing?
This is my first time getting arrested, I have no criminal history. I have a bachelor's degree and am now getting a second degree. I have never had a problem with alcohol in the past, the people I have told about my situation are shocked. I am willing to do anything to prove that this is a one time horrible error in my behavior and judgment. It took me a long time to realize that nursing was the right path for me.
5. Can you give me any advice on what I can expect to happen to my nursing education and job?
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I referred the nursing student to a nurse license defense attorney in his/her state/jurisdiction for assistance because I am not licensed to practice law in State A or State B. These are excellent questions and you need a specific response about your options.
If you are a nursing student and you are in a similiar situation, speak with an attorney NOW. Its better to know what lies ahead than to have an alligator, crocodile, and a snapping turtle bite you on the a*! simultaneously at the finish line.
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