A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction may be able to keep you from working as a travel nurse. If you have been charged with a DUI and want to be a travel nurse, seek legal help. Otherwise, if you go through the legal process alone, you risk a conviction that could hurt your chances of being a travel nurse.
Consult with a Los Angeles first offense DUI lawyer following a driving under the influence arrest. Your lawyer can answer your questions about whether you can be a travel nurse with a DUI. They can craft an argument to show that you should not be convicted.
Can You Be a Travel Nurse With a DUI in California?
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) considers requests to become a nurse on a case-by-case basis. You must disclose a DUI conviction when you submit your nursing license application. BRN will look at the severity of your crime, when you were charged, and other factors as it decides whether to grant you a license.
If you already work as a travel nurse, you must disclose your DUI conviction to BRN within 30 days. Once you do, the board could require you to take a leave of absence or initiate other disciplinary actions.
Not notifying BRN about your conviction is a violation of the Nursing Practice Act (NPA) and can lead to suspension or revocation of your nursing license.
Meet with a lawyer when in doubt about whether a driving under the influence charge can impact your ability to start or continue your career as a travel nurse. Your attorney can explain if you can become a nurse if you have a DUI. They can look for ways to contest your DUI charge before it results in a conviction.
Can You Be a Travel Nurse Internationally If You Are Convicted of a DUI?
You could face travel restrictions based on a DUI conviction. These restrictions can keep you from working as a travel nurse outside of the United States. Some countries have rules to prevent those convicted of DUIs and other crimes from entering.
As an example, you may not enter Canada if you were convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This means a DUI conviction can make you ineligible for travel nurse jobs in Canada. Fortunately, there are opportunities to enter Canada temporarily or become admissible again.
Discuss your DUI charge with a lawyer prior to pursuing international career opportunities for travel nurses. Your lawyer can share details about California DUI penalties and what can happen if you are convicted of driving under the influence.
What Should You Do if You Want to Be a Travel Nurse and Have Been Charged With a DUI?
Hire a lawyer familiar with the DUI penalties for repeat offenders and for those who have been charged with a DUI for the first time. Your attorney can offer tips to help you work as a nurse with a DUI in California or internationally, such as:
Fight Back Against Your Charge
Getting charged with a DUI does not guarantee you will be convicted. Your lawyer can review DUI strategies with you. They can help you disprove the prosecution’s argument so your charge is dropped.
Remain Open to a Plea Deal
If the prosecutor offers a plea deal, you and your lawyer will evaluate it. Sometimes, DUI plea bargains allow those who want to work as travel nurses to avoid major penalties.
Keep in mind that if you accept a lesser charge than a DUI, you still must disclose your conviction to BRN and other relevant nursing organizations.
Be Transparent About Your DUI Conviction
Do not try to hide your DUI conviction if you want to obtain a nursing license or already have one. Not disclosing your conviction on your nursing license application can cause your submission to be denied.
If you work as a travel nurse and do not notify the appropriate parties about your conviction, you could face serious consequences.
Respond to Your DUI in the Right Way
Enroll in an alcohol treatment program and take other measures to protect yourself against future DUI charges. Your actions speak volumes about how you are treating your DUI. They can help you get or keep your nursing license.
Facing the aftermath of a DUI charge can be overwhelming. A DUI attorney is available to assist you during this challenging time in your life. They can defend you against a DUI conviction so you can work as a travel nurse and achieve your career goals.
Ask for Legal Help With Your DUI Case
You can receive a jail sentence, fines, and other penalties if you are convicted of driving under the influence. Along with these penalties, if you want to be a traveling nurse with a DUI, you could lose this opportunity.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer with years of experience can help you if you want to be a travel nurse and have been charged with driving under the influence.
Your attorney can argue against the prosecution on your behalf and protect your legal rights and best interests throughout your legal proceedings. Talk to a DUI attorney.
