Out of State New Grad: Quickest Way to licensure

cwazycupcakes · Mar 23, 2014

I am wondering the same thing. Is it quicker for me to get my license in my current state (compact state) and then apply for licensure by endorsement? Or is it faster for me to apply for licensure by examination and have my school submit all the information to California? I keep hearing nightmare stories about the California BRN taking forever so I wonder if by endorsement would be faster. At least that way I could have a temporary license to work on if it takes a long time. Either way I'd take the NCLEX out here.

Any thoughts or personal experiences?

Colby21 · Mar 24, 2014

I've been doing some research since asking this question. I will be applying straight to california becuase it seems like it's an all or nothing type of situation for me. I'm also looking into the question of whether or not my Residency Program will allow me to work with my IP while waiting, since the BRN is so backed up.

What is the deal with the transcripts? We're supposed to send our school's we've been to, the one sheet of paper, and somehow know to send our transcripts to the California BRN?

gunrock · Mar 24, 2014

If you apply directly to California be warned that it may take you months to get your ATT. I have a friend who graduated for a California program and it took him almost 4 months to get his ATT.

If you decide to apply directly to to califonirs you should apply right now so they have your paperwork and your school can send their final sign off once you graduate.

Also if you don't have a job lined up I would apply in your home state and apply to California once you actually have a position secured.

Colby21 · Mar 24, 2014

The job is contingent on whether I have my California license, so I need that first. However, like I said before, California offers interim permits that permit you to work even before taking the nclex, while you wait. This is also something I'm looking into with future employers.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Mar 24, 2014

To the OP: You might have a faster overall time-frame if you get your RN license in Ohio and then apply for endorsement, that way you're a licensed RN and you'll have already passed the NCLEX... In either case, you're going to have to submit your transcripts to the California BRN so that they can evaluate your education to see if you're even able to be licensed in California anyway.

I'll likely get an IP myself... but I'm a California student, so my program is already California approved. An IP for me will not be a problem. You, being a non-California student will have to have your transcripts evaluated by the BRN, so they may not provide you an IP. The worst part is that if you did get an IP but your program was found to not meet California requirements, you would be out of a job. That's why I suggest going for your Ohio license and apply for California Endorsement...

At least seriously look in that direction!

Colby21 · Mar 24, 2014

I'll definitely consider it. Talking to the California BRN, they've explained that even endorsements will take longer than 3 months. 90 day waiting period.

adventure_nurse · Mar 24, 2014

I am a new grad that has been working at a hospital for 6 months. I want to move to CA so I applied for my license by endorsement at the end of January. they are SUPER backlogged right now. They JUST cashed my check (meaning they finally opened my application) on March 13. I am finally in their online system but my license is still pending. I don't expect to be licensed for at least another 2 months. The problem is that in October they started doing it online but a key component does't work so they have to enter everything from paper applications into the system. I read that they are short staffed and have to train other people from the DCA (division of consumer affairs) to help with applications. This is the reason it is taking so incredibly long. They have posted several notices on their website over the past few months about how they are backlogged and it is out of their control. Frustrating, for sure!

BD-RN, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2014

"Quick" and anything to do with California government offices is an oxymoron, unfortunately. The BON is slower than the DMV, if that's possible. I was going to say just get your Ohio license and endorse this way you have options for new grad programs in two states, but it sounds like you've already landed a position in CA. Congrats!

You asked about transcripts; you must send them from EVERY COLLEGE YOU'VE ATTENDED; and they must be sent directly from the school. Annoying, I know, especially for second degree students. If you're going to be in California anytime soon do your fingerprinting here via livescan; you can go to any police station. It saves you a lot of time and you don't have to risk needing to be re-fingerprinted.

Also remember even if you request to be licensed in CA via NCLEX, you can still technically take NCLEX anywhere. Either way you go, via endorsement or via test, just get everything in as soon as you can and be prepared to wait. It took me 10 weeks to get my license by endorsement last summer.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Mar 24, 2014

You don't have to go to any Law Enforcement stations... There are other places you do a Live Scan. Here's the official list: Applicant Live Scan Locations - California Dept. of Justice - Office of the Attorney General

Go to one of those places, the rolling fee does vary, but they can all do it. Just bring the filled-out Live Scan Paperwork and pay the fees...

Edited to add:

California will not accept any Live Scan data from any place that's not on the above list. Other states can use the exact same system and just because it's not a California Live Scan site, they won't accept it. Your only two choices are the "traditional" hard-card or come to California to get your Live Scan done.

My recommendation is this: try to get to California and do the Live Scan. It's just faster, more efficient, and less prone to errors that can result in you having to get your prints done again. If you can't make the trip, at least do your best to ensure that your hard-card prints are very clear and properly filled out.

RunninOnCoffee · Mar 26, 2014

Be prepared to wait, and wait, and wait, and wait some more. I applied via endorsement from the state of FL back mid January. After 19 failed calls and almost an hour on the phone I was finally able to speak to someone with in the BON. She was able to confirm that they do have all of the required paperwork, however they did not begin to process my application until mid Feb. She said I should hopefully have my license by the end of May.

I would recommend doing the finger prints via live scan even if it means a trip over here. After doing some research I found many people that requested finger print cards were either not getting the cards, or their finger prints were unreadable and they were having substantial additional delays.

Good Luck to you!!

Colby21 · Mar 28, 2014

I called the BRN and asked directly to send me one. They also said the system is super slow when ordering via internet. However, I can't afford to fly out there just to scan my fingers and fly back. They said it should be in the mail now since they personally ordered it for me.