what states can a ca LVN work?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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Hi, as a CA licensed vocational nurse, what other states can I work in? I believe there are some states that accept your ca license, but there are also some that make you test again or something along those lines correct? anyhow I am looking at moving out of california and was wondering what states would accept my license. thanks!

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As far as I know (I'm also a CA LVN as of April) any state will take our license, it's just a matter of jumping through all the hoops in regards to paperwork. No one makes you re-test--you just have to fill out forms to apply for their license and pay the application fee. Then there's more paperwork you need to submit to the CA BVNPT to verify your license, which of course also costs money.

It can also be pretty time consuming from what I understand. :( Really wish we were a compact state.

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so I can now go work in any state? if thats true thats really cool. Im sure the paper work etc. takes forever.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.
As far as I know (I'm also a CA LVN as of April) any state will take our license, it's just a matter of jumping through all the hoops in regards to paperwork. No one makes you re-test--you just have to fill out forms to apply for their license and pay the application fee. Then there's more paperwork you need to submit to the CA BVNPT to verify your license, which of course also costs money.

It can also be pretty time consuming from what I understand. :( Really wish we were a compact state.

That is my understanding, also. California and Texas have LVN's while the other 48 states call us LPN's. Are you planning a move?

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Specializes in pulm/cardiology pcu, surgical onc.

your best bet would be to check with the BON.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

No other state will allow you to work under your California license. California is the only state that will permit you to work under a California license.

If you wish to live and work in another state, you must obtain nursing licensure in that other state by endorsement. For example, if you want to work in Nevada, you must apply to the Nevada Board of Nursing in order to receive a Nevada LPN license by endorsement. Each state's endorsement paperwork can usually be found on their respective board of nursing websites.

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^^ I think the poster understands they can't work under a CA license in another state but was asking about testing.

To the OP..you will need to check with the state you are moving to. Since you have a CA LVN license you will probably only need to pay a fee, since CA has one of the highest standards for how many hours you need etc. Good luck on your move!!!

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Specializes in LVN.

California is part of the NLC (nursing license compact) which there are 34 other states that are also in that.  You can transfer your LVN license to any of those states by just going to their states website and applying for your license and it would be accepted.  the states that are not part of the NLC you would have to follow whatever the steps for that particular state requirements are to obtain your license for that state.  

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
Jamie Preheim said:

California is part of the NLC (nursing license compact) which there are 34 other states that are also in that.  You can transfer your LVN license to any of those states by just going to their states website and applying for your license and it would be accepted.  the states that are not part of the NLC you would have to follow whatever the steps for that particular state requirements are to obtain your license for that state.  

CA is not part of the NLC. See this map for reference of states that either are in the NLC or are enacting the NLC. There is no action in CA.

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TheCommuter said:

No other state will allow you to work under your California license. California is the only state that will permit you to work under a California license.

If you wish to live and work in another state, you must obtain nursing licensure in that other state by endorsement. For example, if you want to work in Nevada, you must apply to the Nevada Board of Nursing in order to receive a Nevada LPN license by endorsement. Each state's endorsement paperwork can usually be found on their respective board of nursing websites.

This is not true.... Maybe for other states but California is one of the few states where you can use your license anywhere. You just have to pay the BRN to change the name of the state on your license but you do not have to actually re test for a new license 

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
Tamar Gevorkian said:

This is not true.... Maybe for other states but California is one of the few states where you can use your license anywhere. You just have to pay the BRN to change the name of the state on your license but you do not have to actually re test for a new license 

You're referring to licensure by endorsement as mentioned in earlier posts, where one applies for a license in the new state based on the fact that they currently hold a license. This is not done by reaching out to the BRN in CA (which I believe is the only state that uses "board of registered nurses”) but the BON (usually covers both LPN/LVN and RN) in the new state. It's not just "changing the name of the state" but a review to ensure that the criteria for licensure in the new state are met as well. 

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