NJ Board of Nursing - What the Heck?

I wish I could sneak a pic of the nj bon ....then you'd see why everything takes forever and there's nothing but problems....it's literally a hole in the wall with papers and folders everywhere. Organization ??? Ha?

I'm speaking from experience. After a while, phone calls don't work. I finally got my license when I showed up to the office!

Showing up might be what I have to do, too. Dealing with the NJ BON has been nothing short of a nightmare. It took 6 weeks to get my ATT and that's with calling and bothering them once a week. Passed NCLEX and they're saying another 6 weeks for my license #. Other states issue a license number in 24 hours! Nobody there seems to know what they are doing, and they are disorganized and rude.

I have contacted the Governor through their online contact form, and have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I urge you to do the same. I have gone months without adequate work because I have been waiting on the BON, and several jobs have slipped though my fingers.

I'm speaking from experience. After a while, phone calls don't work. I finally got my license when I showed up to the office!

Yenzies, how long did you wait before showing up at the office?

NJ does not issue a license within 24-48 hours post NCLEX because ATTs are issued prior to the BoN receiving background check clearance. They are issued once education is verified (often a source of delay) and application is complete (should be quicker if an online application is submitted). The fastest ATT I've seen issued is 4 weeks as application sent week of graduation (just shy of peak graduation time) and school verification sent week after graduation. All applications post complete file (NCLEX passed, application complete, background complete, education verified) have to be reviewed and approved by BoN committee. Background checks take 4-6 weeks once fingerprints complete, 2-4 weeks if fingerprints on file (LPN going to RN, CHHA going to LPN or RN)

The general rule of thumb is post NCLEX, check online the status if your application is complete for all requirements and it's been a week since last item marked complete, then follow up with the BoN.

If you file a paper application the timeline is longer as each page must be scanned into the system and verified as legible/accurate.

There is no point in going to the BoN office if your application is incomplete. (I know someone who did and their background was incomplete so it was a wasted trip. ) But it's easy to see your application status online for LPN or RN. Even if you filed a paper application.

Once license number is issued and posted on the NJBoN license verification system you can legally work as a nurse (employers are supposed to call, fax or verify online licenses rather than just accept a paper copy) as it takes a few weeks for the licensed to get printed, mailed, and delivered by the USPS.

BBB has no standing with public departments. The governor and commissioner for the dept of consumer affairs ( that oversees the BoN) have more effect.

If your file is complete for all aspects when you check online and it's been at least a week since last item marked complete, then call/visit the BoN. Just don't go next Friday.

Thank you. Everything on the online checklist is complete with the exception of the committee approval. That's what they said I have to wait 25 business days for.

I know NJ's process is different from other states. What I do not understand is why they continue to use the same inefficient system when the rest of America has figured out a better way. Clearly it is possible to be far more efficient if virtually every other state is doing it.

You'll have to excuse my ranting, but I'm in desperate need of a job and I can't even apply for jobs without my license #. This is my second career. I'm not a kid living with their parents. I need to work or I can't pay my bills.

Thank you, though, it is oddly comforting to know that this is just the way it is for everybody.

One name. Charles Cullen. After that fiasco NJ went back to committee review for all initial and endorse applicants.

Rough for new grad nurses itching to work-absolutely since NJ no longer offers temporary practice permits.

I tested August 11 several years ago, license issued Sept 19. My sister had a much longer wait as the computerized NCLEX was just beginning. I think she waited 12 weeks for her initial license but continued as a CNA to "pass the time".

Hurry up and wait is the worst!

They will send you a letter that you passed. Then you get a letter a couple of weeks later with your license. So disappointed with the first letter as I thought it was my license.

Rant away. Many NJ systems are broken. Whether a 2nd career non traditional grad with bills to pay or a 22yo new grad awaiting first job to move out on own it's still frustrating!!!

I did finally get my license #. In case this helps anyone, here is how the timeline worked out for me:

4/23 Applied to NJ BON and Pearson online

5/1 Mailed supporting documents

5/9 Got fingerprinted

6/2 Got ATT

6/16 NCLEX (took first available date)

7/1 Got license #

So, almost 10 weeks application to license. I also called them about every week to see what else was needed.

That's pretty impressive short time from NCLEX pass to license. Congrats. The ATT delay could also have been due to "graduation season" a and a large number of applications submitted at once! Good luck in the job search