New Nurse to WA. How long is the licensing process?

U.S.A. Washington

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Specializes in Med Surge, Tele, Oncology, Wound Care.

Hello all

I am here in Washington and loving it.

I did get a job proposal as an RN and I am so excited to start working!

I turned in my application for licensure almost a month ago,

I am in the database as pending....whatever that means :)

Any ideas on how much longer I need to wait...

I applied for my licensure from Texas to WA, but I did have a local address here in WA so will that help me?

I am going stir crazy here!

Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in SRNA.

I would call the DOH and ask them if your application is complete and if you need to fill out any additional paperwork. One month sounds like a long time to me - have they cashed your check?

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Specializes in Case Manager/Administrator.

I am a new graduate/new RN in the state of WA. I went to school out of state and came home to work in WA. From the time the nursing board received my application to the time I was able to test it took about 5-6 weeks. It was not very long and the DOH posts and adjusts anticipated time processing new and transfering nursing licensures. Go to WA DOH you will find a wealth of info. Lastly, if after you do not receive any info from them after approx 4-6 weeks I would call they are super about answering phones and porviding information.

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Specializes in Med Surge, Tele, Oncology, Wound Care.

Well guys I called!

They said the check cleared weeks ago! They said they were very behind and they would look into it. They came back to the phone and said it was pending for someone to look at the papers and give it a quick signature. I checked the site today and I have a license!!! yeahhhhh

I am so excited to start working!

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Specializes in SRNA.

Congratulations! I had a big delay like that too...it was before Thanksgiving - I phoned them to ask what the hold-up was and the woman activated my license the same day. Certain times of the year, I'm sure they're simply overwhelmed.

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They do take their time lol. I waited about 5 to 6 weeks. It took them about three days to cash my check LOL. It all worked out in the end. One bonus for new grads in Washington is that you can get your NCLEX results via phone or online within 48 hours. The woman I dealt with at the WA B.O.N. was VERY nice! Great about returning email, answering phones, and returning calls. I think they genuinely understand how frustrating and anxiety producing it is to wait for something so big---especiallly when there's money on the line in this economy!

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Specializes in Med Surge, Tele, Oncology, Wound Care.
They do take their time lol. I waited about 5 to 6 weeks. It took them about three days to cash my check LOL. It all worked out in the end. One bonus for new grads in Washington is that you can get your NCLEX results via phone or online within 48 hours. The woman I dealt with at the WA B.O.N. was VERY nice! Great about returning email, answering phones, and returning calls. I think they genuinely understand how frustrating and anxiety producing it is to wait for something so big---especiallly when there's money on the line in this economy!

Really! I was out of work for three months because of the move, and two of them were because of waiting for my license! One of the worst times for me. I started orientation this week and I start on the unit next week!

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