AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card

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Specializes in Psych, Substance Abuse.

I was just wondering about the AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card that I see listed on some job requirements. I don't have one, and I was wondering if it is required for ALL nursing jobs in AZ or just certain facilities. I went to school outside of AZ, so I never had to get one for clinicals. I totally plan on getting one, but the 4-6 week wait time scares me. For those of you who have it, did it really take that long?!?! I just got my temp license on 5/21 and I'm dying to get out there and apply like a madwoman, but I'm scared that not having that card will hold me back. I gave the federal card to the BON already, but I didn't think about needing the AZ one.

Oh, and in order to work at a hospital/clinic/etc. do we need to have proof of immunizations? That will be another setback if we do. Ugh, AZ considers me a "foreign educated nurse" even though I went to nursing school in a US territory, so it has been an extremely long battle to even get my temp license. I just want to start working as an RN before I lose every single nursing skill or bit of nursing knowledge I have.

Thanks for your help!

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Hi there. I don't know how it works with regards to employment and where you are in getting the card. I just wanted to tell you that I just got the fingerprint clearance card for nursing school (which is a requirement here too.) and was surprised that it only took two weeks to receive it once I mailed the fingerprints/application in.

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I guess it depends on how busy it is mine took 10 weeks

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Specializes in Psych, Substance Abuse.
Hi there. I don't know how it works with regards to employment and where you are in getting the card. I just wanted to tell you that I just got the fingerprint clearance card for nursing school (which is a requirement here too.) and was surprised that it only took two weeks to receive it once I mailed the fingerprints/application in.

Thanks so much! I hope mine goes that fast.

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Specializes in Psych, Substance Abuse.
I guess it depends on how busy it is mine took 10 weeks

Yikes! That's crazy. I plan on doing it right away, so hopefully it's not busy right now since desertlady got hers within two weeks. Ten weeks...ouch.

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If you don't have immunization record they can draw your blood and see if you have positive titers for MMR and Hep B and they can place a TB test and have it read in two days for you. Just explain your finger prints were just done and you awaiting card in mail if they require finger print clearance card. All organizations are going to run a background check themselves and seek a drug test. Make sure you have current CPR card. Just apply to everywhere you want to work. Be confident. If they need more from you.... then you can work it out and if they see potential and want to hire you they will help assist you into where you need to go to give them what they need.

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Mine took 4 weeks to get which was back in 2012.. I know a few people who have had it take more towards the 8-12 week range. That was within the past year. DPS went through a big exodus and I'm guessing they were short handed for awhile so I'm guessing that's why it was taking so long. Hopefully it won't take that long for you! :)

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Fingerprint card took me 2 and half weeks from application submit to getting it back in the mail. Depends if you have a common name, I would think it would take longer to check.

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

The length of time it takes to get you fingerprint card will depend on a few thing. Mainly, how many apps there are as how many employees are working them. But also consider if you have lived in more than one state, then that delays it. If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor that can delay it. If you have a common last name, that can delay it. I have lived in 2 different states, have a married name change, and have a mine misdemeanor from 6 years ago. I applied for my card in 2011 and it took 6 weeks to get mine back. As for immunizations, I have yet to find a place that doesn't require you vaccinations to be current. If you have been vaxes, then you can get titers drawn to see if you are immune. It only takes a couple days to get results and any PCP or occupational health center can order the tests for you. If you haven't been vaxes, then you can get vaccinations for cheap at your nearest health department. GL

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