AZ Temporary License

here ya go...

a nurse with a master's degree is called an advanced practice nurse (apn), and they come in four varieties:

No, they don't specifically say APRN....they say "advanced nursing degree". I know what a nurse with a masters degree is, simply defining it isnt helping.

I need some insight from a native Arizonan (is that even a word?)....lol

Im sorry, maybe try calling and talking to someone at the BON. Theyre usually pretty helpful, after a long wait on the phone of course.

I'm trying to do the same thing from MI, just not the temp license. The way I read it, if you just graduated in 2010 that's enough because you've graduated from a nursing program in the last 5 years. That was the last option. HTH! I just graduated this past May and was initially nervous when I saw it, but the last part reads "or graduated from a nursing program in the past 5 years."

Yes, for permanent licensure...temporary is what I am referring to. It appears permanent can take up to 180 days (why?!!!!!!!?!?!?). I am discouraged with this development - extremely discouraged.

Hi,

I just moved to AZ in April of last yr and had to get my license by endorsement. I was here for a travel contract and needed to get in under the 48hr emergency temp license deal. Not sure how long it takes to get a temp license in the non emergent fashion but it can't be more than a couple of weeks. When you apply for the temp license you are actually applying for a permanent one, just have to add on the temp app and check off all the boxes.

I see on the app where you are stuck. On the page for the temp license it leaves one line out. If you go to the regular endorsement application and look at the list of requirements for a temp license it's easier.

It says on that list that you have to have graduated from an approved nursing program. You wouldn't have been allowed to take your NCLEX without having had the degree, so it is your main nursing degree they mean. NY eligibility requirements are stricter- so if you are qualified there, you are qualified here. It doesn't say that you need to bring transcripts I don't think, but bring them just in case. The official ones that come to you sealed. In fact, just as a tip- get a couple of copies now. They are good to have on hand.

Your best bet is to go the the BON when you get here. Mailing the app can take 6 weeks.

I hit the Board on the way from the airport and got all of the pprwk in before I left phoenix.

Ahead of time- have everything filled out and get a cashiers check or money order for the amt specified on the temp app. I think it was $250. Make SURE you have very good proof of citizenship. Go to the board office and find out where to get fingerprints. The receptionist gave me an address, drew me a map and then gave me verbal directions. I went around the corner and was fingerprinted ($12). Brought the fingerprints back to the office and submitted all of it.

I would call and ask them to verify that you have everything you need. They don't always have a human answering but you have to keep trying. They were very helpful and I had a temp license posted online for employers to check within a week.

One other bit- in AZ you have to have a fingerprint clearance card to do anything. Most likely your job will require one. They are separate from the fingerprints through the BON. The card (looks like a drivers lic with no pic)comes from a different office and they don't recognize the fact that you just had them cleared through another agency. It can take a couple of months. There are jobs that don't require them, but most do.

When they send you to get fingerprinted for your RN license, find out if you can get your separate fingerprint card application in. It's just a matter of filling out an extra form and paying another fee. So, you would be getting the required fingerprints to bring back to the BON, and also getting fingerprinted for a "fingerprint card". I didn't know that and when I went to get a permanent job after my travel contract ended I was not happy.

I may have over complicated it.... It was not a problem though, just call and ask. They are very nice.

Good luck!

Thanks for that info HappynAZ! How are you liking it there? I'm going in April for a week to try to pick out some things...I've already mailed my license app though, hopefully everything will be done by the time I get there...but at least I can get the fingerprint card while I'm there! (or try to anyway...)