CA Endorsement from a Florida school

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I recently graduated from a school in Florida and I'm now trying to endorse a CA license. I've submitted everything to the board of nursing and I have not heard a thing. I know they're investigating schools, but my school isn't on the list and I did work hard to complete my program. Is anyone else in this situation?  I've waited 7 weeks. I know it could take 10-12weeks. I just have a job lined up and want to start soon. I hate I'm in this situation, it's so not fair for those who've worked hard. 

Thanks 

Specializes in Skilled nursing.

At times, I regret going to a unaccredited school, however, I'm glad that I paid cash instead of getting $100,000 in loans. I'm upset that I haven't received my California license yet, but I feel that I eventually will. Our school is in the accreditation process. This is not fun, however, I feel like we will all be okay. California and its broken system is more the problem than anything. We passed the NCLEX so we have the skills and knowledge to be RNs. 

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Yes, so many schools in Florida filled out 9-page forms, and they are in the review process. BON California did not provide any time frame to respond to them. Many students from unaccredited Florida schools have to apply for endorsement again since they applied more than one year ago. Many have to apply again every year since the application is valid for one year. My sister has been waiting for nine months. As an RN in the Bay Area who works for one of the main hospitals around here, I can confidently tell you that $100000 in tuition is absolutely worth it . You can make this money after tax in five to six months and return your loan. 

None of these unaccredited schools in Florida meet the CA BON since they do not send their students for clinical rotation to Maternity, Medical-surgical nursing, Pediatrics, Community health, and psychiatric departments. At most, they send their student to SNiF and rehab for a limited time.  If you go to the website of the BON (Board of Nursing) of any US state and check the requirements for clinical rotation, you will understand what I am talking about.  Passing NCLEX alone does not make a person competent. Any person who even did not go to nursing school can pass NCLEX by studying UWorld for 5-6 months. 

Again, I cross my fingers, and I hope that all of you folks get your endorsement, but I do not recommend this pathway (going to an unaccredited out-of-state school). 

 

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Specializes in Skilled nursing.

ICHS is a Florida school that California has endorsed its graduates who have passed the NCLEX. They have the same format as most other Florida schools, but they recently got accredited by ACEN. I believe that's why California accepted them.  

I attended my school during COVID, whereas accredited and non-accredited schools allowed students to take science courses with labs and clinical simulations on-line. I called the California board during COVID and asked them how many in-person clinical hours were required was told only 30 hours. At my school, we did our clinical rotations in an HCA hospital in Florida.

I definitely would not recommend attending a non-accredited out-of-state school for nursing. I attended an approved school for my LVN, but it was in the state of California, so I'm good there. 

A person paying off $100,000.00 in student loans can be done, but that is not the norm for those with obligations such as children and a home to pay for.  I have commonly seen nurses working 2 and 3 jobs to pay student loans and support themselves and their families.

The board has told me not to re-apply for endorsement because once the school is approved, they will re-open my file and grant my license. Plus I refuse to pay another $550.  This is what I received last month from one of the Executives at the California Board:

"Regarding your expired application, you will not need to resubmit payment or resubmit a new application. Once the school review has been completed and approved, we will reinstate your expired application and continue processing. I hope this information is helpful and as soon as I have any update I will provide it to you."

I have hope that either we will get endorsed or will become a compact state. Either way, I'm here for it and please tell your sister to contact the Executive Directors by email listed on the BRN website.

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
Janice54 said:

At times, I regret going to a unaccredited school, however, I'm glad that I paid cash instead of getting $100,000 in loans. I'm upset that I haven't received my California license yet, but I feel that I eventually will. Our school is in the accreditation process. This is not fun, however, I feel like we will all be okay. California and its broken system is more the problem than anything. We passed the NCLEX so we have the skills and knowledge to be RNs. 

Passing the exam isn't enough.  That's why basic standards are set re: clinical hours, etc.  Look at all the students that passed NCLEX without barely showing up for a class or a clinical.  Some of them were MD'S and nurses from other countries and that's why they passed.  I feels sorry for the people who went to these sub par schools when they hit the floors.  Being a new nurse is difficult enough without have a low knowledge base when you get there.  I think we are just conforming to the needs of a post-Covid world and that need is more health care workers.

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Specializes in Skilled nursing.

Yes, being a good nurse does entail more than just passing the NCLEX, however, that's the requirement to practice after attending school. Most skills as we all know are taught on the job. What we learn in school is oftentimes very different than what's done on the floor. I feel fortunate in that I was an LVN before becoming an RN, so the knowledge base was there. Nursing is difficult and is not for the weak or those who have no compassion for other people.

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Hi Janice54,are you in here in cali? Can you send me an [email protected]

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Specializes in Skilled nursing.

I just want to get on here and say prayer works and God is good!! I just got an email that my school has passed review and my application will be approved next week! I can say I emailed the assemblyman, the governor, the consumer affairs and the executive members and called the board regularly to check my status. It's been a year and three months! Everyone please stay encouraged and I pray everyone is approved soon! I appreciate the support I've received here. Keep the faith!

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@Janice54

Can I get information  on who you email please.  Are you in California.  Please help me do the same please . Congratulations.

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Specializes in Skilled nursing.

Yes I'm in California. Did you have a caseworker assigned to you when they asked for the 9 pages of info from your school? I would reach out to that person first., If no caseworker or no answers, email the executive officer of the board, Loretta Melby: [email protected]. Make sure you plead your case, how long it has been, etc. If you can get your school to send any type of documentation supporting that your school meets the California education requirements. If no answer with the executive officer, look and see who your assemblyman for your county is, call and explain the situation. They will reach out to the board on your behalf. These would be my initial steps. Lastly, I reached out to Governor Newsome's office for help. I think all of the inquiries may have helped it move along. I hope this helps and pray you are endorsed soon.

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Janice54 said:

I just want to get on here and say prayer works and God is good!! I just got an email that my school has passed review and my application will be approved next week! I can say I emailed the assemblyman, the governor, the consumer affairs and the executive members and called the board regularly to check my status. It's been a year and three months! Everyone please stay encouraged and I pray everyone is approved soon! I appreciate the support I've received here. Keep the faith!

Congratulations! We still are waiting for our school review to be finished . Who emailed you about the approval . Thanks 

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Praise the Lord! Congratulation Janice! 

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Specializes in Skilled nursing.
ninsal said:

Praise the Lord! Congratulation Janice! 

I emailed you.

Nursefb2022 said:

Congratulations! We still are waiting for our school review to be finished . Who emailed you about the approval . Thanks 

One of the executive officers from California Board.

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