Hello, I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some insight on how to get licensed in California properly. I am a nursing student in Texas at Texas Women's University. I graduate in August but I was born in California and my goal is to move back ASAP. Would it be easier to take the NCLEX in CA and get licensed by examination or would it be smart to get licensed in TX first since its a very quick process. In TX I would have my license in 48-72 hrs post test where as in CA it is showing wait times of 8-12 weeks for licensing via examination or endorsement. My other question is if it is accurate to state that I may not get licensed in CA via endorsement if I do not have any experience? Would it just be smart to get a both licenses as in take the exam in both places so I at least have a license somewhere while I am applying to hospitals in CA. New Grad positions seems to vary with when they start and most if not all the hospitals require a license in hand. I really do not want to work or stay in TX any longer than I have to and would like to move to CA and start my career there.
A little background I am a postbac student and have a previous degree and career before switching to nursing. Not sure if that would help with me getting a job in CA just simply by having life experience and being a super fresh 22 year old new grad. I am open to any advice and insight anyone can provide!
Toward the end of your program, your nursing school should provide a NCLEX application form to fill in where you can select the state where you would like your initial licensure from. You can select any state.
When you receive your authorization to schedule your exam (also called "authorization to test" or "ATT"), you can schedule to take the test in any state you choose.
Once you pass NCLEX, you will receive a license from the state you selected on the initial NCLEX application.
I know a lot of nursing assistants who were not hired on as nurses after completing nursing school. There were either too few new grad positions, or the hospital didn't hire new grads, at all.
This was in California.
So while tech experience is never bad, it's not always enough to get you an actual nursing job.
So for CA is the processing time the time it takes to get approved to take the NCLEX? Once your application is approved and you take the test and pass you get your license number quickly? Is the ATT what takes so long to receive from the CA BON? If so that makes things much easier! So I could theoretically have my application by examination in August and get the ATT 10-12 weeks later and then take the test pass and get my license number and work (where I would hope I have a job already waiting)?
So for CA is the processing time the time it takes to get approved to take the NCLEX? Once your application is approved and you take the test and pass you get your license number quickly? Is the ATT what takes so long to receive from the CA BON?
No.
No.
No.
I applied by endorsement. There was no ATT needed, and it still took a little longer than the estimated time.
They seem to be VERY understaffed. I've seen it suggested that there's one elderly woman working there, alone, who takes three hours naps in the middle of her shift. They won't even speak to you on the phone for at least six weeks after you apply ...and even then, it's almost impossible to get someone to answer the phone.
Count on waiting the full amount of time after everything has been submitted, and that's if there are no complications. Employers in CA are typically reluctant to hire someone without a license in hand, because they're well aware of the long wait times.
They are super-fast with license renewals, so once you're in you're golden.
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
I am a California resident, but went to nursing school in another state. I had an RN license in that state, so applied for my California RN license by endorsement. The BON website clearly explains the process for licensure by endorsement. Follow that, and you will get your license in the time specified.
Demand for RNs in California varies by location. I would advise you look for jobs in areas where there is a shortage of RNs, like the Inland Empire, San Joaquin Valley, North State (inland areas north of Sacramento), smaller towns, rural areas, etc. The San Diego job market sucks for all healthcare workers.
Awesome! Thanks. One other question. My professor mentioned that to get licensed by endorsement there is a possibility that I would be denied because I wouldn't have any working nursing experience. This must not be accurate as it isnt mentioned anywhere on the BON website. RIght? Just wanting to confirm. Either way it sounds like just taking the test in CA is the best route to go...
This is not true! I went to school in TX and took my NCLEX for my TX license even though I am working in a different state (no one gave me the advice to just take the NCLEX for the state I am actually working in, which would have been more convenient). However, I applied to the state where I work for endorsement with my TX license and had no issues despite no prior work experience as an RN.
I don't know if CA is a compact state, but I am happy that I have my TX license since it is, and the state where I currently work is not. I
KrysyRN, BSN
289 Posts
Toward the end of your program, your nursing school should provide a NCLEX application form to fill in where you can select the state where you would like your initial licensure from. You can select any state.
When you receive your authorization to schedule your exam (also called "authorization to test" or "ATT"), you can schedule to take the test in any state you choose.
Once you pass NCLEX, you will receive a license from the state you selected on the initial NCLEX application.