California licensure with a DWI

[keekle1971]

Hello! I just wanted to give some information from my recent experience with this. Backstory is that I had a DWI at the end of 2009 (extremely poor judgment, awful time in my life all the way around, chose to make a bad decision, no excuses). Fast forward to now...graduated with my BSN in Dec 2017, past the NCLEX in Jan 2018. All of this done in Arkansas. I have friends in OC, California, and in late Jan decided to apply for my license out there. Here's how it went and kind of what to expect if you're applying for licensure by endorsement (domestic)...

I was lucky to apply when I did because in April all the fees went WAY up! Like from $100 application fee to $350. The California BRN website does a good job at telling you exactly what the want you to send in, but not really the best way to do it. I would suggest getting everything together (application, letters, arrest and court records,etc.) and sending it in all at once. I didn't do that and it worked out fine, but it'll save you some stress.

I sent everything in between Jan 30, 2018 and Feb 8. All sent priority mail, return receipt requested. Submitting the application online May or may not be faster. I called the BRN at the end of Feb and after holding for 56 min (not exaggerating) was told by a sweet lady that it'd be another month before they even had a record of me in the system. I called on April 6th and, after a 50 min hold, was told that everything had been received and my application had been sent to the enforcement dept 2 days prior (because of the DWI) and that it would be 6-8 weeks from then before I'd hear something, but to call back at the end of April. I had planned then to call on May first, but received my certificate in the mail on April 27th! So, it took 3 full months with the DWI.

So if you are going thru this process now, DON'T LOSE HEART! And feel free to ask me any questions about the process.

[jackie_1030]

Hello, I just got an this ALL NURSES account so I could reply. Is there a way I can message you or email you? I have many questions concerning DWI and getting a CA license through endorsement!

[jackie_1030]

My biggest question, is that the CA asks you to write a statement concerning the DWI. I was wondering how long your statement was, and what you all included in it!