California Nursing License

Published

Specializes in Long term care.

Hi! I applied for a California nursing license on April 1 (got my finger prints done and mailed around April 15). All documents etc are in. I am currently waiting. I hold an unencumbered license in Vermont. I'm moving to California in July. I have heard mixed stories about how long it takes for a California RN license to pull through. Anyone have any recent experiences for how long this might take????!

Also, on another note.. I currently work in LTC. I was on a rehab unit. I enjoyed the work. I am currently working in memory care- which in my opinion, has its moments. I am moving, so obviously switching jobs. I love my job- love the people I work with, the patients (I think I'm a little underpaid... but not severely). But, I obviously can't take my job with me...

I don't know where to go from here. I guess I need career advice from well informed strangers. I have an idea of what I like: 1) I may like to work in a hospital but not sold on it 2) I enjoy working with adults, but also kids 3) No maternity- no thanks not for me 4) I work with many psych patients right now- I love it at times, hate it at times. I don't know how I would feel about working exclusively with psych patients 4) I've heard working in a prison is a great job??? (Thoughts) 5) I don't know if I want to work in another LTC facility. Not to say I wouldn't, but I think I would prefer something a little more critical???

I'm just so torn about what to do with myself. There's times where I'm like I want to go into Peds, another day I feel like ER, and another day I was like what if I work in another LTC??? It wouldn't be that bad. I like my job now.

I currently work evenings 3-midnight or 3p-3a. I am tempted to work nights. But am concerned for how my body might respond. I do well with the 3p-3a. But don't know how well I will do after 3a. I also have a 1 year old who wakes up at 7a.

Thanks for listening. Any for any advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The California BON has wait times listed on their site and they seem to be fairly accurate. As far as where to work, you may not have a lot of choice with your limited experience. California is saturated in a lot of areas, and it can be difficult to break into acute care with only long term care experience.

My advice would be to apply for anything that interests you (and some things that don't) and see who calls back. I'd probably focus on adult med/surg if you decide that you do want to work in a hospital. Those jobs are the most plentiful, so they may be "easier" to get.

BSN is highly preferred here, especially with limited experience and in the more desirable specialties. I moved here with an ADN and two years of acute experience. I had no trouble finding work, but I might have if I had been pickier.

***Now that I look at your move date, more warning... I was furloughed from acute care last week, along with a bunch of other nurses. Covid is keeping everyone else away from my hospital, and no one is sure when things might return to normal.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Long term care.

Hi! thank you for your reply. This forum is really great (I'm new here). I have a BSN (I actually have a PhD in neuroscience as well- my previous career I was a college professor and researcher). I hope things will return to somewhat normal by the time I get out there. Vermont has very few cases (as we are rural, and Vermonters generally dislike being around other people during a normal non-pandemic time...LOL). I question whether right now is the right time to move, but the gears are already in motion... we sold our home and put notices in at work etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in school nurse.
37 minutes ago, MichelleMacRN2017 said:

Hi! thank you for your reply. This forum is really great (I'm new here). I have a BSN (I actually have a PhD in neuroscience as well- my previous career I was a college professor and researcher). I hope things will return to somewhat normal by the time I get out there. Vermont has very few cases (as we are rural, and Vermonters generally dislike being around other people during a normal non-pandemic time...LOL). I question whether right now is the right time to move, but the gears are already in motion... we sold our home and put notices in at work etc.

You can't unsell your house, but you can probably revoke your job notice. You could always rent for awhile.

Don't move to California to work as a nurse, particularly with the impending recession coming.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Long term care.

Hahahah well thanks for the encouragement... I'm definitely moving, so your comment, while I am thankful for your opinion, is not helpful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mental Health.

Hi! Good luck with getting your Cali RN license soon ? I’ve been working in California For 3 years now but don’t have a Cali license because I work for the VA. When you work for the federal government, they just require you have a license from ANY state. Now that I plan to call Cali home permanently, I will get my license here soon, for Potential job opportunities outside the feds. Just wanted to share that benefit with you! As far as your career questions, FYI the VA has nursing home units called CLCs (community living centers) at our hospitals. The VA Long Beach where I work at also has a geriatric psych unit which may be appealing to you. Anyway, I work in mental health and I love it. Might be a fun change for you ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion