Can a NP practice after graduating before taking their Boards?

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I am graduating from my NP program in 2 weeks and I have heard many NP's say that one can practice as a NP after graduating before taking their boards for the first time. (like a 90 day temporary license) If this is true I am assuming this is a state by state regulation, does anyone know if this holds true in Tennessee, where can I find it in writing? Any insight would be grateful, Thanks!

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Specializes in Emergency,.

this depends on both the state you are in and the job you are working.

In CA i know that once your name is up on the BRN website you can start working if your employer is OK with it.

Most private offices, and non hospital work will work with you.

However, if you are like me, and your first job is working in a hospital then you must pass the boards.

My understanding is that this has to do with billing on a federal level.

I believe that MOST states do require you to pass the boards prior to starting work. Personally i think this is a GOOD thing, as it brings all providers up to a common base.

If you have done well in school you should pass the boards without any problems.

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Specializes in Family NP, OB Nursing.

In Ohio, where I am, you can't get your certificate of authority (basically your NP license) until you have passed your boards. You can apply before you test and on the BON website it will say, "Pending", but until a COA number is posted you cannot practice. That number isn't posted until the BON has all the documentation they ask for, including a pass notice from your certifying organization.

Best bet; call your BON, ask for someone in the advanced practice division and ask. The Ohio BON was always easy to get a hold of, very pleasant and had no problems answering my questions.

Good luck :D

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Specializes in Hospice, Home Health, Acute Care.

How long did it take for the board to process your app once they received all the info they request? I have a Kentucky RN and APRN license and have applied to Ohio for endorsement of both. I'm waiting on the board to process my RN and it's taking an extremely long time. Thanks!

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Specializes in Hospice, Home Health, Acute Care.
In Ohio, where I am, you can't get your certificate of authority (basically your NP license) until you have passed your boards. You can apply before you test and on the BON website it will say, "Pending", but until a COA number is posted you cannot practice. That number isn't posted until the BON has all the documentation they ask for, including a pass notice from your certifying organization.

Best bet; call your BON, ask for someone in the advanced practice division and ask. The Ohio BON was always easy to get a hold of, very pleasant and had no problems answering my questions.

Good luck :D

How long did it take for the board to process your app once they received all the info they request? I have a Kentucky RN and APRN license and have applied to Ohio for endorsement of both. I'm waiting on the board to process my RN and it's taking an extremely long time. Thanks!

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Specializes in Family NP, OB Nursing.

I don't think it took long once they had everything, but at some point they misplaced my transcripts and said they never had them. By the time I had another set sent, they had relocated the transcript and posted my COA #, but I was a new grad. I don't know if things are different for endorsement.

I know that when I applied for endorsement of my RN license to Indiana it took FOREVER, but that was a different state...If I were you, I'd just call and ask for someone in the advanced practice area and ask them if they have everything they need and if there is an estimate on when they might grant you a license.

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