Does anyone knows if Cali. RN license works in other states?

Nurses New Nurse

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Specializes in Orthopedic.

I am a new grad RN from California and want to know if California RN license works in other states too. If yes which states??

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CA is not a member of the compact states. The license is only good in CA. You have to endorse it into the new state.

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Specializes in ICU.
CA is not a member of the compact states. The license is only good in CA. You have to endorse it into the new state.

EXCEPT (I think, but could easily be wrong) if you're working at a VA hospital. In that case, your CA license should be OK wherever you're working.

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Specializes in Orthopedic.

So for the indorsement ,do I still have to take the exam again for that state or what do I need for that?:idea:

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This thread reminds me of so many that I see here, and they always bring up the same question -- how is it that people are graduating from nursing schools without knowing this stuff?? When did nursing programs stop teaching the most basic info about the legal/professional aspects of nursing practice??

I'm not singling out or criticizing the OP in any way; I just can't help wondering. We used to learn all of this in nursing school; when did that change?

Sorry for going OT, but this really bugs me. I'll shut up now. :)

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Honestly, all you have to do is contact the state board that you are considering moving/transferring to and see what is required for endorsement. Google that state board of nursing and there ya go.

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This thread reminds me of so many that I see here, and they always bring up the same question -- how is it that people are graduating from nursing schools without knowing this stuff?? When did nursing programs stop teaching the most basic info about the legal/professional aspects of nursing practice??

I'm not singling out or criticizing the OP in any way; I just can't help wondering. We used to learn all of this in nursing school; when did that change?

Sorry for going OT, but this really bugs me. I'll shut up now. :)

We had a class in nursing school where all kinds of questions of this nature were discussed and we had projects to do and even field trips. I guess they must be leaving the nitty gritty out nowadays.

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EXCEPT (I think, but could easily be wrong) if you're working at a VA hospital. In that case, your CA license should be OK wherever you're working.

I doubt that a new grad would be trying to get on with the VA. If so, they will be happy to tell them what they need to get hired.

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Specializes in ICU.
I doubt that a new grad would be trying to get on with the VA.

Maybe in your area of the country, but a couple folks from my nursing class were hired by the local VA hospital. I guess it all depends on local job availability & what seems interesting.

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Specializes in SICU.
This thread reminds me of so many that I see here, and they always bring up the same question -- how is it that people are graduating from nursing schools without knowing this stuff?? When did nursing programs stop teaching the most basic info about the legal/professional aspects of nursing practice??

I'm not singling out or criticizing the OP in any way; I just can't help wondering. We used to learn all of this in nursing school; when did that change?

Sorry for going OT, but this really bugs me. I'll shut up now. :)

I just graduated and we covered all of this in school. :yeah:

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