endorsements

It is unsafe to ever lie to a BON, they could take away your license forever if they find out. A lot of times, at least on simple background checks, old misdemeanors that have never been computerized don't show up (so the agency background check may not be obstructive when your profile is submitted to the hospital). But you don't want to take that risk with a BON as they run checks through the FBI as well.

My advice is to be completely truthful per the BON application directions. Some only want felonies and DWIs.

Just a heads up about NJ, you cannot simply let your license lapse and pay a late fee five years later, you will have to pay late fees for those five years to work there again. While there are some cool assignments there, I just say no for that reason.

A tip about the order in which you apply, do NY and NJ (if you must) first. The reason is they require all licenses every held to be verified. If you do CA first, that is an extra license with an extra fee and waiting period. California is among the last four states that will not verify electronically through Nursys, you have to send them a $60 fee and a signed authorization which is currently taking several weeks.

If you have any interest in Massachusetts, I would apply there before California for the same reason (MA requires verification of every license - California doesn't). It is a high paying state so having a license there is good. And you can let it lapse as long as you like and simply walk through the office in Boston to get a new license.

Oh, absolutely!! I would never be dishonest with the board, especially for an additional license. I had no issues with TX and they seemed pretty tough. Thanks for the advice on Massachusetts, they are on my radar.

Correct me if I am wrong--doesn't NY do electronic verification through nursys?

Yes, NY uses Nursys, but Nursys cannot verify a California license. So NY can verify your Texas license via Nursys, but if you also have a California license at the time you apply for NY, you will have to pay $60 additionally and send a form to California. That is why timing is important.