Getting CA license, went to school in another state

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Lactation, Women's Health, Obstetrics.

Hi all,

Just wondering if any of you out there went to nursing school in a state other than CA, and then moved right to CA to take the NCLEX and get a CA license (without ever being licensed anywhere else)?

If so, maybe you can answer my questions...

I already know that graduating from a nursing program outside of CA causes the process of receiving the go ahead to take the NCLEX from the CA BON to take longer because they won't let you test until they have a completed file...and I realize that getting a completed file is dependent on many factors (especially on how long it takes for your school to send off that final transcript).

How long from the day you officially graduated were you notified that you could take the exam (ATT)? (this is assuming that prior to graduation you had sent in all the required paperwork and fingerprinting to the BON)

How long did it take for you to find out your test results? By mail and by seeing your name on the CA BON website?

I have read that you can get a temporary license pretty fast by going directly to the CA BON in Sacramento....but does this mean that you have to wait for the official snail mail paperwork that says that you passed the NCLEX? Or can you go straight to the BON after seeing your name on the website?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks for any info!:nuke:

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I was in your position once...originally from california, but moved to other state to get my RN..came back to CA, took my NCLEX n passed it...I applied for ATT online (after recieving my IP within 3 weeks of applying) and got it within 2 hours...took the test-passd it, my name was on the website the 3rd morning and d license was in the mail 2 weeks after that.

Even though I didnt do the livescan fingerprints, the process didnt take too long. It was processed within 3 weeks for me..sorry..dont knoe if i really answered your question...lemme know if anythin...:nurse:

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Biggest issue that most have is the length of time that it takes for your school to send in your trancripts to the BRN, that is what causes the most problems. Many do not send them in for several weeks.

You have to allow about three weeks from when they receive your transcripts before you can expect to be able to sit for the exam.

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I called the ca board of nursing on 2 different occasions and 2 different people said it can take up to 8 weeks to get your interrim permit/or your ok to sit for boards after the date that they recieve your transcripts.

because of this, I turned down a July position that I was offered at UCSD because the position starts 5 weeks after my transcripts are supposed to be out, so that leaves me with a possible 3 week waiting period AFTER the program starts where I would be unlicensed and unable to start that new grad position.

is this other people's experience/what they have been told/heard?

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Specializes in mostly in the basement.

Hi,

Were you really interested in that UCSD job? If not, fair enough, but if you were I would suggest calling back and maybe explaining your thinking and seeing if they would be willing to work with you?

Does this facility definitely not allow IP status during any part of orientation/training?

Sorry, I'm just confused and feeling bad for you if this was something you wanted. Did you tell them why you said no?

FWIW, I also left the state for school. I know I sent the hard copy prints and the app. in and then my school sent the transript shortly after. I would say it was roughly 3-4 weeks from then before I got ATT and IP. Couple years ago now but it was really a breeze and I am soooooglad i took the test here. I had bad mojo in the 'state I do not speak of'

Good luck

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yes they did know why I said no.

I tried to see if they could alloww me to start without it and they said I wouldn't be able to start in the new grad nicu program if I wasnt licensed/had an IP by the start date. I just cant take that gamble. I need a for sure thing so im currently looking at lucile packard children's hospital in palo alto ...their new grad nicu program starts in September so this would work out better. Im waiting to see if I get a call about going out there for an interview. hopefully!!! Thanks for the reply!

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Specializes in pediatrics.

I got a job in CA that starts at the beginning of August and am graduating in MN in mid-may. What I heard from an instructor who is a licensing expert and from the CA BRN is that it would be faster to take the NCLEX and get licensed in your home state (or the state you went to school in) and then apply for CA licensure by endorsement. That way you can get a temp license in Sacramento on a walk-in basis if you're really in a hurry. This way may end up costing a little bit more but it is supposed to be faster. I haven't done it yet, but that's what I've heard and hope it works!

Hope that helps!

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I Heard From Many That The Long Wait Is Primarily Due To Transcripts Being Sent Off From School. I'm Still Contemplating. I'm From Hawaii, But I Think I Would Just Take My Exam In California Since You May Also Apply For An Interim Permit To Work While Waiting To Sit For The Exam. I Don't Know.... =/

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I Heard From Many That The Long Wait Is Primarily Due To Transcripts Being Sent Off From School. I'm Still Contemplating. I'm From Hawaii, But I Think I Would Just Take My Exam In California Since You May Also Apply For An Interim Permit To Work While Waiting To Sit For The Exam. I Don't Know.... =/

Most facilities will not permit one to work with the IP in CA, they want to see the actual NCLEX being passed. I would get the exam done before even coming over to the mainland.

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