Having a CA License

[careprovider08]

Hi everyone,

I heard this before, Is it true that if your holding a CA license RN or PN you can work every states that you want to live in and stay? I'd like to know and can someone prove it to me from some of your experience looking for a job. Do they let you work with a CA license and endorse it later if you want to? Thanks again and good luck...nurses!!!!:bowingpur:nurse:

[elkpark]

A CA license is only good in CA. It is not valid in any other state. However, if you hold a valid, active CA license, you can apply for licensure in any other state by endorsement.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

As said one license is only for one state, if you move to another state you still have to meet their requirements for foreign trained nurse.

[careprovider08]

You mean for example if i live in Chicago and wanted to work over there and I am holding a CA license, they will not allow to work or practice unless i endorse my license to IL?

[suzanne4, RN]

CA license is only valid in CA. If you wish to work in IL, then you must go thru their procedure of endorsement first and hold an actual license number in hand to be able to work there. Only the exam results are accepted by all, then one has to get a license for where they wish to work.

Be aware that if one does not have a SSN#, then they will not hold a license from CA and will have to go thru the entire procedure from the beginning and just have CA send their results to the new state. No endorsement procedure if no actual license number assigned.

Much has already been written on this very same topic, please just do a search. You will not be able to start a job without a license in hand. It is illegal to work in the US without an active license in hand in the role of the RN or even LPN.

[elkpark]

It is illegal to work in the US without an active license in hand in the role of the RN or even LPN.

Just to clarify, an active license from the state in which you wish to work. Licenses from other states do not count.