HELP! GA BON denies RN license

Nurses Career Support

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I am hoping someone here can help me.

I went to East Carolina University's Alternate Entry Program in 2004. I have a BS in psychology. I completed the pre-licensure program in 12 months, passed the Nclex and became an RN in the state of North Carolina in November 2005. I continued to work on my Master's courses until two years ago.

Because my partner got a job in Georgia, we moved here last October. After several months, the GA BON has notified me that they will not issue me a license to practice because I am not a graduate of a nursing program, i.e. I have no diploma.

I have a two job offers and three children. I NEED to work. I had no idea that it would be an issue in Georgia. Now I'm faced with fighting the decision, which I intend to do, but also what do I do in the mean time?

I could go back to NC to work, but that would separate our family and I really don't want to do that.

Has anyone from a direct entry program had any experience in Georgia?

Thanks for any information or suggestions!

Becki

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This situation has come up on this board before. Some MSN-entry programs award a BSN degree, some don't. If you are in a program that doesn't award a BSN degree and you leave after completing the basic RN licensure part of your program but before completing the MSN, you end up in a kind of professional limbo -- you have a license (NC), but you have no degree/diploma in nursing (you haven't completed a recognized, acceptable nursing program), and it's v. much up in the air whether you can get licensed in other states.

I don't have any particular helpful advice, just the info (for what little comfort it may be) that there are other people who have wound up in your same situation. It's a shame schools don't make clear to people that they may be facing this situation if they leave school early (or did the school tell you, and you made the choice to go ahead with your plan?)

I do hope you are able to find a way around your situation. Best wishes!

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Anyone have any links to previous discussions regarding this topic. I would love to see what others have encountered.

Thanks,

Becki

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