How long does it take to get the actual RN license in NJ?

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2011

The BON told me that I could call 2.5 weeks after taking boards and they should be able to give me my license number over the phone. But it can take longer than that (I think she said 4-5 weeks) to receive it in the mail.

You should only need a license number to start work. Where are you working?

RoxyChic · Jul 23, 2011

Were you able to get your license number over the phone??? It will be 2.5 weeks for me on Monday, I plan on calling the BON then. Hopefully they will have a number for me.

tamme · Jul 24, 2011

Hi Ashley,

I am going to work in NJ. So I just appeared for my boards on July 21st and did pass. But I have my orientation starting on Aug. 8th at the hospital and they want my license #. I wanted to get it as soon as possible...

Thanks.

balakubak · Aug 10, 2011

Tamme, were you able to get your license before Aug 8th? I'm kind of in the same situation...I'm hoping to get my license before my starting date.

tamme · Aug 10, 2011

Hi balakubak,

Yes, I did get my license on Aug. 8th!! Very happy about that:yeah:. Are you in NJ??

balakubak · Aug 11, 2011

Hi Tamme,

Thanks for getting back on me. Yes, I'm in NJ! I took and passed NCLEX July 25th. Some of my classmates still waiting for their license and it has been over 3 weeks!

RoxyChic · Aug 12, 2011

Wow!! Good for you guys having jobs already!! I'm still job hunting I was just going to say it took 3 weeks for me to finally get my license. When I called the BON, they said that they have a staffing shortage and computer issues and thats why it was taking them so long to get everything done this summer.

thekidisback · Aug 13, 2011

is there any other way we could speed up the process? like going to the BON office? is that an option?

RoxyChic · Aug 13, 2011

I don't think soo.... Try calling though. The person I talked to took down my name and told me to call in 3 days and she promised to have it for me. So you can try that... As long as you have all your info in and your fingerprinting they should be able to do the same for you.

Audu · Sep 10, 2011

Hey guys,

I'm in the same-ish situation. Waiting for my licence but I also am waiting for them to send me a letter telling me to get fingerprinted. Does that background check need to be done in order to receive my license number?

Thanks for your help! This is stressful eek.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Sep 10, 2011

Yes your background check must be completed before your license can be issued. However if you were previously fingerprinted for a DCA division (HHA is under BoN) then you only need to pay for a repeat background check. Background check is SBI & FBI and takes about 3 weeks to be sent back to the Dept of Community Affairs. The issue around here was it takes about 2 weeks to get a fingerprinting appointment.