Licensing Dilemma

I don't work in california but you might be able to check your classes against one of the programs approved in that state. You can get a list of approved nursing programs through the BON website. It would be a free way to see if your courses look pretty similar to what they require. It wouldn't be a guarantee but if there is an obvious mismatch you could save the $ for the application.

hello everyone!

i have a dilemma that i hope you can help me with. i will be a new grad this may. i will get my degree from a hawaii school and i will be moving to california in june.

i called the california board of nursing (cbn) and they told me that they could not guarantee my degree and credits to be accepted by them to license me in california. i asked to know what credits i would need in order to be approved by the california board and they told me that they would have to see my transcripts. that would mean paying the $156.00 application fee.

i am very worried that all my hard work will be worthless because when i get to california they are going to tell me i need to take more classes. i will be crushed.

i thought that i could take my nclex in hawaii and become a rn here in hawaii and then transfer, but according to the cbn website i will still need to give them my transcripts. i feel like there is so much "red tape" to get through; it almost seems impossible to get a license.

does anyone have any experience with transferring licenses to california either as a nurse already licensed or a new grad from another state?

i would love to hear your opinions about how i should go about getting my california license. thanks!!!

:icon_roll

i was thinking the same way like you! worry everything ranging from wrong application fee to fingerprint card! i sent my application out on 12/31/08. the ca-brn printed my temp license on 1/16/09 and i have received it last week. you never know unless you tried.

Lpn2icu...Did you apply from another state?

I don't work in california but you might be able to check your classes against one of the programs approved in that state. You can get a list of approved nursing programs through the BON website. It would be a free way to see if your courses look pretty similar to what they require. It wouldn't be a guarantee but if there is an obvious mismatch you could save the $ for the application.

What is the BON website?!

I would take the NCLEX in Hawaii.I just read the licensure by endorsement section at http://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-end.shtml . Basically it says active RN license from another state and schooling meeting licensure requirements.

I would ask the question in this way: Do you recognize the training programs as established by the state of HI?

Another ay to get help is to contact the state of HI nursing board or your adviser in nursing school. They should be able to help you walk through the bureaucratic process.

Lpn2icu...Did you apply from another state?

Yeah...

From the State of New York....

I sent everything to them; and within 5 weeks, the CA-BRN sent me the temp license! I was worrying about the education requirement just like you! Because the application fee is non-refundable..So I was worried!

What is the BON website?!

Just type "California RN license by endorsement" in the webbrower; and let it search for you!

I would think if you applied for a license after you already had a hawaii license then it would be good. Thats what my mom did with her texas license

I would think if you applied for a license after you already had a hawaii license then it would be good. Thats what my mom did with her texas license

Much easier to get licensed by endorsment. I have had no problem getting licensed very quickly in 3 states.

I have been licensed in 3 states and never had an issue with obtaining licensure. The NCLEX is a national exam that ALL states are supposed to recognize. I have only had to submit my current licensure information with a completed application and the fees. They also require a licensure verification from your origional licensure state. Are they aware you will be taking the NCLEX before transferring, not just transferring to the state then taking the NCLEX?

I would think if you applied for a license after you already had a hawaii license then it would be good. Thats what my mom did with her texas license

Yeah you would think so, but they still want your transcripts even if you already have a license.

I have been licensed in 3 states and never had an issue with obtaining licensure. The NCLEX is a national exam that ALL states are supposed to recognize. I have only had to submit my current licensure information with a completed application and the fees. They also require a licensure verification from your origional licensure state. Are they aware you will be taking the NCLEX before transferring, not just transferring to the state then taking the NCLEX?

I wont be taking the NCLEX before I move. I am moving a couple weeks after I graduate (no choice). I have heard that I can take the NCLEX in California to be a Hawaii nurse. But that would do me no good since they still want my transcripts. I think I am just going to need to pray that California will be ok with my credits and let me get my license in their state. California sure has strict rules. Hawaii is so easy, they dont even ask for fingerprints!