Louisiana Licensure-Hare or Turtle?

firemedic12, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 14, 2016

4-6 weeks depending on if your packet is complete when they receive it. Be ready to submit lots of seemingly pointless crap and answer questions about your nursing school that you probably don't know. Louisiana is hurting for nurses, but wants to make it as hard as humanly possible to endorse.

Hey_Nurse_Lady · Dec 14, 2016

Thank you for giving me a more concrete answer than I was able to get online. My packet was complete when I sent it off two weeks ago, so that's one less thing to worry about. I don't think time has gone this slowly for me since I waited for my ATT and NCLEX results. The fact that it's 60 degrees warmer there than it is where I'm presently living doesn't help either.

NedRN · Dec 15, 2016

Move now and enjoy Louisiana unencumbered by having to work. Look for housing in a leisurely fashion as you explore what New Orleans neighborhoods you like best. You will get your license and the job, but I would get an offer letter first (contingent of course on successful endorsement). This could be your last time ever without a job or family. Make the most of it.

Hey_Nurse_Lady · Dec 15, 2016

Foolish organized me did that when I was there in November. I'm working with a travel nursing company, but the hospitals there won't even consider my application until my endorsement comes through. Should have dragged my feet a bit more so I didn't have to hang out and twiddle my thumbs the way I am.

NedRN · Dec 15, 2016

They must be extra well staffed not to want to lock you in. That may mean poor pay.

firemedic12, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 17, 2016

That's typical of Louisiana. Nowhere will even interview you without a license in hand. NOLA is an awesome city with tons of opportunities (the wife and I visit multiple times a year). Given the opportunity I'd move down there in a heartbeat!

BEWARE: NOLA housing can be really sketchy so really research the districts before committing to an apartment or house. Downtown has some nice high-rises (not cheap though) within walking distance of Tulane and LSU hospitals. The Garden district is also safe from my experience, but mostly consists of row houses for rent which is also steep. I also hear that housing around Loyola Univ is good.

Hey_Nurse_Lady · Dec 17, 2016

NedRN, the state is hurting for RN's. I don't understand why the endorsement process is so lengthy if they are in need of qualified nurses. I spoke with someone at LBON this afternoon. I was told that they were reviewing applications from October 29th and I could expect a wait time of up to eight weeks. My paperwork was delivered December 2nd. ::headdesk::

Firemedic, I am appreciative of the housing advice. I've stayed in Mid City every time I've visited and love the area. It has a small town feel to it and the people who live there are fantastic. There are websites that will show you what crime is like in various neighborhoods if you enter the address of a rental you're interested in. This is helpful if you're house hunting online. I'd be happy to provide links if anyone is interested.

NedRN · Dec 17, 2016

That is a political problem for Louisiana's hospitals, not out of state nurses. I lived there for a number of years, but was not a nurse and never had bureaucracy issues. They had a huge issue after Katrina, the board did not operate for a month or so, and relief nurses could not practice legally without a state license. The BON instituted an emergency licensure system whereby even if they were shut down by natural disaster, you could fax in your details and get a temp. I assume there is still such a process, but wouldn't apply under normal conditions such as a couple month backlog. I'd bet it would be a different story if a strike threatens!

I<3Endo · Dec 18, 2016

My LA license took about a month. You won't get anything in the mail, you have to just keep checking the website.

Also, if it goes through even one day before the end of the year you need to renew it in January. :)

Hey_Nurse_Lady · Dec 21, 2016

I had a promising phone interview with one of the university hospitals yesterday afternoon for a permanent full time position that includes a generous relocation package. I don't even care if I have to pay again in January-I just want that job. í ½í¸ƒ