NJ board nightmare, any advice?

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Hi all, I am new here and hoping someone can give me some insight.

Here's my story. I applied for my initial RN license , passed the NCLEX and was waiting for my license number. Yesterday I was informed my application is under review- I checked yes on one of the questions, I had gotten a driving without insurance ticket 9 years ago, I sent in all the relevant paperwork to prove it was resolved. I asked the person on the phone how long it may take, she said 4-6 weeks, and I already have a job! If I don't get a number by the middle of September I will lose my job. They wouldn't give me any info as to how , or when reviews take place or someone to contact regarding these questions. I have tried calling people at the board several times and they do not return my calls.:banghead: If anyone has any answers as to how this works please let me know. Thanks.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I would suggest calling back on the main number, (973) 504-6430. Ask for the director of the BON. You probably won't get him, so ask for his assistant. If you can't get the assistant in person, ask for a supervisor. Be polite, be persistent, get past the 1st line rep who can't answer your questions.

I know what's done is done, but I don't think you should've included that ticket in your history. That's not a misdeamenor or felony offense, is it?

Good luck, I've found the civil servants at the BON to be umm, interesting.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

NJ licenses characteristically take FOREVER to come through, esp for new grads. They told me mine was 'under review', and I have no tickets. My license came about 8 weeks later.

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Does this really surprise anyone? I love my state and I'm very elitist when it comes to it... but seriously... does this really surprise anyone... I mean.... it's Jersey! (I'm technically a piney, so feel free to ignore me haha, the rest of the state does.)

I would suggest to you, be persistent. Don't take no for an answer until you get an answer you like or at least are comfortable with. It may take some time in the end, but still... they should provide you with some kind of answer as to what is going on.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Heme/Onc.

I applied by endorsement and it took at least 8 weeks to get everything to come through. NJ takes forever.

I agree with the first poster to your question. It can't hurt to call Mr. Herbert's office.

Blee

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).
Does this really surprise anyone? I love my state and I'm very elitist when it comes to it... but seriously... does this really surprise anyone... I mean.... it's Jersey! (I'm technically a piney, so feel free to ignore me haha, the rest of the state does.)

Yeah, you are neither claimed by North, Central, South, and the Jersey Shore.

Who would've though we could both hate and love a state so much. At least you don't have to deal with Bennys.

Fuhgeddaboudit.

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Yeah, you are neither claimed by North, Central, South, and the Jersey Shore.

Who would've though we could both hate and love a state so much. At least you don't have to deal with Bennys.

Fuhgeddaboudit.

HAHAHA.... thanks for that. I'm going to go drink a glass of wooter. I'm kinda hungry too... Jeet yet? Good thing there is a Wawa within one mile of each other around here.

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Thanks for your advice. I will call and ask for the director, his assistant, or a supervisor. I will probably drive to Newark tomorrow, perhaps I'll get better info in person and at least then I can't be rushed off the phone.

In hindsight I probably should not have disclosed that on my application, as it isn't considered a crime. I actually called the board and explained the circumstances and asked if I should disclose this; they told me yes, just to be safe.

Steve, it took 8 weeks from the time they told you the application was being reviewed? I am hoping it won't take forever, this is an absolute nightmare.Honestly, I have never been arrested, this is simply ridiculous!

I will post when I get any kind of info. Thanks again

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New Jersey State Motto:

"Nurses are criminals unless proven otherwise"

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).
HAHAHA.... thanks for that. I'm going to go drink a glass of wooter. I'm kinda hungry too... Jeet yet?

Actually, any Jersey Boy knows it's pronounced "D'Jeet"......

Ok, I'm done hijacking this poor OPs thread.... :)

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Epiphany, that is sure what it feels like. I have no problem undergoing a background check, in fact I have had two , one for a previous job and one for my current job (EMS dispatcher) . My problem with this process is that first, aside from paying $80 for the background check you have to provide all relevant paperwork --something sounds wrong with that... they are supposed to check your background... and secondly the time frame this takes... my paperwork was sent in the third week of May, and now they need another month? For the $500 we pay for initial licensing I don't feel the level of service reflects the cost. I have been told by BON employees that they are very understaffed... huh? With unemployment so rampant I am sure people would line up for a government job w/ benefits and besides, could we say that to our patients?

Enough of my rant... I called yesterday and was told that I should have my number by the end of the week. I was shocked, the day before I was told it would take a month or more, but apparently (thank god) it did not. I am still holding my breath til I get that piece of paper in my hand. I just wish they could have given me more honest info instead of the standard answers .

Keep your fingers crossed for me... I hope to write w/ good news in the next few days.

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Epiphany, that is sure what it feels like. I have no problem undergoing a background check, in fact I have had two , one for a previous job and one for my current job (EMS dispatcher) . My problem with this process is that first, aside from paying $80 for the background check you have to provide all relevant paperwork --something sounds wrong with that... they are supposed to check your background... and secondly the time frame this takes... my paperwork was sent in the third week of May, and now they need another month? For the $500 we pay for initial licensing I don't feel the level of service reflects the cost. I have been told by BON employees that they are very understaffed... huh? With unemployment so rampant I am sure people would line up for a government job w/ benefits and besides, could we say that to our patients?

Enough of my rant... I called yesterday and was told that I should have my number by the end of the week. I was shocked, the day before I was told it would take a month or more, but apparently (thank god) it did not. I am still holding my breath til I get that piece of paper in my hand. I just wish they could have given me more honest info instead of the standard answers .

Keep your fingers crossed for me... I hope to write w/ good news in the next few days.

fingers crossed. you can take those suckers.

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