NJ Board of Nursing - What the Heck?

U.S.A. New Jersey

Published

So I know that the NJ BON is notoriously bad. My husband graduated from nursing school in 2009 and had a six week wait, and my mother-in-law graduated in 2010 and waited two months from start to finish. Knowing this, I sent my paperwork in back in April. I tracked it as being received by April 16th. Check was cashed April 30th. Paperwork was entered into system May 14th. I was expecting about a two month wait once everything was received, and I was prepared for it.

It has now been three months, and I still have yet to receive my fingerprinting paperwork. I somehow got my ATT at the end of June, took my boards a few days later and passed, but they still haven't processed the fingerprinting paperwork. I've repeatedly called because I start my RN job on the 25th, and the BON just keeps saying that they've implemented a "new procedure" that makes them even slower than usual (awesome time to implement it, when everybody's graduating).

It's so frustrating, because I know that I'll have a wait for scheduling my fingerprinting, and then it'll be weeks after that is received by the BON before I get my license. I expected it to take a couple of months; now I'm looking at four (an optimistic outlook) or five months at least that it will take to get my license. I got a great job at a trauma center in south Jersey, and I'm not going to be happy if I lose it because NJ can't send out fingerprinting paperwork.

Does anybody have any suggestions on how to light a fire under these people? I don't understand why it is so difficult to send out one bloody letter that says, "you can schedule your fingerprinting." To still be waiting for that after three months is asinine. I'm so frustrated. :madface:

I just got my license number yesterday I took my test 12/17 .....so they gives you some sought of time frame :)

Specializes in Operating Room, ICU, CCRN.
I just got my license number yesterday I took my test 12/17 .....so they gives you some sought of time frame :)

Thanks so much!!! I hope I'm lucky enough to get it within a month like you did!!! :)

its a sad state of affairs.... the BON dont do anything until people are pushed to their breaking points.

Specializes in Operating Room, ICU, CCRN.

I was able to get my license number by just taking the drive up to Newark. I was able to get it the same day. It's a shame that we have to go up there but if you really need it take the drive. It's so worth it $$$$

Question. I accidentally entered the wrong year on my NJ BON application for when I started my program. I entered 2012 instead of 2010. With all the applications for jobs etc. I was filling out, I must have had the wrong thought in my head. Is this a major problem. I still graduated successfully from my BSN program. Thanks!

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Question. I accidentally entered the wrong year on my NJ BON application for when I started my program. I entered 2012 instead of 2010. With all the applications for jobs etc. I was filling out I must have had the wrong thought in my head. Is this a major problem. I still graduated successfully from my BSN program. Thanks![/quote']

You can see if you can edit your online application, use the contact form on BoN website or try calling on Tuesday. It will likely get flagged but not be a huge deal (as in a typo)

WOW Took my test on Monday (Aug. 5th) and just learned that it may take up to 12 weeks to get my license. I went to school with people from NY and they had their number in 48 hours and their license in hand about a week later, this really sucks. I have to opportunities for work and I am missing out on them because the state takes long to process paperwork. How is it that NY can process their paperwork and issues the licenses so fast and NJ take up to 12 weeks (or longer). I just called them and the person that answered didn't even take my name just said you have to wait and that was it. Very disappointed in the State of NJ.

Specializes in Operating Room, ICU, CCRN.
WOW Took my test on Monday (Aug. 5th) and just learned that it may take up to 12 weeks to get my license. I went to school with people from NY and they had their number in 48 hours and their license in hand about a week later this really sucks. I have to opportunities for work and I am missing out on them because the state takes long to process paperwork. How is it that NY can process their paperwork and issues the licenses so fast and NJ take up to 12 weeks (or longer). I just called them and the person that answered didn't even take my name just said you have to wait and that was it. Very disappointed in the State of NJ.[/quote']

It took me about 4 weeks to get my license. I know I got it quickly because I showed my face at the BON. Of course, if you call they'll tell you not to come because it won't speed up the process but it worked for others before me and it worked for me. I passed Jan 3rd and already accepted a RN position and was working by Feb 11th. Some of the delay was my job with preemployment physicals and all. I say take the trip but wait at least 2-3 weeks.

They held up my license for 3 months. ****** tells me she will mail my fingerprinting form and when I call to follow up, she tells me to wait yet another 7 to 10 bus. days and finally, after the 3rd "7 - 10" bus. day wait, she'll tell you she never mailed it out and may even apologize for it. After I finally got them to mail my fingerprinting form, I called there to give my new address, of course, they mailed it to the wrong address anyway. So I call to find out where my license was mailed to and get 4 different answers from ****, ****,****,*****." There is no *****, that's the name they use when they don't want you to know who they are. When ever you try to get them to give you accurate information, they say, "we're just a call center." As soon as they realize you've got their number, they put you on hold forever, tell you they have no supervisor or hang up the phone on you. Ask for *****, he's the manager, he'll resolve your issues asap. When they tell you there is no such person as ***** or that he's gone for the day, keep calling back until you get one of them who is honest and will connect you to him.

Hi everyone. I applied over the summer and got my att in October...passed nclex 12/19/13 and its now Jan 28 and still no license...they say because I have a pharm tech license and my background check info is with that my application is delayed because they have not submitted it and so I may not get my license for a while. I am furious...I have already lost 2 jobs because I don't have my license. I have a interview today and had one last week...I can't lose another job because of these people. Any advice?

I also have passed my NCLEX on December 2nd and still no license. I called a couple times a week and was told everything was in...finally someone informed me I needed to pay 22 dollars to have my fingerprints rerun due to them being run the first over 6 months ago. They told me today another 10 to 15 business days for my fingerprints to be rerun and another 10 to 15 for the board approval. Does anyone have any contacts at the board? I think this is absolutely bizarre.

Specializes in Operating Room, ICU, CCRN.
Hi everyone. I applied over the summer and got my att in October...passed nclex 12/19/13 and its now Jan 28 and still no license...they say because I have a pharm tech license and my background check info is with that my application is delayed because they have not submitted it and so I may not get my license for a while. I am furious...I have already lost 2 jobs because I don't have my license. I have a interview today and had one last week...I can't lose another job because of these people. Any advice?

Go to the board office and tell them this! You will leave with your license or within hours it'll show on the web.

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