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:

Yes and keep in mind the previous poster is speaking of getting an initial license in NJ, not endorsement. Nurses apply for endorsement year around so I doubt it's affected much by graduation date. When I called the BON and asked about endorsement time frame, he said 8-10 weeks for the application to be processed and up to 4 months for the license number. There are a few threads about NJ endorsement time frames that might help you. It seems most were waiting several months.

Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.
I have a question about endorsement in NJ. I'm currently going to school in PA, but am immediately moving back home to Northern NJ. Some past graduates were giving the advice of sitting for the NCLEX-RN in PA, since you get your ATT fairly quickly and are able to take the exam faster than you would with NJ. My question is: how long does it take to get endorsement in NJ vs. getting a license in NJ? I graduate in September, and this is my second degree, so I am looking to hit the ground running with job searching. I'm just really confused with all this information and would like some guidance on the matter.

Thanks

Do it the other way around. Nj first, then PA. Although I made a few trips to newark to expedite the process, getting my att, testing, and obtaining my license in NJ was MUCH faster than what seems to be the process for endorsement here (seems to take months or so).

Specializes in Sub Acute.

I had a New Jersey nursing license , then moved to Arizona and it lapsed. Never again.. I had to move back to New Jersey and get my license reinstated. I mailed my reinstatement paperwork in mid July and as of today everything is checked complete , except for board approval. Last week when I called the very nice lady told me I should have my license reinstated in a week or so, today the very rude lady told me not to get over excited that everything is showing up checked/complete . " It could take us well into September to finish the reinstatement process." I told her everything is checked complete except board approval. What a nightmare, every time you call they give you a different story. I feel bad for everyone having to deal with them.

I had a New Jersey nursing license , then moved to Arizona and it lapsed. Never again.. I had to move back to New Jersey and get my license reinstated. I mailed my reinstatement paperwork in mid July and as of today everything is checked complete , except for board approval. Last week when I called the very nice lady told me I should have my license reinstated in a week or so, today the very rude lady told me not to get over excited that everything is showing up checked/complete . " It could take us well into September to finish the reinstatement process." I told her everything is checked complete except board approval. What a nightmare, every time you call they give you a different story. I feel bad for everyone having to deal with them.

Sorry to hear that. I've heard that people who only need board approval have had success by driving up to Newark. You can also apply for PA reciprocity if you live near the boarder, since their process is very fast. Took me under 2 weeks.

That being said, you may get your license # soon. When I had only board approval unchecked, they said I had to wait weeks but it ended up showing up just a couple days later. But that was for initial license, not reinstatement.

Hope you get licensed soon.

Specializes in Sub Acute.

Thanks NightBloomCereus

Specializes in Sub Acute.

Here is a timeline and I hope it may help others. Keep in mind I already had finger prints completed.

July 21st application overnighted

August 5th application completed per state website

August 13th called BON left message with person handling my application

August 15th state called me and said license would be issued on the 18th

August 18th received NJ nursing license

Quick question: I'm looking on my application checklist and it says something about C&A In State and C&A Out of State. What does C&A mean??

Specializes in Sub Acute.

I have no idea what that means. It was on my check list as well and was the second to last thing to get checked " completed". Are you waiting for your NJ license. Just curious how others are doing with the state.

EMAIL THEM! It works (I am pretty sure it works) I emailed them, got no reply, but then got approved a day or two later (approx 1.5 months total wait)

Okay, yet another question: i take my NCLEX RN tomorrow. My background check has already been completed and posted on my checklist as of 10/27, so that makes everything except for "NCLEX" and "board approval" checked off. How long should I wait to go to go to Newark to ask for my license #?

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

BoN recommends 4-6 weeks, especially with the holidays coming up and offices closing

I tested in June of this year during the "busy time" and my license # showed up in a little over 2 weeks. I also called them 1 or 2 times for updates.

Good luck!!! :)

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