Pending endorsement licensure

Nurses General Nursing

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I moved to AZ from NC 4 months ago. I immediately sent out my resume & filled out the few applications that were accepted as there are few nursing jobs posted. I had 3 great interviews & no offers as I cannot use my multi-state compact license here. I paid fees, submitted my application, fingerprint cards and disposition of a DWI offense in 2002. I worked over 5600 hours as an LPN in NC with accolades from previous employers. I had no real issues obtaining or maintaining my license in NC. I have contacted AZBN via e-mail, telephone & mail with no response as to what I must do to follow up for my license (applied for both temporary & permanent.) I believe I am simply venting as it has been 3 months & I have a complaint/self-report on the boards website & no issued license. Job-market is scarce out here & I have an employer willing to let me work the 30 days I can legally use my NC license. Am I unduly panicking? I understand due process, but I am concerned that there is a possibility of my being denied licensure. Returning to NC is not an option and I miss nursing and will accept the opportunity in whatever venue available.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Acute Rehab.

I sent you an email since you can't get private messages yet.

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Posting this in the Arizona board might give you better responses.

Otherwise, Boards of Nursing, like most governmental offices, don't understand the meaning of the word "efficiency."

They move slow.

Try going there in person and ask to speak to someone.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
I cannot use my multi-state compact license here.

Why not? AZ is a compact state.

If you have a DUI on your history, they are probably reviewing your license. They may find that your case will have to go in front of their board review process, which only takes place every 3 months. AZBN is a pretty slowly turning cog.

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Specializes in Hospital, Clinical, Nursing, Home Health.

I had a multi state license in Mississippi but Florida isnt included. It took me 3 months to get mine. I called and talked to someone in the office and faxed anything she wanted straight to her and she approved me that day. She said its usually the waiting on the paperwork to get there not them, like your DUI. It should be done soon but call and stay on top of it dont wait on an e-mail or letter to see what additional things they need.

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Forget calling them--I too left multiple messages and emails. I finally drove 5 hrs round trip to hand them my documents. In the middle of copying them, the copier ran out of toner, and was replaced. The person working forgot to copy my birth certificate that was needed to show proof of citizenship. So later I go online to check license verification, and need proof of citizenship!!! So I drive another 5 hours to hand them a copy of my birth certificate!!! Frustrating!!!!

According to the AZ Board of Nursing website, it looks like it can take up to 270 days to process your license if an investigation is needed. Check here, on page two, for their chart on how long it takes to get your license http://www.azbn.gov/documents/applications/App%20Packet%20Downloads/RN_LPN%20Endorsement%20Pkt%202009.pdf

Good luck!!!

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Why not? AZ is a compact state.

The OP cannot use her (his?) NC license to work in AZ because s/he has moved to AZ. There is a lot of confusion about how the NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact) works -- basically, it works the same as our drivers' licenses. Everyone understands that you can use your "home" state driver's license to drive anywhere in the US, as far as you want, for as long as you want, as long as you still live in your home state -- but, if you move to another state, you have 30 days (or whatever the state law says) to apply for a new license in your new state. The NLC works the same way. The OP can use her (his?) NC license with "compact privileges" to work in any other compact state, for as long as s/he wants, as long as s/he maintains her/his permanent residence in NC -- but if s/he moves to another state, even another compact state, s/he has to apply for a new license in the new "home" state.

To the OP -- you said you moved to AZ four months ago, and then you said you had an employer willing to let you work for the 30 days you can "legally" use your NC license there. Are you sure that's accurate?? It is my understanding (and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong :)) that one has 30 days from when one moves to the new state to apply for a new license before the old license becomes invalid, not that you can work for 30 days on the old license whenever you want to, regardless of how long it's been since you left your old state ...

I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time. BONs can be v. frustrating. I hope you will get your situation sorted out soon! :)

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Specializes in Peds, PACU, ICU, ER, OB, MED-Surg,.

If I understand correctly you have 30 days from the day you establish residency in the new state. If you apply for a home loan, driver's license or anything official the clock starts ticking. I would go to the BON in person. You will find out more information face to face.

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If I understand correctly you have 30 days from the day you establish residency in the new state. If you apply for a home loan, driver's license or anything official the clock starts ticking. I would go to the BON in person. You will find out more information face to face.

I think is better to visit the BON in person to check whats going on!

Good luck we will Hear good news soon.

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I started the endorsement process in April, sigh, and still no license. I check every day to see if it has been issued. I am very concerned about the "Government mandated furloughs" happening at the AZ BON and I fear I will have to put off my move. I plan to contact my CT state representative tomorrow and ask for help in navigating the system. Good luck! :nurse:

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