RN license renewal

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Specializes in Ambulatory.

Hi Everyone, 

I have been a nurse for a while. Had to have orthopedic surgery in 2014. Should have been out for 2 weeks. After several surgeries, ended up being out for 5 years. During that time I kept my license current until 2019. Had moved to GA. When I applied to have my license renewed, had to resubmit documents because I am international trained. After all of that ,if was determined that I needed to do a reentry program as I did not have enough clinical hours for the years I had been out. Finding a preceptor to do that proved to be a nightmare.  Eventually started working for a facility in the front office after they agreed to provide me with a preceptor.  They dawdled, I kept asking while being told soon and soon and then Covid 19 happened.  

Long story short, the time lapsed for my reentry program.  My family have since relocated to California.  I need advice how to proceed. I have been reaching out CA BON. Have been on hold forever. Last time hung up after waiting for more than two hours.  I really need to get to work. I need my license renewed. Help please. 

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

How close are you to Sacramento?  Not kidding.  It might be worth your while, if you are unable to reach anyone by phone (long waits seem the 'norm'), it might be profitable for you to drive there and go to the office in person.

Otherwise, continue to call.  Start early in the day and be prepared to be on hold for a long time.  Have all your questions and info ready.  If you have more than one issue, state at the beginning, "I have three things I need to find out.  The first is ---" (I read of ppl getting one issue answered, and then the person on the other end hung up, thinking they were done!). 

Take down the person's name who helps you.

I found this on their website, re: re-entry programs:  https://www.RN.ca.gov/careers/inactiverns.shtml

Good luck to you!!

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Specializes in Ambulatory.

Hi Dianah,

Thank you. Will definitely follow that advice. We live in Ventura County, but I guess if I have to drive there, I will. I am just eager to know which direction to take. I have started the NCLEX review but I need confirmation from the BON. 

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3 hours ago, Marcia Allicock said:

Hi Everyone, 

I have been a nurse for a while. Had to have orthopedic surgery in 2014. Should have been out for 2 weeks. After several surgeries, ended up being out for 5 years. During that time I kept my license current until 2019. Had moved to GA. When I applied to have my license renewed, had to resubmit documents because I am international trained. After all of that ,if was determined that I needed to do a reentry program as I did not have enough clinical hours for the years I had been out. Finding a preceptor to do that proved to be a nightmare.  Eventually started working for a facility in the front office after they agreed to provide me with a preceptor.  They dawdled, I kept asking while being told soon and soon and then Covid 19 happened.  

Long story short, the time lapsed for my reentry program.  My family have since relocated to California.  I need advice how to proceed. I have been reaching out CA BON. Have been on hold forever. Last time hung up after waiting for more than two hours.  I really need to get to work. I need my license renewed. Help please. 

Go in person, or just apply and wait for them to communicate with you by mail. If you're able to get someone on the phone (unlikely), they may not be willing to talk to you unless you've submitted an application and a specified amount of time has passed.

The California BON is not known for their speed.

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Specializes in Ambulatory.

OK. Thank you. Makes sense.

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