rn licensing in California

libbyjeanne · Jul 20, 2009

Like in any state, you can apply and take boards no matter what state you go to school in. So, yes you have to apply to California BON to get your license there. You can take your boards in any state, it doesnt matter. So if you need to, you can take your boards in AZ but get you license in CA. You can only apply to one state at a time for licensure. I hope I helped.

Anisettes, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2009

You can take your NCLEX in AZ and once you receive your license you can apply for reciprocal licensure in CA. I am licensed in the state of NV (among others) and when I took a travel assignment in CA several years ago, I actually stopped in Sacramento on my way to the assignment and got my Temporary reciprocal the same day.

That said, you MUST do a couple of things BEFORE you walk into the office in Sacramento if you're trying to do the one day walk-in thing - FIRST, make sure you've verified your licensure from your home state, either via Completed Verification of License form OR Nursys Verification Request Application if your board of nursing participates in Nursys 2) Have 2 passport photos, 3) LiveScan fingerprinting or fingerprint cards - the CA office will tell you where you can go to get the fingerprinting done nearby - I don't believe they take the fingerprint cards from out of state.

Now even with all that, you may still not be able to get your temp license the same day like I did (it was about 4 years ago), but many people still are able to obtain them the same day PROVIDING you've done the prep work above and they'll mail you your permanant one.

Since you're already licensed as an LPN, the process may be similar - go to the CA BON site http://www.rn.ca.gov/index.shtml It's always better to go straight to the source than to rely on word of mouth anyway.

Best of luck to you

Anisettes, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2009

I should have added that unless you intend to remain in CA - you might be better of going ahead and initially getting licensed in AZ. Why? Because AZ is one of the compact states - almost half of US states now belong to a compact, meaning being licensed in one compact state allows you freer movement among other compact states without the need for constant application to different BON's and holding multiple licenses.

CA is NOT a compact state, but AZ is (and since you're also graduating and living in AZ you're eligible), so there's something else for you to consider if you plan on moving around a little either as a traveler or just until you find where you really want to live. Just a thought.

thekid · Jul 20, 2009

just wanted to add that the CA state board has changed their operating hours so make sure they are open the day you plan to visit, if you plan to get your temp in person

thekid · Jul 20, 2009

Anisettes maybe you know the answer to this (haven't heard back from CA yet)

If you have a license in another state but have not actively worked as an RN, will CA still endorse your license (assuming all of your other paperwork is in order)

In my case I have an active Hawaii license that was just reinstated a few weeks ago, I have not worked as a nurse in 8 years. I am not working as a nurse yet, but my license is ACTIVE and in GOOD standing, do you know if CA will endorse? (I've tried emailing and calling, waiting for them to answer)

thekid · Jul 20, 2009

I am a nursing student at a community college in Arizona graduating this December. I will be moving to Berkeley, CA as soon as i finish school b/c my family is over there. Does anybody know if I will be able to take my NCLEX through CA state board of nursing that way I won't have to change the AZ license to CA license to work over there? I got my LPN license in June of this year but can't find job and am concerned about the rn too. If anybody has any information about the licensing thing in California please help.
Thanks

Where in Arizona? I graduated from Mesa Community College. When I was an LPN I had a hard time finding jobs anywhere other than nursing homes. Have you tried those yet?

nurseadi · Jul 20, 2009

Thanks you all it is very helpful. thekid I am in Tucson, AZ pima community college. I got my lpn last month, applied to almost every nursing home I could find, got only 2 interviews but haven't heard back from them after that. I took the lpn exam b/c I thought I would be able to work the summer but...

The summer is almost over so it wasn't a good plan, I think.

Anisettes, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2009

Kid,

I can't imagine why CA would not endorse you as long as your license is, as you state - Active and in Good Standing. Just because you've had it on inactive status (I'm presuming) shouldn't bar you any more than it should bar a new graduate. As long as it wasn't inactive because you were in prison or something similar, I really can't see why it would matter. I can't even remember now if they (CA) even asked what the last date I practiced nursing was (state of NV does ask that question).

I'm sorry I can't be more definitive, I know trying to get ANYBODY official on a government line is an insane waste of time. I'm in Germany now and working for the Army - so government and waste and insane are words I tend to string together a lot these days...

thekid · Jul 20, 2009

Thanks you all it is very helpful. thekid I am in Tucson, AZ pima community college. I got my lpn last month, applied to almost every nursing home I could find, got only 2 interviews but haven't heard back from them after that. I took the lpn exam b/c I thought I would be able to work the summer but...
The summer is almost over so it wasn't a good plan, I think.

Am so sorry you are having trouble finding an LPN job..if nursing homes aren't hiring we know things are bad. Did you work as a CNA? Maybe you can find an agency that will hire you as an LPN based on your experience as a CNA? The one I worked for back in my day went out of business, but I worked for them as a CNA then once I had my LPN license they promoted me..but they already knew me. Some agencies might be willing to hire you ..hours are not consistent but it's a start.

I live in Hawaii now and will be working at agency again (pending the last part of my paperwork which should be done shortly). I'm looking into bay area as well but have not checked into nursing homes yet. Wish you the best!

thekid · Jul 20, 2009

Kid,
I can't imagine why CA would not endorse you as long as your license is, as you state - Active and in Good Standing. Just because you've had it on inactive status (I'm presuming) shouldn't bar you any more than it should bar a new graduate. As long as it wasn't inactive because you were in prison or something similar, I really can't see why it would matter. I can't even remember now if they (CA) even asked what the last date I practiced nursing was (state of NV does ask that question).
I'm sorry I can't be more definitive, I know trying to get ANYBODY official on a government line is an insane waste of time. I'm in Germany now and working for the Army - so government and waste and insane are words I tend to string together a lot these days...

Thank you! Nope, no prison , just took time off and started an online business and keep smacking myself in the head wondering why I don't just stick with it (the business) instead of jumping so many hoops to get back into a stressful job :)

My dad was in the army so I can completely understand!! :)

elkpark · Jul 20, 2009

I should have added that unless you intend to remain in CA - you might be better of going ahead and initially getting licensed in AZ. Why? Because AZ is one of the compact states - almost half of US states now belong to a compact, meaning being licensed in one compact state allows you freer movement among other compact states without the need for constant application to different BON's and holding multiple licenses.
CA is NOT a compact state, but AZ is (and since you're also graduating and living in AZ you're eligible), so there's something else for you to consider if you plan on moving around a little either as a traveler or just until you find where you really want to live. Just a thought.

There is a lot of confusion about the NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact) and "compact licenses." The OP states that s/he is planning on moving to CA. Even s/he gets an AZ license with compact privileges on graduation, the compact privileges are only good as long as s/he maintains permanent residency in AZ. When the OP moves to CA, the AZ license will lose its "compact privileges" and become just a "regular" AZ license, no good in any other state. You have to live in a compact state to have a "compact license," and you can use a compact license to work in other compact states but you have to continue to live (maintain a permanent residence) in your home state -- it doesn't make it any easier to move from state to state.