South Carolina Nurse wanting GA license

[moomoo111]

Hello all!, I am currently an LPN in SC with two years experience in several areas, mostly med surg and long term care. I was laid off in January 2011 after the nursing home I was employed with, was bought out and laid off several LPNs. I live right at the SC/GA state line and am not having any luck in finding a job. I am currently enrolled in an LPN/RN bridge program online with The College Network and using Excelsior by exam only. I know the law in GA about Excelsior. I've read the changes but would live close to several nursing homes in GA and need a job before unemployment runs out. I've even tried travel nursing but at the time with family needs, am not able to travel at this time. Do any of you know what the requirements are for getting licensed in GA with a SC Compact license that does not include GA? I've tried the SC state board of nursing but have been advised to go through GA state boards of nursing. I'm not able to find that info on the web site. Could someone direct me in the right direction as to how I can get licensed in GA? I graduated from a technical college and have about 18 mos experience in med surg, long term care and worked as a nurse tech/cna for 2 years at a small hospital in med surg while in school. I was also a Paramedic with 15 years experience in SC. I know Paramedic and nursing is two totally different areas, finding out that the hard way when I started nursing thinking it was going to be a breeze. Not the same and it was an adjustment. Any advice or suggestions would greatly be appreciated. Thanks to all who respond.

[mt3]

I found these links that may help you. I just got my Ga RN by endorsement and called the board several times asking questions. I had no problems getting through to a live person and they were always helpful so try that if these links don't answer your questions. The biggest pain for me was getting the FBI card for the background check...had to drive to an FBI office and pick it up (those offices are not on every corner lol). After I mailed everything, my license was posted within a week!

Hope this helps!

http://www.sos.ga.gov/plb/lpn/

http://sos.georgia.gov/cgi-bin/plbforms.asp?board=13

[Marshall1]

Call the BON in Ga and ask.