Temporary or Permanent License

[pererau]

I am very seriously considering a move to California. I've tried to research the subject of how best to get a license in CA, and in fact, I've already paid to have Nursys verify my license. My concern is that I have read at various places that it is better to wait until you are actually in CA and get a temp license because if you submit the application packet, and then go to CA before it is approved there is no way except to start over.

So my question is this: Should I just go ahead and send in my application packet so that I get a CA license, or should I wait until I have a sure thing and stop by Sacramento to pick the license up? And if I do submit the application from my current state and then get an offer for a job, what are the steps to get a license at that point?

I know this theme has been posted to death, but I'm still a little confused, so any help would be appreciated.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I would apply for a California license while still living in your current state. Obtaining a CA license takes a long time, and you don't want to be waiting in limbo. I would also have the CA license sent to your residence in the current state where you are residing.

Absolutely do not move to California unless you already have a job lined up. There are many unemployed nurses here already who have been seeking jobs for months, if not a year or longer. More than a few people from out of state have moved to California within a past year, unable to find a job.