When to start CA BRN license application.

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Specializes in Developmentally delayed.

Hi I will finish nursing school on August 1, in California. I was wondering when should I submit my application for my license? I have a few friends telling me to do it now (who just passed their NCLEX within the last few weeks after graduating in December). But my classmates are saying to wait until summer semester starts (May 27) summer is only 10 weeks long, and I know the system is computerized now, so that should cut off some time, but with all the horror stories I am hearing from recent graduates waiting 6 months for their ATT has me worried. Thanks for any tips and advice!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I would start it sooner rather than later. The computerized system change led to a 90 day delay that has sidelined many of us. Your paperwork will be held while they wait for notification from your school, transcripts, etc. That said, you will need to do a LiveScan background check, and I'm not sure how close to graduation that needs to be performed (might be worth checking out the BRN's site for that).

From what I've heard, the delay has become shorter, but with the new wave of grads coming, I'm sure it will swell again.

I graduate May 9, so I'll probably be posting at some point about how the whole thing went for me. Others, I imagine, will be doing the same.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ER.

I would do it as early as possible. I was part of that December grad group that was delayed by months. It took 4 months to get my ATT. The guy in my class who sent in his app early got his ATT a month before any of the rest of us. He's been working as an RN for a month now, while I am still waiting to hear if I passed the NCLEX.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Start as soon as you feel comfortable. CA is the only state that will allow you to sit NCLEX before your file is complete and you trained in CA with your school sending confirmation that you will be graduating

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Specializes in Developmentally delayed.

Thank you all for the reply. I am leaning more towards doing it early! I am most worried about how early the live scan can be done. I can't find any info about that on the BRN site. I think I'll call them tomorrow hopefully I can get through to someone who can give me an answer about that :)

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Specializes in Developmentally delayed.

How long ago did you submit your application @runbabyrun if you don't mind me asking?

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

As long as you have the correct info to put on the Live Scan application form, you should be able to do it right away. You'll probably need to include a copy of the completed form after the Live Scan has been done (make sure the ATI number is on it) with your application packet and they should be able to call up the results fairly quickly. I did my LS back in February.

Your school may help you figure out when you should apply to the BRN. Hopefully they do.

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Specializes in Developmentally delayed.

Your school may help you figure out when you should apply to the BRN. Hopefully they do.

I don't have much faith in their systems.... lol

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

My school does help us fill out the forms and ensure that the packet is basically ready to send into the BRN. That's one nice thing about the school I go to. The forms and such are not that difficult to fill out, but it definitely does help to have someone go over it with you as you do fill it out so that you don't make any mistakes that end up costing you time and aggravation in the end.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.
How long ago did you submit your application @runbabyrun if you don't mind me asking?

I only submitted mine a couple of weeks ago, but I know I have classmates who did mid-March. Their checks have been cashed, and they've heard from the BRN that they still need the school to notify them that they've graduated, so that's good news. My check hasn't been cashed yet.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.
My school does help us fill out the forms and ensure that the packet is basically ready to send into the BRN. That's one nice thing about the school I go to. The forms and such are not that difficult to fill out, but it definitely does help to have someone go over it with you as you do fill it out so that you don't make any mistakes that end up costing you time and aggravation in the end.
My school does this, too. The forms are all available on the BRN site, and fortunately, once you go over everything a couple of times, it's not that hard, but yeah, some of those little things are the ones that can trip you up. I would start now while you can ask your instructors.
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Specializes in Developmentally delayed.
My school does help us fill out the forms and ensure that the packet is basically ready to send into the BRN. That's one nice thing about the school I go to. The forms and such are not that difficult to fill out, but it definitely does help to have someone go over it with you as you do fill it out so that you don't make any mistakes that end up costing you time and aggravation in the end.

I worried about that too, but its all online now, you scan your documents and send them electronically, pay online and everything. So Im not sure how much they actually can help with at this point. I feel like Im stuck in limbo, dont want to do it too early, dont want to do it too late... all my classmates appear to have a relaxed attitude, waiting on a school system that has historically waited until the last minute on everything... I am 100% type A and cant just sit back and wait! lol

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