Why is CA BRN too picky?

I think they stopped accepting excelsior graduates a long time ago. Around 2003? I don't know any excelsior grads since who were able to endorse their license. You would have to probably either repeat the education requirements according to California's rules, or work as an LVN. There are not currently any jobs in California for New RNs anyway.

I am planning on endorsing my LPN license into CA and I know my program should have no problem being accepted. Regardless whether there are new grad RN positions or not I still want my RN license. I will have it for NV but for CA I wont be able to unless I go back to the Philippines like my relatives and get my BSN there. Thank you Nikki for your comment. I am just venting.

It is my understanding that Excelsior is upfront with the fact that several States, not just California do not accept their grads. Anyone going that route needs to understand potential future problems with getting licensed, especially if there is a possibility of moving.

You also need to understand that you can only pass the nclex once. If you continue with excelsior, graduate and pass the nclex and get an RN license you can not do it again. Going to the Philippines and getting a BSN will not change that. Just as after you are licensed as an RN and then get a BSN in the USA will not change it.

You have 2 choices.

1. Continue with your current educational plans, get your RN for NV. Then work as a LPN in California. If your fiancée is then stationed in a State that recognizes excelsior then work as an RN, knowing that if he is stationed in another State that does not recognize them (such as MD) you will have to work again as an LPN.

2. Throw away all the time and expense that you have put into getting your RN. Look for an brick and mortar LPN to RN school and start again.

Neither choice is a good one. Good luck in your future.

Added: I think that some States that do not accept new grad RN's from excelsior will accept them after they have worked in other States. Do not know if California is one of those.

Angela, I'm wondering if you've found any further information on this. I am an Excelsior grad working in Maryland, and I now have 3 years experience in Med-Surg/Oncology. I'm possibly getting married and moving to CA later this year, but I'm scared I won't be able to endorse into the state. I did want to point out one thing, which you may already know- the VA Medical Centers will take any state's license, so if you did graduate from Excelsior and were licensed in Nevada, you could work at one of their hospitals or clinics. I agree that the policy sucks, and I wish I knew more. I guess the only way to find out (for me) would be to apply, but that would be at least $150 wasted if they turn me down. Any other thoughts, anyone?

I too was looking into Excelsior as an option as I'm ******* sick and tired of waiting for the rediculously impacted programs to accept me. I'm currently a LVN here in CA. I wouldn't mind working in a military hospital or the VA hospitals as I do live close to some of them. I heard that VA hospitals love Excelsior graduates. The problem is that becoming licensed in CA is going to always be an issue. I don't always want to have my Oklahoma or Louisiana RN license in CA. I'm going to want the option to be able to gain licensure in CA and not be so limited as to where I can work. I agree with Calliotter, if someone goes to another country to gain their BSN, they will be welcomed back to CA with open arms as CA DOESN'T require:

1. English equivalent exams (unless your course of instruction wasn't in English)

2. Bridge courses for the international nurse

I'm sorry but I truely believe that those two are very important as nursing care is different from country to country. What is accepted in the US may not be accepted in Venezuela. That's just how it is.

Mollypita have you tried to contact the BRN? I shall forwarn you that they are VERY vague regarding the information that they give you as an Excelsior graduate. Since you're from Maryland you must have graduated before they implimented the No Excelsior graduates period after a certain date. You may want to ask the BRN if they're willing to allow you to take a refresher RN course in order to meet their rediculous clinical requirement even though you're already working as a RN. Good Luck and let us know how it works out for you.

Good luck finding a job in California! I've lived here 35 years, and after being laid off in 2009, I had trouble finding work.

I can't work nights, for one thing.

Another issue is the number of travelers from other states who come here and take jobs.

Also, there are many nurses here from a particular cultural background, and they often work 2 FT jobs or a FT and a PT---more power to them, but it reduces the number of positions available.

Ironically, I had to start traveling myself to get work. I travel within California and get day-shift contracts, but I have to leave my home for weeks on end.

Seriously, if you don't already live here, please don't come.

Our facility got rid of all of the travelers late 2009. I've had the pleasure of working with Excelsior graduates and they are great nurses. It's too bad that California doesn't have an open mind about nursing education and experience.

Our facility got rid of all of the travelers late 2009. I've had the pleasure of working with Excelsior graduates and they are great nurses. It's too bad that California doesn't have an open mind about nursing education and experience.

That's quite a generalization. Do you have a particular interest in Excelsior?

Actually I do have an interest in Excelsior, I would love to go through the program if CA would accept it.

Good luck finding a job in California! I've lived here 35 years, and after being laid off in 2009, I had trouble finding work.

I can't work nights, for one thing.

Another issue is the number of travelers from other states who come here and take jobs.

Also, there are many nurses here from a particular cultural background, and they often work 2 FT jobs or a FT and a PT---more power to them, but it reduces the number of positions available.

Ironically, I had to start traveling myself to get work. I travel within California and get day-shift contracts, but I have to leave my home for weeks on end.

Seriously, if you don't already live here, please don't come.

I'm an LVN who just got my CA license and comeback here right away from my vacation in Manila thought of finding a job right away. BUT NOPE. They dont like new nursing grads here and they dont hire nurses without at least one year experience. So what the point of getting a license in this state where you can't find a single job to hire you..this STATE SUCKS!! I hate being here and working on getting out and get my reciprocity to work in other state. Good luck!!!