Will I be able to come back to California?

[nella197]

I'm thinking of going to Arizona to get my BSN. I'm from California and would love to come back. I'm worried that I might be "stuck" in Arizona if I don't choose a school that has the right educational requirements for California. I read this statement on California's Board of Nursing Website, To qualify for endorsement (reciprocity) into California as a RN, you must hold a current and active license in another state or Canada, have completed an educational program meeting all California requirements, and have passed National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) or the State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE).."...Does anyone know what California's educational program requirements are? How can I tell if my prospective school meets them?

Thank you!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I'm originally from California, but have been unable to return because I have the wrong mix of experience. All of my nursing experience is in settings outside the acute care hospital. I have been living and practicing nursing out of state for the past 10 years.

However, I was easily able to obtain a California RN license by endorsement even though I attended nursing school in Oklahoma. The California BRN evaluates the nursing education of endorsement applicants on a case by case basis.

In all likelihood, if the nursing program is located in the US and is accredited, it most likely fulfills the requirements of the CA BRN for licensure.

[Anna S, RN]

I graduated in AZ (decades ago) and had no problems getting a CA RN license in 2013.

[CaptCrzy]

I would also suggest working in Arizona for a year in the field of your choice before going back to Cali. I am a new grad leaving San Diego for New Mexico for work. It is super hard to find that first job here! You will likely have much better luck in Arizona. Getting a job in acute care with a year of experience in California is significantly easier than getting hired here as a new grad. I don't care how fantastic you are, it is just really hard for new grads here!

[Ella26, BSN, RN]

I'm originally from California, but have been unable to return because I have the wrong mix of experience. All of my nursing experience is in settings outside the acute care hospital. I have been living and practicing nursing out of state for the past 10 years.

However, I was easily able to obtain a California RN license by endorsement even though I attended nursing school in Oklahoma. The California BRN evaluates the nursing education of endorsement applicants on a case by case basis.

In all likelihood, if the nursing program is located in the US and is accredited, it most likely fulfills the requirements of the CA BRN for licensure.

To TheCommuter, I would first like to congratulate you on obtaining your BSN! I always love the advice you give. It is always spot on! Anyway, my question is, do you think you would ever go back to California? I have been thinking of moving there in the next few years, (after I finish my BSN), but It doesn't look so promising. I would not move however, until I had a firm offer. I work in clinic settings. No acute care. Do RNs work in clinics in California?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Do RNs work in clinics in California?

The answer to your question is yes. The Kaiser health system hires RNs to work in their hypertension clinics and other outpatient settings.

[TiffanyMonroeRN]

I'm not from California, but I went to nursing school in Arizona. I had to relocate to California due to family, and I was able to get a job and CA endorsement for my license.

[RNKPCE]

Yes RNs work in clinics and doctor's offices in California. They hire a lot of medical assistants but usually have an RN that oversees them at the large medical group where I see my own primary care doctor.

[Ella26, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the responses.