Major Delays for California RN Licenses

The California Board of Registered Nursing’s licensing process is currently a disaster; there is no better way to put it. The problems appear to have begun in October 2013 with the roll-out of BreEZe, a new online system for licensing and enforcement. The botched roll-out of this new system is causing lengthy delays for all those attempting to secure a California RN license including new grads and license by endorsement candidates.

Background of California Nursing License Problems

The California Board of Registered Nursing (CBORN) falls under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Consumer Affairs (CDCA), which oversees a total of 39 state licensing boards. The CDCA entered into an agreement with Accenture PLC, a New York based tech firm, to install BreEZe, a web-based system for managing licensing and enforcement. The CDCA is scheduled to pay Accenture $52 million as the system is phased in to all of its 39 licensing boards.

The CBORN was among the licensing boards in the first waive of the scheduled roll-out. For them, BreEZe is replacing a system developed in the 1980’s and referred to as “green screen” computers. Under the old system, the CBORN quoted 6-8 weeks for new grads, and it almost always took much less time than that. California RN licenses by endorsement could be obtained within 6-8 weeks and temporary licenses could be obtained immediately as long as the candidate appeared at the board’s office in person with livescan fingerprints and all other required documentation.

Extent of California Nursing License Problems

As it stands now, the CBORN is telling all applicants, including those applying for a temporary license, that they’ll have to wait 90 days. This even includes temporary licenses by endorsement with livescan fingerprints. However, the question is, 90 days from when? We are receiving reports on this blog that it’s 90 days from the date the CBORN cashes your check. And we have been unable to find any indication as to how long it’s taking the CBORN to actually take these initial steps. Moreover, we have heard from several applicants that they’ve been waiting well over 90 days. To make matters worse, we have heard from several endorsement candidates that they are not even receiving the fingerprint cards they have requested from the CBORN. Some candidates claim they have been waiting over 6 weeks to receive fingerprint cards!

 

Meanwhile, there are conflicting reports on whether or not the snafu is impacting the renewal of existing California RN licenses. An article published in the Sacramento Bee on February 7th, 2014 states that, “The new system’s delays don’t effect license renewals…” However, Chad Thompson, a recruiter at KPG Healthcare, states on a popular travel nursing Facebook Group that, “The renewal process for CA RN licenses is also being delayed. It can take up to 120 days for the renewal to process.” Chad appears to have spoken directly with a representative of the board, so it’s difficult to tell which story is correct.

What caused the problem with California nursing licenses and what’s being done to solve it?

There are also conflicting reports about the root cause of the failure. The February 7 report in the Sacramento Bee was titled “New Computer System’s Trouble Starts with State Workers, Officials Say.” The report stated that, “…state workers are the root problem.” Essentially, the claim is that state workers are having trouble transitioning from the old system to the new system. The report went on to quote Russ Heimerich, spokesman for the CDCA, as saying that the struggle to adapt to the new system is like, “…changing your golf swing. It’s like muscle memory.”

However, a report in the Modesto Bee on February 16, 2014 claimed that, “A key component of the state’s new online licensing program doesn’t work.” Again, Heimerich was cited as saying that there is a defective module that was designed for graduates to apply online. The module has been taken off line until it can be fixed. One assumes that this has resulted in a large number of unanticipated paper applications that require manual entry into the computer system.

Meanwhile, a report by television station KTVU points out that the system was supposed to be rolled out two years ago but was delayed twice. The KTVU report also indicates that CDCA officials were aware of the glitch in the online application module but decided to launch the system without the module. Heimerich also disclosed that the new system requires a lot more data input than the old system which is resulting in a lengthier data entry process.

It’s difficult to decipher the whole story. However, my guess, and this is just a guess based on the information provided by CDCA to various news outlets, is that the person responsible for approving the launch made a huge mistake. They thought the CBORN would be able to handle the workload involved with manual data entry in the absence of the online module designed to let individual candidates enter their own data. However, they didn’t anticipate the impact that the increased data requirements and learning curve for the new system would have on the timing of the process.

When the problem exploded, their initial knee-jerk reaction was to throw CBORN employees under the bus. They then threw the software under the bus. My guess is, whoever decided to launch BreEZe deserves to be under the bus. Again, this is speculation and we can only hope to learn the full details moving forward.

One thing is for sure, the problems started immediately upon roll out in October 2013 and came to head at the end of the fall semester in December/January when, as can be expected, new graduates started flooding the system. Now the CBORN claims to have a backlog of over 4000 applications. Heimerich was quoted by television station KTVU as saying, “It’s going to take at least probably about 90 days to get through those applications.”

The CDCA is shifting additional staff to the CBORN in an effort to get through the backlog quicker. Approximately 15 workers from other areas of the CDCA as well as outside agencies have been assigned to the CBORN. They are being sent to assist with the manual aspects of the process such as data entry. Heimerich indicated that the additional workers will help for 3 weeks in an effort to get through the backlog.

Hmmmm….so which is it? Is it going to take “…at least probably about 90 days…”? By the way, what does that even mean?! Or is it going to take 3 weeks?

Action and reaction to California nursing license problems

Meanwhile, the snafu is putting new grads and nurses obtaining a license by endorsement in a real bind. Each news story reporting on the matter includes mention of a new grad or two who are unable to secure a job or are at serious risk of having a job offer rescinded because they may not be licensed by the employer’s deadline. While reports indicate that some employers are attempting to extend their deadlines, many maybe forced to move on with licensed candidates in order to maintain adequate staffing levels.

We are also hearing from many nurses on this blog who are undergoing the California license by endorsement process. Some have already received job offers and given their current employers notice. Some moved to California already in anticipation of receiving their license in accordance with time-frames quoted on the CBORN website and are left without work. Some have made special and costly trips to California to get their livescan fingerprints done under the assumption that doing so would speed up the process only to find that it won’t.

Employers are also strained by this disaster. Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen (R-District 12) states that she has received calls from hospitals in her district that are experiencing staffing issues. For example, Doctors Medical Center of Modesto told her that the issue is resulting in staffing problems. She even said she has heard that some understaffed hospitals are paying other hospitals to take their patients. So it’s fair to say that the licensing delays are even having a negative impact on patient care.

We spoke with Assemblywoman Olsen’s office on the morning of February 24, 2014. She is calling for an audit of the BreEZe project in an effort to figure out what has gone wrong. If granted, the audit could take up to 6 or more months to complete. Assemblywoman Olsen is also calling for an oversight hearing in an effort to determine how the problems can be addressed in more immediate fashion. Oversight hearings can be scheduled and completed much sooner than audits.

Such audits and oversight hearings must be approved by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. The committee is chaired by Assemblyman Adam Gray (D-District 21). The audit hearing, which determines whether or not the audit will be conducted, is scheduled for March 4, 2014. There is no date scheduled to discuss the possibility of an oversight hearing at this time.

If you are interested in supporting the audit and/or oversight hearing, then you can contact Assemblyman Gray’s office to voice your support and concern. Assemblyman Gray’s contact information is below: [Update: 2/13/2015: The audit was conducted and the results were released on 2/12/2015]

Assemblyman Gray’s Website
Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0021
Tel: (916) 319-2021
Fax: (916) 319-2121

Update as of April 20, 2014

On April 4, 2014, the Los Angeles times reported that the CBORN had cleared its once massive backlog of 4000 pending nursing applications. However, Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen held a town hall hearing in Modesto, CA on April 3 during which attendees explained that problems with lost/missing documentation were still delaying their application approvals. The attendees also complained about poor service quality levels included unanswered phone and email inquiries. So it sounds as thought the dust hasn’t quite settled entirely.

 On April 17, 2014, the Modesto Bee reported that the CBORN had activated its new online application system. The system allows licensing candidates to enter all the required application information and pay their fees online. CBORN asserts that this will save time for their internal employees who were entering the information manually prior to the system’s launch.

State officials expect an influx of over 7000 applicants over the coarse of the next few months as the spring semester comes to a close and new graduates enter the system. The board is currently quoting a time frame of 6 to 8 weeks for new applicants.

Below is a list of links to sources used to compile this post:

Nursing graduates are frustrated by California’s new online licensing system

Kristin Olsen wants audit of California licensing boards’ computer system

Rollout of new state computer database creating nurse licensing backlogs

Computer system upgrades delay licensing for nursing graduates

New computer system’s trouble starts with state workers, officials say

214 replies
  1. April says:

    I support a class action suit for the incompetence of BRN with loss of employment potentials undue stress Have been licensed since 1975 & never had such a problem My AZ licensing board is no way this costly for 4 yrs and not this costly

  2. Nikky says:

    The board issuing a license for you on the spot is quite a stretch… They could issue a temp license same day if you had indicated for that in your initial application. One thing is guaranteed by showing up in person. It gets you to the front of the line and at least figure out if they are missing any documentation. Believe me, they lose documents without even trying….It’s a sad situation whichever way one looks at it!

  3. chalice says:

    This is my question….If I go to Sacramento with all my documents will they issue my license on the spot? I’ve been waiting since May 2017 for my NP license. Had to resend documents in June due to my school in Georgia not forwarding or lost documents. Anyway not sure how long my employer will hold my new NP job waiting for me.

  4. Nikky says:

    It’s best to show up in person and insist on tangible answers before leaving the BON office. It’s not unusual for them to misplace documents. I had to hand deliver mine a second time after they lost the initial one sent via certified mail

  5. depressed applicant says:

    Why is the board so insufficient in catering for applicants? someone needs to come up with a better plan on how to handle applicants. Its sad I personally am loosing a lot of money wages waiting for someone to help me through this process. Its sad really dont take people for granted. Kinda feels like we are at the boards mercy to be helped. Someone who cares needs to step up and help us…….. cannot get a hold of anyone over the phone!! outsource if you have to, decentralize workload if you have too… just do something!! We are good people we deserve a working system!! The thought of uncertainty saddens me that probably nothing will ever be done!! we will continue to suffer. Our license are earned not given

  6. Disgusted says:

    I would like to see a class action lawsuit started. I have been in practice since 1985 and my 2009 prints are long gone from DOJ. Being compliant and still working I redid them immediately. If this causes a job loss of money and patiient care to suffer due to staffing issues—-any attorneys out there willing to take this on?

  7. Verneva says:

    I am a rn who license went inactive for ao th do to I was off work I renewed and was told I would have to be fingerprinted I have been waiting for 90 days is there anything I can don

  8. Witty Kitty says:

    It’s a shame that none of we nurses will probably get to this particular thread until long after we have read the http://www.rn.ca.gov website (and naively believed it), our applications have long been submitted, our checks long ago cashed and we are now FREAKED OUT because our applications were submitted well outside the margins of the application dates “currently processing” (and shockingly, conscientiously updated) as per the State of CA’s “official” website. Well, if you’re smarter than I am (and obviously the rest of the commenters here), let me warn you….the State of CA’s “official” website’s processing times, whether it be license by endorsement, temporary license, license renewal or even a simple license verification, the CA.GOV website is lying to you.

    I have been quietly monitoring the comments on this and many other threads and websites for a long time and the average wait is 6-8 months. I just received mine (dates listed below) after, like everyone else here, sending emails, trying to call and freaking out, all to no avail which ultimately landed me here. My real question to the State of CA is this…why lie? I’m a big girl, I’m an ER nurse from a level 1 trauma hospital. I can handle responsibilities such as life and death, sick vs. b***s****, stable vs unstable and acute vs. chronic so I assure you, State of CA……I can handle the truth if you tell me the wait time for processing is 6, 8 or even 12 months!

    If they would tell us the truth, we could more responsibly make adult and professional decisions in our lives however, with this whole deceitful thing (while fully acknowledging their ambiguous disclaimer stating that processing times are “general guidelines” blah, blah, blah), ignoring applicant access to anyone by phone or email, leaving us in the dark is, in my (apparently) warped opinion, insulting!

    As someone who can notoriously think outside of the box, I couldn’t figure out why, in such a progressive state where the ANA and nursing unions are so (?commendably?) strong, this is being tolerated by said mentioned nursing orgs. Well, somehow I couldn’t see the forest for the trees. It took a very good RN friend of mine to point out (one day when I was particularly pissed about this) to enlighten me. She said, “that’s why they’re so strong!”…”if there were plenty of nurses in CA, they wouldn’t have nearly the bargaining power!!!”. OF COURSE!!!! I can’t believe I didn’t figure it out myself!

    Anyway, if any of you readers happen to have any state or local influence, please don’t **** with me or my license however, if you DO have any influence, please tell the State of CA to just tell applicants the truth. I assure you, I am not the only one who would prefer to know that I should expect a 6, 8 or even 12 month wait for processing (and possibly receive it sooner) versus the misrepresentations they are currently peddling.

    Thanks for listening everyone.

  9. Heather G says:

    OMG are you kidding me? I applied in February of this year for endorsement- am I ever going to get a license?? I call and call and get no answer and I check the website every day! Did you work during the time you were waiting for a license? I am out here now and I don’t know what I’m supposed to do! Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated- I am going crazy!!

  10. Witty Kitty says:

    Well, it finally happened! After checking the BreEZy website everyday for months and months, there is finally a license # next to my name on my CA RN licensure by endorsement! Application submitted (as per BreEZy website) Oct. 18th, 2016…checks cashed Sept. 30, 2016. Temporary license issued April 20, 2017. Hallelujah!!!!!!!

  11. Sarah says:

    Laura, I was planning on getting a license either by exam or endorsement for CA (I graduate April 17). I have a microbio w/o lab, a molecular cellular with lab, and a general bio with lab. What do you think the odds are they will ask me to take micro w/lab? And in that case since I already have micro can I just take the lab alone do you think?

  12. Mandy says:

    Hey Donna! As far as the paperwork goes, do you know what she went with in hand? Should I still do Nursys verification online and have my education verification sent from my college? Or should they send it to me and let me bring it in person? Any help appreciated!! Thank you!

    • donna says:

      She had an agency in california take her info. it was a nursing agency she had applied to work in cali. i would go there with everything. Sealed transcript , application, everything . They will just say they lost your transcript if you have it sent. If you havent done fingerprints do them there. It’s much faster

  13. Yang says:

    CBORN is really horrible. You will be lucky if someone picks up the phone. When they talk to you, they intimidate you (maybe they are trained like that for sure so to discourage inquiry). What so sad, I applied since March 2016 to take Boards and they only say just wait letter in the mail. Up to now, I don’t have it. This is the most saddest customer service in the whole wide world of United States of America!

  14. Carolina says:

    I tried this number, it’s disconnected 🙁
    Renewed my license a month ago, says pending, no idea why. Can’t get through to the board. HORRIBLE SERVICE!!!!!

  15. Lori says:

    I feel your pain having started down the same path for job in California. Now Im told if you want a job in California apply 12 months in advance of looking. Scrambling now to find a job at another facility I turned down having given up the California dream…

  16. Daniele P Marsh says:

    I have just lost my dream job because the nursing state board has to wait 14-16 weeks to verify my original RN license from California I received in 1981. Been living in Ohio and received RN license endorsement from California in 2005, now I am moving to Maine, and my NP national license is not enough to satisfy any of the 50 states. What kind of insanity is this? Does the ask physicians to verify their bachelor’s degree? Why is nursing in an eternal state of CHAOS????? No out of state NP employer is going to hold a job for 5 months for me waiting to verify my original RN license from California. What a tragedy, what is going on in this country? Why doesn’t anybody care about this? Is there ANYTHING I can do to speed this up? Should I fly there just to do this live scan? Please HELP ME. I already gave up my current job- no turning back.

  17. Lo Go says:

    This is sound advice. You are no more than a number to them with no incentive because yhey get their money in advance of any product and “NO REFUNDS”

  18. JennCeleste says:

    Upddate!!! STILL WORKS! I was in utter shock because I have been rejected every minute by the main number 96 322-3350. She connected me to the supervisor, who unfortunately was out. She was very pleasant. I wonder what extension this is, but anywho, Good Luck everyone!!!!

  19. Joy says:

    I think you are right about applying in person. I mailed my application for endorsement on April 8,2016 with all appropriate fees and had my live scan fingerprinting done in CA. Just got a letter from the BRN dated August 3, 2016 saying they had reviewed my file and everything was complete but, alas, my nursing transcript was nowhere to be found! I went to my school of nursing and they produced a receipt that was stamped by the CA BRN indicating they had received my transcript on April 25, 2016. I went ahead and had them send the transcript one more time; I graduated in 1994, btw. Today, August 17, 2016, I finally reached a real live person by phone at the BRN. (after trying repeatedly for weeks). This lady was nice and put me on hold several times and said it “appeared my transcript was misplaced”. She put my name and phone number on a “list” and said they “would look for it and for me to call back in three weeks if I hadn’t heard from them before then”. She went on to say that all these problems are being cause by a “tremendous backlog” and that the BRN has hired weekend help to get things moving more quickly. She said I was more than welcome to bring a sealed copy of my transcript to the BRN and get my license in person. Right now I am in Kentucky and plan on moving to CA September 17. I knew about the delays and problems and thought I had given myself enough time to allow for these issues; that is why I applied first of April; but I am cutting it close. If I move there and still don’t have them my boyfriend and I will fly or drive to Sacramento from Marina Del Rey to get them. I have no faith I will have them by then

    • Cheryl says:

      I’m in MDR too, Kyle. Too bad you’re not here now. I would suggest we hoof it up there together. I’m waiting for my NP license.

  20. Rose says:

    Hey Lee,
    Did you ever drive up to Sacramento? Did it help at all? I am considering driving my baby and me from Los Angeles for my NP licenses. Thank you!

    • chalice says:

      Hello Rose,
      Did you end up driving to Sacramento for your NP license? I’m here waiting since May 2017 and feeling discouraged about what I’m reading here. Trying to stay positive.

  21. Jessica says:

    I finally got the license a few days after writing this comment! And I didn’t have to trek it to Sacramento, thank goodness. So in total it took me 16 weeks.

  22. Nikky says:

    I went to Sacramento after waiting for 13 weeks. Applied since May 2016 for RN licensure by endorsement from another state.Check got cashed in June,2016.The ‘supervisor’ stated that there was nothing he could do to assist even after confirming they’ve received all of my documents. he was outright rude even as he attended to me. When I dared to insist on getting at least a temporary license issued that day.he threatened to call the security personnel on me.Still waiting to have the license issued.My advice to fellow nurses. If there is a remote chance that you may need to work in California, apply 6 months to a year ahead. So you don’t have to deal with the heartache of losing job offers or wondering how to feed your family without a means of livelihood.It’s the sorry state of affairs with California board of Nursing.

  23. Lee says:

    Hi Jessica, I hope you obtained your license. I applied at the end of May and It took 10 weeks for me to get my RN license. I kept calling and pleading my case through email and phone calls almost daily, I’m still not all the way complete as I’m now waiting for my FNP license, and I start my new position in about three weeks. yes I’m getting worried. I think you might get somewhere by visiting the Sacramento office in person. That is what I plan on doing if my license is not granted in a week.

  24. Jessica says:

    I’m freaking out reading all of this. I applied for a license in the beginning of April. I came out to California to do a live scan because I heard it was faster. I was scheduled to start a job 7/18. I moved my family cross country, drove cross country from New York, and i still do not have a license. I started calling beginning of June worried and asked if i should apply for a temporary license. I was told it would not make any sense to do that as the processing times for the permanent license was 10-12 weeks and I would get the permanent by the end of the month which would be faster than applying for the temporary. I keep calling the board, have spoken to supervisors stating they’re not even up to beginning of April yet and that they have updated the website because they are backlogged. I don’t think i will have a job by the time the license actually does come through. I was in contact with the DCA who also told me there was nothing they can do. Im just appalled at the system here and if i dont get in 2 weeks (which by then would be 17 weeks waiting) im going to have to trek my family back to New York as I cannot be without an income. Any advice would be appreciated.

  25. Tiffany says:

    Honestly, just set out a time period maybe an hour where you have no plans and just keep calling back to back to back. Memorize the keypad buttons you are to press in order to get to the particular representative you wish to speak to. It works I have gotten through to them multiple times. You may be on hold for a long time if calling later in the day, the best time is early in the morning. They open at 8am however as you call it will say they are still closed. Just keep trying and trying until they finally tell you to hold.

  26. Elyse says:

    Hi Laura! I am trying to plan ahead and get all of my requirements completed so that my endorsement will go smoothly (They received my application the 15th, who knows when they will actually cash my check etc.) and I know I will have to take Micro. Are you taking the class in person or online? I feel like the safe bet would be to take it in person but working as a night RN the times for classes would be excruciating or not even possible. However I’m worried that an online class with a virtual lab will not be accepted. I guess my question is, have you received any clarity on this issue?

    • Sarah says:

      Elyse, I’m just curious if you originally sent in a transcript with micro w/o lab? I have micro w/o lab but I also have molecular cellular w/lab and general bio w/lab.. do you think they’ll accept that or make me take a micro with lab? In that case do you think they’d just let me take the lab alone since I already have the mirco course done at another school? Thank you!

  27. Andra says:

    I read here that many of you were able to get through to actual people when you called. What number are you calling? I’ve tried everything and a recording always says sorry, then hangs up on me. They cashed my check for temporary license over 12 weeks ago. What on earth should I do?

    • Jessica says:

      800-838-6828 call at exactly 8 in the morning. I always get someone but they have been unhelpful to me, hopefully they sill be helpful to you.

  28. Camryn says:

    I also submitted by application beginning of May and have signed contract to start work July 11th well as of today I still do not have either a temp license or perm by endorsement. I’ve been an RN for over 27 yrs and I am appalled at the lack understanding by the board I may lose my position because I do not have a license. I moved my family out to CA and I can no longer pay my bills. I am devasted and will be homeless soon if something doesn’t change now!!

    • Donna says:

      it took me and many others up to 8 months to get it. Very best way is to hand deliver it and get fingerprinted in Cali

    • Cindy says:

      It is so bad..I moved here in February 2014 and started the process of transferring my license in January 2014…I did not receive my temporary license till March which delayed my employment..my temporary expired and my employer was going to let me go…they gave me the day off and I drove to Sacramento with all required paperwork including transcripts from college in 1990.
      I sat in their office and refused to leave without my license
      All day process but I got it.so I started in January and actually got it in September

  29. Laura King says:

    I had the same thing happen. I have met all requirements and submitted my package for temporary license and endorsement in January 2016. The only thing I had to do was take Microbiology with Lab which I am at the current time and will complete it in July 2016. However, I still haven’t had my temporary license issued while I await my permanent license after completion of Microbiology. I can’t even apply for a job in California until I have at least a temporary license number. I don’t understand why they haven’t issued the temporary license. Finally, my file got put on a supervisors desk on June 24, 2016 and they told me to give it about 3 weeks. Well, I will be almost finished with my Microbiology by then and all requirements for endorsement license. My check has been cashed since February 2016, so that check cashing is irrelevant. You call over and over to only learn before it goes to supervisors desk that no one actually did a thing and you were waiting 2-3 weeks each time for nothing. Very frustrating.

      • Donna says:

        it’s worth a plane ticket to go to Cali with your paperwork and get finger printed there which is what a nurse I worked with did and she had hers in less than 2 weeks

  30. Ashley says:

    Did going to the Sacramento board office actually help in getting your license? I am now hearing my temp license is on hold due to lack of license verification which I did on Nursys long ago. I’m waiting on a call back from the supervisor and have actually called and spoken with the dca. No one is helping!!!
    Thanks.

  31. Yanet Banos says:

    hello there,,
    waiting since January to retest. Nothing yet. Do you have any update in your case?

  32. Sarah Rime says:

    Why is nothing more being done? This doesn’t even seem to be an issue of concern for the California Nurses Association. The website currently states 10-12 weeks for both regular and temporary licenses! How can they take the same amount of time to process? I paid for and submitted information for both in hopes that the temporary takes less time than quoted to process.

  33. Frank says:

    How long are we going to put up with this? I have been waiting almost 8 months for my license which is utterly stupid. I have made endless calls, or at least tried, to the board. Why does it take 10 tries to even get in contact with a human being? And why do I get a full inquisition when I want to speak with someone a little higher up the food chain? Everyone I speak with is so RUDE and they act like they are so bothered. Don’t they understand they work for us and if it weren’t for us they would not be working at all. I have gotten the lamest excuses from these people like “oh things don’t move to fast around here during the holidays” to “I really have no idea what’s going on with your application”. Meanwhile this effects the lives of nurses trying to move to this state to start working but I really think they could care less. And I am really sick of hearing the excuse that they are understaffed, California LOVES big government so why aren’t they hiring more people. I think it’s time to start attending the boards monthly meetings and start asking some questions. One question should be why the hell is the board clumped into the Bureau of Consumer Affairs and why isn’t it it’s own entity like most nursing boards are. Anyway, just wanted to vent #stopwaistingourtime.

  34. Ashley RN BSN says:

    Hi El!

    This information was very helpful. I have been waiting 8 weeks for my temporary license by endorsement from Arizona. Just prior to yesterday the timeline was showing online as 6-8 weeks. As of yesterday, it is showing 10-12 weeks! When I originally sent the application in (they have it dated 3/21/16) online was stating 4-6 weeks.
    I spoke to the supervisor several times and multiple employees. Always getting a different response and actually was hung up on once! This last conversation, she stated she could not put my case on the “call log” until after 12 weeks!! She stated “I need to be firm and ask you to wait a few more weeks as I see 6 calls on your case already”. So frustrated….If I can get specifically the info you sent and exactly where I would like to do the same.

    Thanks in advance!!
    Ashley

  35. Chy says:

    Hi charli! Have you already got your license? When did they cashed your check? Coz i submitted my papers in california last march 21 for the endorsement here in florida but until now they still haven’t cash the check. Thank you.

    • donna says:

      it took me 6 months to get license. I should have called sooner. They say that it was because the fingerprints had not been processed ? My friend who did it at the same time I did called and they gave her the same excuse. I would keep calling if your licensed seems delayed

  36. Megan says:

    Hey Sharon, my application just got pushed to the supervisor desk also today, so i am hoping she can look at it and process my temporary license. Thanks for your help

    • Sharon says:

      Great Megan! The day mine got pushed to the supervisor I checked the online site a few hours later and it was listed. Today- 4 business days later I got a licensure letter in the mail. I still don’t understand what this temporary vs permanent thing is. The temporary license is good for six month. Now I have no idea if I have to continue to pursue this in a few months or what.

  37. Cindy says:

    The waiting game is not over once you get the temporary license but at least you can work…..my temporary license expired and still did not get permanent..I had to pay another $50 for an extension…that was about to expire and employer was going to suspend me…I went to Sacramento office and sat there till I got it…good luck….

    • Sharon says:

      Yes, finally on Friday after calling them again. Unreal..I was going to head to Sacramento in person next!

      • Megan says:

        So how many weeks total did it take after they cash ur check was the wait for the temporary license

        • Sharon says:

          Megan, they cashed my check February 25. My temporary licensed was issued Friday 4/8. So six weeks and a day. But again, I had to call them and the gal pushed it to the “supervisor” on 4/8 in the am. By the afternoon the number showed up on the Breeze site (no other notification). My timeline for the temporary license was: January 23- all requirements completed and sent, February 25 check cashed, subsequently called them 3 times at different intervals (2, 4, 6 weeks from when my check was cashed). I would not trust the process at all. The gal that answers the phone appears to have an incomplete view of the documents. Nothing happened until it got pushed to the “supervisor”. So despite the check being cashed and all documents in their possession it still took 6 weeks. Truly frustrating. I hope this helps. 12 weeks of no income.

  38. Sharon says:

    Today has been 6 weeks since they opened my envelope and cashed my check for a temporary license. I just phoned them again. My case is being referred to the “supervisor.” Now the issuance is dependent on the caseload he has on his desk. Finally getting somewhere… I think.

  39. Susan Salameh says:

    I just finished my application with the board after 5 min
    Heres what I’ve learned
    It takes them 6 wks to open an envelope, and the waiting time is always after they open the envelope
    If u don’t call and nag about your application they forget you
    If you don’t insist that all ur papers are sent and received by the board they will tell u to resend them
    They will request silly little things from you to buy time, because each envelope is 6 more weeks for them

  40. Erika shella says:

    I have been waiting since November 2015 with all fees paid to Pearson VUE and in class no one will return my call email or fax regarding retaking the NCLEX I have been already fingerprinted and everything has been approved I’m just taking my test and no one will respond is there any advice to anyone I’ve been waiting to retest since August 2015 please help this is really causing a major major disaster to me and my family please help me

  41. Sharon says:

    Stacie- How did you get a hold of anyone? Do you have a phone number that is different than what is listed on their contact page?
    Thank you!
    Sharon Wentz

      • Sharon says:

        Thank you, I just found it and phoned. It is a good number. Here is my situation- I sent in all required documents January 18, 2016 for a temporary RN license. They cashed my check 2/25 and she stated that it will be 4-6 weeks from that date. The gal that answered was actually helpful when I told her I have been waiting over 9 weeks. So note to anyone waiting- it will take a very long time.

  42. stacie vaughn says:

    you are a GODSEND. I figured out that they never received my transcript. So I would have been waiting around for the rest of my life. I got a LIVE person (Nicki Walton) in two rings! she even gave me a physical address where my transcript will get sent directly to her. This is a serious answer to tears/prayers. Thank you thank you thank you

  43. Charli says:

    I have relocated to Colorado and trying to get my license here since I have a job pending. $43 here to get my license and they are waiting only of he California BRN to fill out the endorsement since they do not participate in NURSSY. California charges $100 for this form to be filled out and sent to Colorado. 5 weeks later…check still not “cashiered” and I’m not making any $$!! They indicate it takes 4 weeks to cashier check and then another 4 weeks min. To process the form. Soooooo frustrating. Thank God the employer is holding this position.

    • Sharon says:

      In response to Charli’s reply. I hold an Oregon license and have been waiting on endorsement. I sent in my paperwork and extra fee for a temporary license January 13, 2016 and am still waiting. My check was cashed by the board 2 weeks ago and still nothing. There is ZERO way to contact them. All my emails get an automated reply. I too have a job offer pending. This is horrible.

      • donna says:

        I live in Texas. My friend and I applied back in September. Breezy says its accepted in October. As of this date I still don’t have a license. Today in April 11 . I have called and sent numerous emails and nothing . We have another friend that flew to Sacramento and handed them her application
        She received her license in January after only 3 months

  44. Patricia says:

    Thank you for this article, it really gives the inside-scoop on the RN licensing disaster in CA! I will be graduating from a general entry master’s program in Chicago in December and planning to move to California to be with my fiancé. I applied for a new grad RN residency program that requires me to have my RN license in California by the end of February. Does anyone have advice or words of wisdom on this? Is it realistic to think that I will have my RN license by the end of February? Would it be faster to get my license in Illinois and endorse it to CA, or should I just apply for my license in California? I feel that getting a good job in Chicago will not be too difficult, but the situation in California sounds brutal for new grads. Would it be smart to start working in Chicago and apply for an endorsement/jobs in California on my own time? Thanks so much in advance for any advice.

    • donna says:

      I started my process in august. My fingerprint cards didnt get to me for 6 weeks. The board notified me in november that it is processing my information. It is now december 28 and i still am waiting. I have a friend who hired an agency in cali to hand deliver her documents and she has her lic already. She got in last month and she only started in September. The agency was Fast staff. She is planning on going to cali for travel assignment for them. Have your fiance deliver your documents. If you go yourself you could have your lic the same day.

  45. M. BAIN says:

    WoW! I am not sure why we are tolerating this!. I logged on with Breeze for the first time August 2nd, I filled out my application and paid my fees. The amount posted to my account in 7 days. The site says you should be able to view renewal within 72 hours. 5 weeks have gone by, checking every week, then every day, then several times a day. I started reading blog postings about the trouble nurses are having. I called the number on the Breeze and BRN website – same as everyone, phone tree that hangs up – no matter which option. Then I selected technical support – he couldn’t help

    BUT – he gave me another number to the BRN 800-838-6828.

    I called that number, same deal, warnings that calls are holding for greater than 30 minutes,….due to the high call volume….. I hung on. I had music, then the line rang, then music, then the line rang, then all noise dead, I almost hung up after 35 minutes of holding but I could see the call was still in progress – so I just hung on and – Finally! Got a quiet female on the other line. I told her what happened and that I still wasn’t posting active after 5 weeks (vs the promised 72 hours). Her response was that I must have done something wrong. I reminded her that when you complete the application, you can’t see it any more – asked her to check. She said ” Oh the system didn’t recognize your FBI live scan”. I Advised her that I have been a practicing continuously licensed nurse since LiveScan started – don’t need to do it again because their system didn’t work. She asked me to wait – then – 5 seconds later I showed as Active – renewed on the web site. A simple flip of a button was all it took and who knows how long before they would fix it without my call.

    Call, keep calling, hang on the line, and TELL YOUR NURSING FRIENDS AND CO WORKERS – Renew Immediately.

    It’s crazy that with the old computers you could get the process done in a few short weeks and with all this technology people are more frustrated than ever. We may as nurses have to get together and march on our Governors office to get this issue fixed! 52 million and THIS IS WHAT THE PEOPLE GET FOR THEIR TAX MONEY!

    • Tamara J. Miller RN says:

      It is beyond ridiculous that this issue has not been solved. Especially, for long standing Ca. license renewal.

      I have had to jump all the hoops to renew for 2013 and now find myself having to do it again for my renewal this year 2015.

      I have submitted an e-mail notice demanding immediate renewal update to the BreEze site for my lic.
      I will continue to bombard them with e-mail notifications and suggest the issue be taken to local news media.

      That RN’s have tolerated this for years now is beyond my comprehension.

      The phone calls and e-mails should be flooding every appropriate agency.

      We shouldn’t be having to pay, in time and literally money, to help them fix this their problem.
      We’ve already payed our dues, literally and figuratively.

      The Ca. Board of Registered Nurses and Ca. Dept. of Consumer Affairs should be inundated with our inquiries and demands for resolution.

    • Jen Bulatao, RN says:

      Thank you for sharing this info and for the alternative BRN contact number of 1-800-838-6828. I’ve had my California RN license since 1992, and I’ve never had issues renewing until they upgraded their system back in 2013. This year, I renewed on the Breeze website online on 9/24/14, It says it should take 72 hours to process when renewed online. and it still hadn’t processed. Today is 10/19/15. It is now 3 1/2 weeks. I kept calling the regular BRN contract number (916)322-3350 and constantly had the recording of “due to high volumes” and “please try again later” then a hang up. I finally did some research and found this sight and saw the other number. I called several times, and kept saying “circuits are busy.” I then called today several times and with a lot of patience got a ring and said to wait for the next available person. There was no music playing, just silence for about 10 min. I waited, and got another ring and an actual live person on the other line. His name was Joe. I told him that my license renewal wasn’t updated, and asked him what I needed to do. He then asked for my social security number and after about 3min. he said my finger print info didn’t transfer from the old computer system and that he could do that in 10 min. and it should be renewed. Just checked the renewal verification website and thank the Lord that it has renewed. Now I can tell my employer and don’t have to stress out. Something has to be done about this whole process and system.

  46. el says:

    Hi just wanted to follow-up. i filed an official complaint against the BRN with the Department of Consumer Affairs on Friday and asked for their help. Specifically I asked for a follow-up call or email to discuss the issue at hand. I also wrote to my state rep, to my congresswoman, and sent an email to the Sacramento Bee because of how ridiculous this situation in CA is. I may have gone a little nuts with my letter-writing campaign, but I had a favorable outcome. Today, I rec’d both a call and an email from the DCA granting me a temp RN license. Thanks to this blog/commenters. It really does take a village. This is only the first hurdle as I’m now waiting on a CA NP license…but to those still waiting, I really recommend filing a complaint. It can’t hurt and maybe with enough people speaking up there will actually be a resolution to this problem sooner than later. Wishful thinking.

    • Sunny says:

      Hey El, do you mind sharing what you content you discussed in your complaints against the BRN & congresswoman? I would really appreciated– I, too, am frustrated and this issue has put me in a huge financial bind. um.sungheui@gmail.com

      • Ashley RN BSN says:

        Hi Sunny,

        This information was very helpful. I have been waiting 8 weeks for my temporary license by endorsement from Arizona. Just prior to yesterday the timeline was showing online as 6-8 weeks. As of yesterday, it is showing 10-12 weeks! When I originally sent the application in (they have it dated 3/21/16) online was stating 4-6 weeks.
        I spoke to the supervisor several times and multiple employees. Always getting a different response and actually was hung up on once! This last conversation, she stated she could not put my case on the “call log” until after 12 weeks!! She stated “I need to be firm and ask you to wait a few more weeks as I see 6 calls on your case already”. So frustrated….If I can get specifically the info you sent and exactly where I would like to do the same. I need to make a formal complaint and hopefully get my temporary license. I am moving next month!!!

        Thanks in advance!!
        Ashley

  47. Julie says:

    California is my original state of licensure. I have been licensed there for 22 years. When it came time to renew my license (expiration date of August 2015) I renewed online and paid by credit card in the beginning of June. I kept checking through Breeze and found though they acknowledged my payment they still had my license expiring Aug 2015. I sent emails in June, July, Aug since I could not seem to get a hold of a liver person and every time I called and ran the gauntlet of the automated system, I would get to a point where they hung up on me. Looking at the site again today I found they had me listed as delinquent. I called for about an hour was hung up on and on hold forever and finally got to talk to a human. In three seconds they changed on the website and said I would have my license in 7-10 days. This is the first time I have had so many issues trying to renew my license. Sounds like it hasn’t improved since they instituted the Breeze program.

  48. Megan says:

    Just thought I’d add my experience to the bunch. I sent my application in towards the end of April and it took them until May 14th to cash my application check. I immediately signed up for breeze to keep track of everything, but was so confused because none of my information was showing up. It finally showed up after they cashed the application check. It immediately said that I was missing my transcripts, but I sent them in with my application so I called to confirm that they had them. They told me that it takes 4-5 weeks to process the transcripts. I asked why breeze was saying they were missing if they were processing them and she said she didn’t know and to call back in 5 weeks if it wasn’t updated. Eventually it did go away and just changed to Pending with no additional information. I called on June 24th and was told that it would be at least 5-7 weeks before I had any information at all. I called on August 10th – just short of 7 weeks when I hadn’t heard anything, and they said that they had sent a letter to my address saying that I hadn’t paid for my fingerprints. I told them that I never received the letter (still haven’t) and they cashed my fingerprint check on May 26th. They checked with their files, said that I was correct, and they would send the correction to their supervisor and I should have my license in 1-2 weeks. The guy that I talked to also said that this had happened to a handful of people that he talked to that day, so I would definitely call to check in if you’ve been waiting without hearing anything for awhile. I waited 2 weeks, didn’t hear anything, called back, and was told the exact same thing. Apparently they never fixed the insufficient funds so basically nothing had been done for 2 weeks. They said they fixed it in the system and I would be put on the call log for their supervisor to review and I should have my license in 1-2 weeks. This time I only waited 1 week, called back, asked them to confirm that my account didn’t say I had insufficient funds, and the guy that I talked to talked directly to his supervisor and said that I should have my license by the end of the day. I was skeptical, but I checked less than an hour later and there it was! I don’t know why they couldn’t have just talked to the supervisor a month ago!!

    The lesson that I learned and would pass on to anyone going through this process is to be persistent! It’s frustrating when you have to wait on hold for 10-20 minutes every time you call, but I could have gotten my license a lot faster if I would have just called them more often to make sure they were doing what they said they were. Good luck!

  49. nuel says:

    I applied to California board of nursing for RN license by endorsement before I travelled to Africa to spend 2 months with family members, have been practicing in the state of new jersey and I mailed in all necessary documents and its been almost 10weeks. when I returned back, I was stunned to see on the Breeze website that my application is still pending and I had resigned from my other jobs before I travelled. I don’t know what to do and I don’t have any jobs right now. I am frustrated and I don’t know what to do. Each time I called their 1800 line and I talked to somebody, its different story. I need your advice.

    • Bethany says:

      When I called this week about my endorsement application, they told me it would be a minimum of 12 weeks once my payment was processed before I would know anything. It’s very frustrating as I too need a job in order for my family to remain in California. It is very frustrating that they have had the new system for quite a while now and the time to get a license seems to be getting longer. I have talked to at least 4 different people and they all stand by the 12 week timeline. Hopefully that is true!

      • Julie says:

        I came out here in May after waiting 4 MONTHS for my license. I am still looking for a full-time position. There is NOT a nursing shortage out here, so beware that getting the license is only your first hurdle. The Nursing culture in CA is different- its not pleasant- its flawed system just like the state of California. I cant wait to leave here and go back to TX where multiple jobs await me without all this mess.

  50. Anonymous says:

    I have been through one heck of a ride with the CA BRN. I am a military spouse who recently applied for license at the end of May. From my understanding my application was suppose to be expedited for that reason. But it wasn’t because they misfiled my application. So friends of mines who applied after me were licensed in no time while I was trying to figure out why was my application not even put together. The office staff would just feed you the same crappy lines from the website like they think you’re stupid or something. Most would even tell me this without looking up my account to see what I was talking about in the first place. I ended up filing four complaints on ever person I spoke with in the office who gave me the run around. I finally was able to speak to someone with some common sense. My application was found and put together the same day. I’m just waiting on my evaluator to look it over. So my advice to anyone is that if you think something is wrong with your application you need to insist on an answer. Don’t be transferred to some voicemail because your call will never be returned. Tell them that you’ll wait until a supervisor or deputy chief becomes available. Good luck!

    • Julie says:

      First off tell your spouse THANK YOU for the service. I came out here in May after waiting 4 MONTHS for my license. I am still looking for a full-time position. There is NOT a nursing shortage out here, so beware that getting the license is only your first hurdle. The Nursing culture in CA is different- its not pleasant- its flawed system just like the state of California. I cant wait to leave here and go back to TX where multiple jobs await me without all this mess.

  51. no says:

    For anyone trying to get in contact with the CA BRN to no avail

    I finally found a human at this number- (916) 574-7600

    Godspeed.

    • Anonymous says:

      First off I love you name 🙂 I can agree that this number does indeed work. So use it before they catch on and disconnect it lol

    • frustrated says:

      as of today–this phone number is still working and there is a waiting period of 8-12 weeks for a license by endorsement from the time they cash your check (assuming you have everything in)…The woman that I spoke to was wonderfully nice, but read me the same speech everyone else has.

      ALSO–DO NOT PAY FOR A TEMPORARY LICENSE!! Unless your transcripts are going to take more than 8-12 weeks to be sent, it’s a waste of money. Temporary licenses are not processed any faster than regular licenses, they just allow you to get a license if your fingerprints and application have been processed but your transcripts have not yet arrived. Because they take so long to get around to processing your license, you’re basically throwing away 50 dollars.

      • Shay says:

        Yah, the number worked for me too, thank you for that! My 8-weeks hits on Aug 30th and then my Nursy’s license verification expires like a week later, so she at least assured me they have that on file and I don’t have to pay for that again. AND they’ve at least finally started processing June 2015 applications, so they are finally through with May I guess…so hopefully it’ll start to be quicker…but yah 8-12 weeks…so I continue to wait…

    • Jon says:

      I just called this number and got a live person in 2 rings! Thanks for posting this! I have been waiting for a finger print card for 3 weeks and the lady at the board said to go to my local police dept and use their card and send them in. I live in Florida, she said “they’re all the same.” We’ll see if she’s right. What a screwed up system they have in the land of Silicon Valley – and the land of the fruits and Nuts! Thanks again!

  52. Liz L says:

    Just wanted to add my timeline for comparison. I am a NY nurse, applied for endorsement at the beginning of February. I visited CA and had LiveScan done during my visit. The CA BRN finally ‘entered’ my application three weeks later, on Feb. 28. I applied for both my temp and permanent license, and called biweekly to make sure they weren’t missing any transcripts. I looked up my application on the Breeze website, and found my perm license was granted yesterday, April 2. Total time: 5 wks. I think LiveScan made a huge difference. I have nurse colleagues from NY who applied to CA using the fingerprint cards and they waited for two months for their paperwork to go through.

    • DJAndA says:

      Lucky you. I have been waiting for a bout 2 months now and It’s still saying in Breeze that my application is pending. I called CBORN 3 weeks ago just to make sure they got all the requirements and they said they did. I didn’t do LIVEscan, but I guess my FBI background check was clear (I just did one recently for CRNA school) and the woman I talked to didn’t mention that as an issue. I am losing my patience as I already moved out of my apartment here in Pennsylvania for my anticipated travel contract in CA. CBORN needs to do a better job. I was anticipating that 8 weeks would be the waiting period but they can’t even deliver even in that time frame.

      • Rhonda says:

        Lucky YOU that you even got THROUGH to themail board of nursing. I have called AND emailed and they don’t even bother to get back to me.

    • Rhonda says:

      How do you even check the status of your application. I’ve gone to the Breeze website and they want me to register my license, which I don’t even HAVE yet.

      • DJAndz says:

        You just need to register at the Breeze website even though your license is pending. my license went through last Friday after talking to a supervisor last Wednesday. Funny how they seem to expedite when I made a complaint about jeopardizing nurses livelihood because of bureaucratic red tape. Anyway I signed a contract last Tuesday so I’m heading to CA at the end if the month. This is my last week on my current job.

          • evelyn says:

            Hello, I’m going through this process right now and can’t get a hold of them either.They won’t pick up the phone or respond to emails, it’s so frustrating. Can someone clarify whether you have to send all of your transcripts, including colleges where you did pre reqs? I am in an accelerated BSN/MSN program out of state so I’m not sure if the BSN portion of my program uses classes I did in undergrad (for another degree) to offset the accelerated curriculum. My reasoning is that if I’m licensed from an accredited program then that assumes I have met basic requirements for admission so wouldn’t then need to send my pre-req info into the CA nursing board. But I realize admin bureaucracies don’t operate on common sense. Since I can’t get an answer from the board can someone tell me if they were required to send in other transcripts in addition to their nursing school transcript? thanks so much!

          • Julie says:

            Evelyn- definitely do send every transcript you have from every college!! I made the mistake of thinking only the nursing program transcripts would be enough. But no- they wanted to see classes like Communication, microbiology, etc. (I had another degree in a different field before I went to the nursing program). So I found this out 3 months after I submitted my application. They want EVERYTHING!!!

          • DJAndZ says:

            Hi Rhonda and Evelyn!

            Call this number: 800-838-6828 and you might have to wait from 10-20 minutes for them to answer but they will.

            Evelyn: I think you have to send in your nursing pre reqs transcripts as well. I read from somewhere that they will need to see micro, A&P, psych and even english classes. So just be safe and send all your transcripts. Don’t give them a reason to delay your license.

          • Julie says:

            Definitely- they did want to see proof of all those classes- even though mine was from 20 yrs ago!!!!

    • T.Dee says:

      I did what you had done too with LiveScan all in the beginning of March(visited CA in end of February). I expedited all of my paperwork and sent it in a neat package with a tracking number too. I got a letter from the CA BRN yesterday saying my LiveScan fingerprints were rejected, and I live in CT. They have also have not issued my temporary license, but they did process the check I had sent for it. I now may consider submitting my fingerprints manually because I cannot take more time to go to CA and have the LiveScan done again and possibly have it rejected again. I have seen and read this blog last year and knew what I was going to get myself into, so I did my best to prepare ahead, but it still did not help.

    • Nicci says:

      So my personal application was a struggle that ended up working well. I applied March 6th, and they cashed my check 3 weeks later. I was in a bind bc I had accepted a position at stanford and my start date was May 4th. I called weekly…. I don’t think the people on the phone are of any help at all. They really just tell you how backed up the nursing board is, and offer no advice other than “just wait”. I flew out to Cali from Florida on April 17th, and drove to Sacramento on the 20th. I met an amazing lady working there who rushed my application, and I had my temp license in 4 days. So I was able to start on May 4th as planned. My permanent license became active May 7th, so I think driving to Sacramento was definitely worth it. Good luck everyone!

      • Julie says:

        Yes- going to the BRN in person did it for me too. But its completely ridiculous that we have to do this! I have had lost income b/c of this.

    • Linda Nunley says:

      My check cleared January 27th. It is now May 26th. I am moving to California June 1st. I have called, emailed, spoken with people, left messages with supervisors and have gotten kicked out of the phone system because of a high volume of calls. They said they are waiting on my prints to clear. I paid for both temporary and regular licenses by endorsement. Praying they can speed things up with LiveScan when I get there next week. No license = no job=no housing. I thought applying in January would be okay and no problem to receive my license before my June move date. I am into week 17 now BTW.

  53. Ashley says:

    I applied for my license by endorsement and my check was cashed 11/18/14. I did the fingerprint card option and the DOJ cleared my prints 01/16 and I am still waiting 03/02/15 for clearance by the FBI. However, I called the FBI and they told me that my prints were reviewed and the results were sent to the BON on 01/16 as well. No one can tell me any information, just that “there are delays from the FBI”. They tell me that my print quality is fine, that there are no delays noted (i.e criminal issues) so I don’t have any idea what the hold up is. Everything else in my application has been cleared so now I am just waiting for the FBI print clearing. I am moving to San Diego next week, with multiple job offers and no license. I intend to livescan once I get down there so there will absolutely be no issues or delays any longer. I am so frustrated and I don’t know what to do anymore. No one at the board of nursing seems to care or want to help you in any way. I was able to get through to the fingerprint supervisor, but I only was able to leave a message. I hope that she calls back.

    • Rhiannon says:

      Hi Ashley, I recently moved to Cali from Colorado and am having the exact same issue! 🙁 But, I have not called the FBI because the BRN said there is no way of getting ahold of them. Would you be able to give me the number to the FBI that you called, please?

    • T.Dee says:

      Hi Ashley, what is your current status with your application now? I did LiveScan on 3/2/15, submitted all of my paperwork for the application on 3/7/15. I got a letter from them 4/27 stating that my LiveScan fingerprints was rejected by the DOJ and/or FBI. I am not in a rush to move to CA but was wondering if it was worth going back to CA to do LiveScan again or send manual fingerprints.

  54. Julie says:

    Im beginning to think California just doesnt want out of state nurses PERIOD!!! This is becoming more of an ordeal than getting accepted to grad school I kid you not! After 2 MONTHS- sending EVERYTHING they request, I am now being told I have to show them I took microbiology (which – if they had read my undergrad transcript they would have seen it there) and Psychology and Communications. I didnt take these at my undergrad college, I took them at a community college- and my bad- I didnt send that transcript b/c its from 28 YEARS ago. Since when is a Masters Degree in Nursing not enough? Are you serious?????

    • Alex says:

      I don’t understand how CA can deny a license to any nurse who graduated from an accredited program and who passed the NCLEX. I received a preliminary denial because they couldn’t find a course titled “Oral Communications” on my transcript. This is a reason to deny a nurse a license?? It’s insane.

  55. Julie says:

    Can anyone help me? Ive never been so frustrated w/an application before in my life! A have a Texas RN license- applying for CA. I want to do contract out there and see how I like it. Application packet mailed 12/20. Check cleared Jan. 8. I havent received ANYTHING other than a confusing email from breeze saying to register. After I get my fingerprint cards, then what?? Im about ready to give up – this is RIDICULOUS!!!

    • Kyle Schmidt says:

      Hey Julie,

      We’re sorry to hear that you’re having a rough time obtaining your California RN License by Endorsement. One of the staffing agencies we work is based in Sacramento and they are offering free assistance with Rn endorsement licenses. They visit the board twice per week and walk items in on your behalf. Their contact information can be found in this blog post: How To Get Your California RN License by Endorsement

      Hope this helps!!

    • Tamara J. Miller RN says:

      I have been trying to renew my RN lic for 2 years. I am not currently practicing, but I have kept my ~ 25 yr RN license current … until now.

      I sent my renewal ceus and payment in the fall of 2013. Many months later I received a form asking for ceus and payment. I tried to call several times without being able to get through. I have also sent e-mails that have never been answered.

      I was about to give up and just let it go as my “retirement” sign. But then I saw this.
      I can’t imagine the trouble incurred by those who are currently practicing with licenses that are falling into delinquency.

      I don’t know what to do. My license status is “delinquent”. I want to renew it. But I can’t get through to anyone anywhere.

      Tamara J. Miller RN ( in California for over 20 years )

        • Tamara J. Miller RN says:

          Katie,

          Thank you.

          Yes, I saw that number on another thread on this site and did call.

          After a lengthy wait time, I did get through to an actual, corporal being. She told me that I should have called sooner. I explained that I had tried without success. And when I told her how I finally got through to her, she asked me what number I had called.

          She seemed as though she was unaware of the problem.

          She listened to my story, put me on hold for another 5 – 10 minutes and when she came back on the line she told me my license had been updated to active status.

          So it seems the troubles are getting straightened out. At least for those currently holding Ca. Lic.

          I can’t speak for the situation regarding those trying to get endorsement.
          I hope it’s getting better for them as well.

          Thank you for sharing the “secret mystery” number. I’m keeping that number with my license since the one on the license card gets me no where.

          Good luck everyone !

        • Julie says:

          Regarding the phone number- 800-838-6828- I called and after 45 min on hold – finally a woman answered who confirmed I was in the system but was NO HELP AT ALL. In fact she was very rude and even said “I cant look in your file thats personal information” yet she asked me to confirm my DOB!!! Seriously! I asked for someone to talk to that can confirm if the transcripts they offered arrived and she said “no,people here are trying to process stacks of applicants and if they look at yours it just delays more”. This is such a FLAWED system its RIDICULOUS!!! Im rethinking my CA career in nursing!

      • Lynne Sovey says:

        RN for 26 years original license sacramento..licensed in HI, NV, and, CA.
        Delinquent 1st time in CA.Exact same situation as you, ie. No email response, no answer to multiple phone calls password and, ID wouldnt work..
        Pending job waiting for board to place me as current..Drove down to board yesterday and face to faced them..
        Got a letter for clearance to work..
        Sad..

        • Tamara J. Miller RN says:

          It seems if people are losing wages over this due to “pending” position placement / start … directly related to these delays, there should be some kind of compensation for those lost wages.

          I am not currently practicing, so it doesn’t apply to me. But for those who are, or who are trying to, it’s a huge issue.

          I wonder if anyone is collectively addressing the “lost wages” part of this whole thing.

          If not, maybe they should be ?

        • Julie says:

          What exactly did you do at the board? I am supposed to go out there this week to do the life scan and go to the board but is there someone actually there that can answer our questions since they dont even answer the phone?

        • Florian Schachtl says:

          Hi, how did you get that letter for clearance to work? What did you say there? I start a job June 6 and don’t think they’ll have mine ready though I applied as soon as hired on March 16th.
          Thankss

  56. Kirsten Buckle says:

    I applied for my license by endorsement from AK in September 2014. Still showing in BreEZe system as “pending/open” with no deficiencies listed but still no temp license issued as of today, 2/3/15. Can’t get through to a human to save my life. Considering quitting my job here and just going to CA and doing everything in person, but can’t do that because I’m a Canadian on a TN work permit and then I’ll be out of status with CBP…. been passed over for at least 3 jobs because my license has not come through.

    • Ihuoma says:

      Kirsten I can definitely relate to your situation but only that mine is worst. I turned in my application and all the paperwork since Oct 2013 check cleared on Dec 8th 2013. received a random letter from the board about not receiving my verification (which were requested since Oct of 2013) Despite the numerous of emails, phone calls,voice mails it lead me nowhere. Breeze website kept showing my status as pending until Dec 2014 the status changed to “EXPIRED”!! til this date 2/9/2015 I never received my Cali license. This has been the most horrifying, frustrating and ridiculous, experience ever!!!! But I’m not giving up i’m still gonna fight till the end. I just don’t know what else to do regarding this matter.

      • Tamara J. Miller RN says:

        Ihuoma,

        My story is like yours. I tried to renew Sept. 2013. Got the same letter. Tried, but never was able to get through to anyone via phone or e-mail … For 2 Years.

        Now my license status is “delinquent”.

        Though I have not been practicing for some years now, I do want to keep my Lic. active and current.

        I can not imagine being in the situation of someone who ~is~ currently practicing with this licensing nightmare going on.

        For those who have lost wages over this it seems some kind of compensation is in order.

        Tamara

        • Ihuoma says:

          OMG this is a nightmare! upon all the letters, emails, Voice messages still no response after 2years? So what do we go about getting this compensation? especially since we can’t get a hold of anyone on the phone. I don’t live in Cali. I’m all the way cross country in the east coast. please someone advice!

          thanks

          Ihuoma

  57. AaRoN says:

    applied for my RN license May 1st 2014 still haven’t gotten it and it is now Jan. 2015! i’m about to give up on Cali!

  58. Glad says:

    Hi Guys I read some of your comments and swear now I feel so anxious. I started my papers Oct 14 2014 and until now I don’t have any news from them. Should I call our Congressman? or Senator Andy? I can’t believe it takes them forever to process this.

  59. Bethany says:

    I am currently trying to get my licensure by endorsement. I requested a fingerprint card in August and again in September and one finally arrived the middle of October. I sent my transcripts twice and my Nursys verification in August. I mailed my completed application the 14th of October. The CBORN had it for over two weeks before cashing my check. I am moving to California from Seattle and have a job I am supposed to start December 15th. I have newborn twin babies. I have called and e-mailed multiple times without response. I finally flew to Sacramento yesterday and did the Livescan. I went to the board in person to deliver the paper and check on my application. They laughed at me and told me they had only had my application for a week, no one has even looked at, and they don’t even have a file in my name. They refused to look at my application but did confirm they have all the paperwork they need. I spoke with a supervisor who told me it would be “awhile” and that they are now processing applications from August. He also told me after I explained my situation that it was not his fault I had quit my current job and that I should probably apply for food stamps and other government assistance. Um.. no. I have a job and a master’s degree and I want to work I just can’t because they won’t process my paperwork. He also said “this is how California works” and “I bet you thought you could just come here and get a job and start working but you can’t”. So basically, all of my paperwork is just sitting there and no one will look at it. I have spent over $700 trying to get this license and now I will be out of work for another 2+ months. This is unbelievable. Does anyone have any suggestions of where to go from here?

    • cindy says:

      Bethany,
      I had a similiar experience,
      i applied for my license by endorsement in january and traveled to Calif to do livescan because they said it would expediate it. My check was never cashed til march and i was finally granted a temporary license in April after numerous phone call. my temporary was about to expire in October and i still never received my license. i was going to loose my job… I started calling the office in july and could not get any response or reply to my e-mails…. Even supervisors would not return calls. i finally drove to Sacramento and found out what the problem was with my file. i had it solved in one day and went back to Sacramento and refused to leave till it was granted. i paid another $50 to extend my temporary also…. It cost me so much money and time to get my license.. Ridiculous!!

  60. Cindy says:

    I started applying for my license by endorsement in January 2014. I had traveled to Calif to get fingerprints done also because I was told that would speed up the process. I moved here in February because I had a job offer… My license never came through until April 2014 and that was only a temporary and it expires 10/1/14.My employer actually held the position for me. I can’t get any info from anyone that can help me figure out what the problem is with getting my permanent license. I have been a practicing RN since 1990 and have transferred my license from Arizona to Pennsylvania to Nevada and never had a problem. This has been 9 months of stress.
    My bigger issue is that I am losing my job Oct 1st if no license is granted. I have even sent them an additional $50 to extend my temporary but they haven’t even cashed the check yet. I am at my wit’s end and ready to return to Nevada

    • Leah says:

      have you called the state? I would go into your local senators office and tell them your whole story. I did that and 2 weeks later i had a license.

  61. Leah says:

    I Submitted my application July 9th and check was cashed August 5th. I went into Senator Vidak’s office on August 26th and Spoke with them. After doing some research, they called the Board on my behalf and Sept 9th finally received my temporary License 🙂

  62. CC says:

    The board started processing my application for RN by Endorsement on May 30th! I called today and they quoted me 2-4 more weeks! Any suggestions out there?

    • Ty says:

      I called last week and spoke with an evaluator and she stated they were still in the middle of May on the applications. With all of the new grads that just turned there apps in, I’m sure it will still be a while. I paid cash and turned my app in with the live scan form on June 11. They told me that my check didn’t clear until the 16th of June (paid cash, lol). I don’t think they have a clue to what is going on either. Write and call the governor. If everyone did that, they would get tired of it and fix the problem.

    • ALT says:

      i appled 2nd week of april and still not going anywhere. sent a fingerprint card but they said they can’t find it. so i sent another one last july and i had it sent via first class courier so i know they received it bec someone signed for the mail. rang them today lady i spoke with haven’t got a clue she’s just saying there’s no update on my file yet and she’s got no way of finding out. she gave me another number to ring which is a voice mail. so i left a message and my contact details. i am hoping to hear from them but its becoming so frustrating now.

      • Leah says:

        I contacted Senator Vidaks office about this problem and they are looking into it and i should hear something from them this week. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SENATOR!!!!!!!!

    • Leah says:

      I contacted Senator Vidaks office and they are looking into. CONACT YOUR LOCAL SENATOR!!!!! that are more then willing to hear your story and you out

    • Kelsey says:

      I submitted in May as well. Despite periodic calling and emailing I still don’t have my license yet. I emailed 6 congressmen/women both federal and state. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s office has been the most responsive thus far directing me to contact state congressmen. Highly encourage everyone to send letters. This BreEZe system has been in place for almost 1 year and it is still taking 4+ months to process what should take 4 to 6 weeks. Unacceptable!

      • Leah says:

        Senator Vidak’s office called the board on my behalf and 2 days later i have a temporary license! I submitted my application on July 11th.

  63. Bren says:

    Any recent experiences?? I flew out to CA to do livescan and I’m hoping to start work by the end of August, hoping the process has sped up again.

    • Cathy says:

      I flew out and submitted my application and did my Livescan on June 5th and have not received my license yet. I also applied for a temporary and they told me last week that they will probably not give me that and will just send the license when it gets processed.

      • Cheryl says:

        Cathy and Bren,
        When you went to do the lives can and apply, had you already sent in the rest of your application, fee, requested transcripts? We’ve sent in my husbands info (fingerprints included) about 3 weeks ago. Considering showing up in Sacramento with a copy of his sealed transcripts, etc.
        Anyone have any more recent experience as to how that might go? We’re hoping he can get a temporary issues within 24-72 hrs if he has all his stuff.
        Also, he plans to start working at a rural, critical access, small hospital. Does that factor a role with the board?
        Thanks!

        • Leah says:

          I submitted my app with everything July 9th and I already have a job lined up in a rural ED and still no license. My Check didn’t even clear till Aug 6th……

  64. Geoff says:

    I had my live scan done 5/14/14 and when i call the automated line they do not have any results. My check was cashed today! but I’m wondering what i should do about my fingerprints. Any thoughts?

  65. Kenny says:

    Hi All! Just sharing my story on the process of trying to obtain a CA nursing license. Btw, thank you everyone for sharing your own experiences, it’s been very helpful!
    I live out of state and ended up submitting my fingerprints via Live Scan in late March and mailed out my application materials the same day. Around the 3rd week of April my check was cashed and I received an email to create an account on Breeze that showed that my application materials were received on April 22. Yesterday 5/22, I received a letter from the Board of Nursing with a fingerprint card and a letter saying that my fingerprints were rejected from either the State Department of Justice and/or FBI. There was another enclosed letter (dated 3/24/14!!) from the DOJ stating that the FBI had rejected my fingerprints. “Reason Returned from FBI: “Please Clarify Reason Fingerprinted.”
    I was confused because I submitted it via a pre-filled Live Scan form that states I am pursing my nursing license.

    I ended up calling the Board and got a hold of someone at a call center who says they handle the overflow calls from the Board. He was confused by my situation because he said the CA DOJ had OK’ed my fingerprints but not the FBI. He also did not believe the reason they gave in the letter until I read it back to him several times. He then told me that my application had not been 90 days old yet so he was unable to escalate and I needed to resubmit prints (duh!) and call back in July. Luckily, his supervisor seemed to be overhearing the conversation so after placing me on hold to talk to her he told me to scan and email them a copy of the letter I received. Per his supervisor this had been happening a bit, where the DOJ accepts the fingerprints but not the FBI.
    So now I’ll be submitting the fingerprint card.

    • Kelsey says:

      I am in the same boat as all of you who have receivedCA approval but FBI reject letters. I learned from the CA BON that this happens all the time. The woman I spoke with believes they have an old faulty machine. When I went back to the Yale police department with my second finger print card the officer I spoke with (who also finger printed me the first time) was shocked when I told him the first set was rejected. He said that in his 20 years of experience this is a very rare occurrence. This rejection has thus far delayed my application by an additional month (I first submitted back in early May 2014) and still no license yet!

  66. Nina says:

    I’m a new grad, just graduated last week. My check was cashed April 1st, any updates on how long it will take for me to get an ATT number? Is the delay still pretty bad? Hopefully its clearing up.

  67. Cristal says:

    Update and question:
    I submitted everything except fingerprints in Mid February. My money order was cashed on March 20th. Since I was just in California I did the live scan on April 14th. And I logged into Breeze today, and I seem to have a license number and it says it was issued 4/24/2014. Is this possible since I just did my live scan April 14th? I find it hard to believe but I guess since I had everything else maybe they were just waiting for the fingerprints to give me the license. Also, will I get an email/letter from the BON confirming my license?

    • Cecily says:

      Cristal, I had livescan done this past Tuesday and when I called the automated line at the DOJ, it said they submitted my fingerprints back to the board of nursing yesterday! That’s only two days, so yes it’s possible!

  68. Cecily says:

    Just an update for everyone. My check was cashed March 18 and I logged on Breeze this afternoon and saw a permanent license number. So that’s a total of 5 weeks and 3 days from check being cashed.

  69. Amos says:

    Is there an update on current time frame? I was going to fly to Sacramento next week to try to expedite the process, is it worth it?

  70. Cecily says:

    Jane…I used the card from my home state which was the same card that they mail. I haven’t heard anything yet (they cashed my check 3/18, but since I’m out here visiting I am going to go ahead and do livescan just in case.

  71. jane says:

    Can anyone tell me if you are supposed to send your fingerprints in with the application or send the application then the fingerprints?? Also if you are applying for two different licenses (CA and Wa) in the same time frame, can the finger prints and background check fees be processed together to avoid a double fee?

    • Rhonna Gajda says:

      Send your fingerprints with your application, unless you can do LiveScan, but you must have them done in the state of California.

      Unfortunately, if you are applying for two different states, the applications are independent of one another and have their own requirements and you have to do 2 applications with 2 sets of fingerprints. Each Board of Nursing would have an ORI # associated to identify which department is requesting them.

      • Candace says:

        I finally received my California license. I was an endorsement applicant who flew to California for the live scan in February. It took one month for them to cash my application check. They misplaced my Illinois license verification twice in the mailroom. And after weeks of calling and asking about my application, they finally pushed it though. I don’t know if it was because they finally found my license verification or if it was because they were tired of me calling. However, I want to wish everyone good luck in receiving their license and continue to call and inquire about the status of your application. Also, the $50 I paid for a temp license was for nothing.

      • jane says:

        Thanks, Rhonna, do you happen to know if you can obtain the 8×8 fingerprint card locally (from home state) or does it have to be sent from CA?

        • Rhonna Gajda says:

          I ordered myself some from the FBI, but they are the same cards that everyone uses, FD-258. The board never sent them to me after requesting them 7 times in 8 weeks. What I was told is that the ORI # is important. The following is the information I put on my cards (and by the way, my license was just issued to me on Friday using these cards):

          Board of Registered Nursing, DCA
          PO Box 944210
          Sacramento, CA 94244-2100
          ORI# A0391
          Reason: Nursing license

          That goes in the address portion on the left of the card directly above where the fingerprints would go. There is also an ORI# for the CA DOJ. This information is closer to the right side of the card directly below where you would have your name:

          CA0349400
          CA DOJ-BUR OF IDENT
          SACRAMENTO, CA

          I typed labels to make sure it was clear enough to read because the areas are small to write in.

          Hope this helps.

  72. Candace says:

    Does anyone know how to locate the evaluator handling applications? The board has lost my nurse verification twice and no one seems to care or let me know until I call for a status update on my application.

  73. Alessandra says:

    Rhonna thank you very much for responding. I’m happy for you. I understand your sittuation is difficult coming from a different state. So maybe I just need to keep calling until someone answers… Thank you

  74. Rhonna Gajda says:

    Alessandra, I called that number yesterday and got a real person. I think there was an 800# that it referred me to. The woman was awesome and very helpful that I got and told me what I needed to know.

  75. Alessandra says:

    Nurseroz thank you for the link to that site. I’ve been waiting four months to get ATT letter and take NCLEX. They have processed my check in February. At the board page they say they are processing the application for people who had their checks cashed in March and I have heard nothing from them. Does anyone have any information? Any phone number I could try? I’ve called the 916 3223350 many times and nobody answers! Please any info? Thank you.

  76. Rhonna says:

    Does anyone have a contact number to talk to someone? I see people mention that they talked to someone live about the state of their application. I am for an out of state endorsement and don’t know where to turn. I am out of a job and no where to live because I was supposed to start in February and I hear they are up to date from the backlog. I need to talk to someone.

  77. nurseroz says:

    Hi all. Wanted to let you know that I checked the Breeze system today and my license has been issued. I actually hadn’t checked in a few days, but I read an article posted in the Modesto Bee and a representative from the Board of Nursing said that they had caught up on the backlog. A link to the article: http://www.modbee.com/2014/04/03/3275139/problems-with-nurse-licensing.html

    Again, I was looking for a verification, not a new license, so I’m not sure if this made a difference. I hope everything works out for everybody!

  78. H Vanderhyde says:

    I feel everyone’s pain!! My check was cashed on Feb 18 and DOJ says fingerprints went to BRN on Feb 6 but BRN says they don’t have them. I live in Southern CA and I’m ready to go to Sacto and stand there ’till I get my temp license. This really is unbelievable.

  79. Alessandra says:

    This is a terrible situation. Everytime I see another coment, another life negativelly afected by this situation I feel bad, I feel rage, and impotent… I hate to feel like a victim. In many situation I always look for the bright side and for the leaason learned, the growth… But here unfortunatly I feel powerless and just waiting and missing jobs oportunities, besides a financial crisis where I’ve been borrowing money. I’m greatfull to have friends that I can count in a moment like this. This week I just sign papers getting my previous CNA job back, it’s in home care and the pay is very low, but it’s better than nothing. After all I’ve been through to graduate, this situation is an absurd! I feel so very much for all of us and evrytime I see another story, I just feel more the unfairness of this. This is a trully shame for the state of California! And in the main time I must keep studyin for NCLEX! So anxious… Thank you for this blog

  80. lv says:

    hello everyone! finally got the temporary license! unfortunately however, this was because we drove all the way to sacramento from nevada. talked to a supervisor and refused to leave without resolution. the supe issued the pass a few hours after. good luck everyone! i also had to do my livescan again as it is true that they didn’t receive the first one sent in november… they are blaming DOJ but i am sure this is because they did not process applications till 3 months after the livescan date.

  81. Kyle Schmidt says:

    I received this comment from a concerned new grad who requested I post it on her behalf:

    This is absolutely unacceptable! I am a new graduate and applied to take the nclex in November. My check was cashed in December, 2013, but I still have not heard anything from the BRN. It has been over 90 days and every time I call they tell me that there is delay on my fingergerprints from the DOJ. DOJ automated systems says that the results have been sent to the agency (BRN). I called and left messages to the fingerprint processor but no one has responded. I decided to call the department of consumes affairs and they wrote a report but I still have not heard anything. I reached out to an assembly member to get some help and now I’m just waiting. This has caused serious stress that resulted in me being sick.I hate to sound extreme, but this is the truth. I havent been sick in over 6 years! I just can’t believe at how quick they are with cashing our checks but its impossible for anyone to let us know what is going on with the status of our application. Unbelievable!

  82. Rhonna Gajda says:

    I feel all of your frustrations and share them too. I began requesting fingerprinting cards because I live in Florida on 12/09/13……..SEVEN TIMES!!!!!! I still have yet to receive them. Finally, I requested them from the DOJ, but they were for a teacher. I noticed an ORI # associated with both and researched online. It is how the DOJ identifies which organization the fingerprints are for. They probably would still get processed, but you may want to look that number up just in case. I ended up purchasing my own blank fingerprinting cards online from the FBI for about $25 for a dozen. When I called the DOJ, they were very rude and not helpful. I was told they can not give out that information for ORIs. I finally called a LiveScan center in California, until I got a real person and she stated that the ORI # was needed. I don’t understand how LiveScan is in other states, but they can’t be connected. I didn’t realize I had to be in California to do it, or when I was there for an interview I would have made sure to. Now I worry my fingerprints won’t be accepted. At any rate, I sent my application in January. My check was cashed March 6. Before they had the statement of 90 days on the website, I would try to reach someone everyday, with no success. Finally, I called a number I had got from a recruiter to a direct line I had previously tried and called it continuously until someone answered. He was very rude and said I could be charged with harassment for calling as I had. He said my application had not even been put into the system yet and I was not to call again or they would deny my endorsement.

    In December, I had flew out to California for a job interview, which I nailed. They wanted me to start in January….which got moved to February…..then March….now my date has been moved to the end of April because according to the website, it should be processed in 90 days; that would put it at the beginning of May. I have given up my apartment. I am staying with a friend. I gave up my job. Thank goodness they have had staffing issues and I have been able to continue to work. But, unfortunately, as of Friday, I no longer have a job waiting for me in California. They have been waiting 5 months for me and had to move on and so I lost my dream position. And I still don’t know when I may get my license. I will be moving to California, arriving early May and I will drive to Sacramento and see what I can find out. I’m almost afraid to look for another job for fear that I will lose it again because I can’t get my license endorsement.

    This is the most frustration situation. You can’t move on with your life and it toys with your livelihood. I don’t know how I am going to support myself if I don’t get my license soon.

  83. WIRN says:

    Well after 5 weeks the board finally told me, after numerous calls, that they had received my check and it would be 90 days from them receiving the check, until the issuance of my license (by endorsement). I also had applied for my temporary license and they told me that the temporary license was taking just as long as the regular license so they were no longer issuing them. They told me to write in a request for a refund of the $50.00. I won’t hold my breath.

  84. nurseroz says:

    So the Board of nursing finally cashed my check after five weeks of waiting. It was nerve-wracking, because no one could even tell me if they had received the check, so that was a relief at least.

    On the other hand, I managed to get my ATT, take the NCLEX, and get my license in less than a month in Massachusetts. These kinds of delays are unacceptable, and I will be writing to my state rresentative about it. It’s especially bad because it appears the Board is still accepting fees for temporary licenses, even though it’s not issuing them.

  85. Alessandra says:

    Hi, I graduated in December send my application, payed all my fees and still not heard a word from the CA BRN. I’m just waiting for that ATT letter to come so I can take NCLEX. But really my night mare worry is about surviving righ now and I have to start paying back my loans in July!! Like all of you I made huge sacrifices to graduate from major university program in SF, now I’m borowing money from family and going back to my former CNA job to be able to pay my bills until I can finally get a job as a RN (when??). I would like even more attention from the media. Any suggestion what I could do? In the mean time I have to continuing studying for the boards, arrrgh! Very frustrating, 🙁 🙁 Thank you very much for this blog!

  86. Northern Illinois RN says:

    My check was cashed by November 10th – still waiting … :(. Board has had all documents in since Jan 6th. I call weekly and am always told 10 more days. I am hoping the recent media attention will help to improve the situation

  87. Heidi says:

    Can you pick up the fingerprint cards from the Sacramento location? We are planning to move to CA in the next month or two and my husband will be coming to CA next week. Would like to save the money for an additional airline ticket for the livescan if its really not any faster than the paper route.

    Any input would be great. I read on Allnurses that some were getting their temp license in 2-8 weeks, true? If so I will def fly out, just don’t see the point if it’s going to take 90days no matter which route I go.

    Thanks!!
    Heidi

    • Nina says:

      Hi Heidi,

      The BRN is stating that it could take up to 90 days from the time your check is cashed, not from the time you mailed or they received your application. It seems from what I have read, that it is taking roughly a month from mailed application submission to the time that the form of payment is cashed. I actually flew into Sacramento, did my liveScan and turned everything into the board in person on Feb 24th and my money order was cashed on Feb. 28th. Obviously, my application is still pending. However, it does seem like it cut off a lot of time that it entails by mailing your application. Hope this helps!

  88. Candace says:

    So after days of calling BRN someone finally answered my call after 40 minutes on hold (not exaggerating at all). The rep told me that you can expect to receive your license 8-12 weeks from the date your check has cleared not from the date you submitted your application. Hope this helps anyone who needed an estimated time as to when you can expect your license number to post.

      • Candace says:

        She said its for both. I paid the additional $50 for the temp license but since they are behind on processing applications it’s most likely they will post at the same time. So basically my $50 was a waste.

  89. Northern Illinois RN says:

    I sent all my documents in October 15th, called board on several occasions. I was told the end of January that all my docs are in, just waiting for evaluator. I call once a week to check status. I am not sure if I should go ahead and apply for a temporary license or not. I did not apply for a temporary with my initial application. I am apprehensive as I don’t want a temporary application to slow down my permanent application. We were hoping to be in Cali by the end of June, not sure that is going to happen now. The travel company told me to contact them once I get my license. They didn’t want to start contract work up until then. Ughhh. I wish I knew how much longer I would have to wait.

  90. ILRN says:

    Left Chicago and my job in hopes for a better, sun-filled life, but now I’m jobless and surviving on my 3 months emergency funds. Thanks BRN and Breeze for screwing us all! There is a letter for RN employers on the board’s website that can be printed out, but l’ve had no luck with it so far 🙁

    • Christy says:

      I’m so sorry 🙁 it’s making such a huge impact on people’s lives and they don’t seem to grasp that. For them it’s just an application but for us it’s our lives. I’m in the same boat as you, so know that you’re not alone. I really hope they get this straightened out for all of us very soon.

  91. Christy says:

    Seriously most frustrating situation ever. I’ve been a nurse for 4 years and have been planning on doing travel nursing a while. I requested the fingerprint card early in December 2 times and it never came! So I drove to the nearest california city (Blythe) did the livescan, paid for the temporary license and sent in my application on December 30, 2013. My check wasn’t cashed until 1/30/14, and that’s what they’re basing the 90 day wait on. I ended up signing on with a travel company who said they could accelerate the process, and then got my dream offer to a hospital in San Diego. I’m supposed to be starting next Monday…and still no license. I’ve called the board 5 times this week and they are extremely unhelpful and very inconstant with their responses, some say they’ll try to help but others get hostile and tell me I have to wait my turn (even knowing I will be jobless/homeless without the license) I’ve also probably sent about 20 emails with not a single response. Plus it’s not looking like my travel company has the pull they initially said. So now my lease is ending next week and I really have no idea what I’m going to do. I can’t even believe the board is getting away with this. I’m already a nurse licensed in 20 some different states (compact license), they already have my money, it’s just a matter of them processing it!!

  92. Candace says:

    I agree with you about the $50. It was a total waste and the rep over the phone said that there are no refunds even though the circumstances are not our fault. It’s been one month and they just cashed my check for the license fee. Holding my breath to see how long it will be before my license number has posted. Will keep everyone updated and the best of luck to all!

  93. Cristal says:

    For those who have gone to California and done the live scan and have already received their license, who long did it take from doing the live scan to actually receiving your license?

    • nurseroz says:

      Well I’m at 3 weeks and counting with Livescan. If what they’re saying is true, I’m going to end up having to pay for Nursys again, since it’s only good for 90 days. Worse, I applied for a temporary license, which is essentially me giving the Board of Nursing a free $50 because of their screw up.

  94. Candace says:

    I am beyond frustrated with this whole ordeal. I flew to LA last month for an interview and to complete my live scan fingerprinting. I’ve gotten 3 different hospitals who want to hire me but I cannot get one offer until I get my license. My entire family is stuck in limbo. Thankfully I haven’t put my notice in at my current hospital in Chicago. The Board’s 800 number is a total waste of time. No one has answers and I think that’s the most frustrating. If someone could post updates on the BRN website it may ease some confusion as to when this mess will be fixed.

  95. Maureen says:

    I just experienced this awful delay myself. I applied for a license by endorsement back in October and just received it a week ago! My fingerprint card was initially rejected for poor quality so I flew out to Sacramento for live scan all the way from NJ because I already took a job with a travel agency and had no choice. At the time the board told me everything was processed and fingerprints were the only thing missing. A month after I flew out still no license. The call center at the board gave me the direct phone number of my evaluator who was responsible for issuing my license however it was useless because in order to catch up with backlog, evaluators were told not to answer phones or return messages! Finally someone at the call center gave me the email address of my evaluator and when I emailed her she actually replied the next day and issued my license. It was the most frustrating process. I also paid for the temp license which was a total waste of money. The board should not even be taking applicants money for temp licenses if it is taking this long. I wish everyone the best of luck who is applying. Be patient and don’t take a job or invest in relocating until you have that license in your hand.

      • Kyle Schmidt says:

        Hey Grace,
        I believe there are many different evaluators. Each is assigned different applications to be responsible for. You may need to contact the California Board of Registered Nursing in order to find out who your evaluator is. I hope this helps!

      • Christy says:

        Depending on who you talk to at the board they may or may not give you contact information for your evaluator, I’ve been told by several people that they can’t give out that information. Someone finally did though. They will however tell you your evaluator’s name- and just so you know their email addresses are first name.last name@dca.ca.gov -SO if they give you their name, you can email them. Someone did finally get back to me after a week of constant emails and are now saying they can’t find my fingerprints, even though I had the livescan done in california in DECEMBER, and the doj said they sent over my fingerprints on 12/31. They have to request my fingerprints again and who knows how long that will take. Of course they’re taking no responsibility for it and saying it must be something with the DOJ. Good luck! I hope your interactions with them go better than mine have 🙂

  96. Cecily says:

    Thank you so much for posting this and keeping us updated. I also never received fingerprint cards after requesting twice. After finding out what card was needed, I used the one supplied by my local police station. I sent in my application for endorsement last week, and I plan on moving to California in July. I hope I don’t have to push my plans back. Thanks again!

    • Sarah says:

      Cecily, I have submitted my application for fingerprint cards twice now. I already put my notice in at work and am moving to Hawaii in less than two weeks to vacation for a month before starting as a travel nurse. I was hoping to be able to get my fingerprints done and sent off before I left. My question, how did you know which fingerprint card would be accepted. Which card did you use? Would just a card from my local police station suffice? Thank you :):)

      • Cecily says:

        Hi Sarah! On the BRN website under the “Applicants” tab, I noticed in the fingerprint information that it said 8″x8″ finger print card (FD-258). I called my local police station and asked if they had FD-258 and she said that is the standard FBI card and they supplied it there. Fingerprinting was the last thing I needed done and it was holding me up so I went for it. I’m sure it was the correct card, but my fear is that it will get rejected and I’ll have to decide if I will try again, or fly out to do livescan. This is so frustrating.

      • Julie says:

        Ladies when I got my fingerprint card from the BRN in the mail it had an ID # on it they assigned to me. I am guessing if you get your own card, it might slow down the already ridiculously slow process. After waiting 3 months and losing out on salary, etc. – I flew out to Sacramento and went into the BRN and spoke to someone in person to confirm my file was complete. I got my Livescan form, went to a nearby UPS store for fingerprint, took the completed form back to the BRN, and less than 2 weeks later I have my license.

    • Julie says:

      I ended up flying out to Sacramento and went into the BRN and spoke to someone in person to confirm my file was complete. I got my Livescan form, went to a nearby UPS store for fingerprint, took the completed form back to the BRN, and less than 2 weeks later I have my license.

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