Travel Nursing – How to get Your California RN License by Endorsement
California is a great place for travel nurses to be licensed. The state’s population is over 37 million and accounts for more than 10% of the nation’s total population. A large population means more hospitals and more potential travel nursing jobs. In addition, California has something for everyone. It’s got some of the greatest cities in the world, a swath of rural communities and quaint small towns, beaches, mountains, and even desserts. So, as a Registered Nurse, how do you obtain your California RN license by endorsement?
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[Update 2/15/2015: The California Board of Registered Nursing was experiencing some major problems with its licensing process beginning October, 2013. You can follow this link to read more about the problems. An audit was released and you can follow this link to read about it. The problems seem to be largely under control at present. However, the process may still take longer than normal during peak times.]
How Long Does it Take to Get a California RN License By Endorsement?
There are essentially 2 paths you can take to obtain your California RN license by endorsement. We’ll refer to them as the long path and the short path. Under normal circumstances, the long path typically takes six to eight weeks and the short path can take as little as 24 hours. As mentioned above, delays are currently obfuscating the entire process. However, current reports indicate the long path is taking 12-14 weeks. The short path is taking 4 to 6 weeks. Some people report they are receiving their license in 2 to 3 weeks on the short path.
Fingerprinting and Your California RN License by Endorsement
That said, the difference between the short path and the long path rests largely with the fingerprinting process. You see, California requires that they receive the results from a federal Department of Justice (DOJ) fingerprint check before they will issue a temporary or permanent license. There are two ways to get your fingerprints checked.
The Long Path
The first, which is the long path, is to request a fingerprint card from the California Board of Registered Nursing (CBRN). They will send you a paper fingerprint card with all the applicable instructions. You will go somewhere that provides fingerprinting services, like a local police station, where you will be fingerprinted the old fashioned way.
You will then mail the fingerprint cards back to CBRN along with all the other required documentation (discussed below). The CBRN will then mail your fingerprint card to the Department of Justice who will run the fingerprints and report back to CBRN.
Alternative to Waiting for Fingerprint Card
It’s important to note that during the aforementioned crisis, many nurses have experienced major delays in receiving a fingerprint card from the CBRN. Some have commented on this blog that they are using the standard fingerprinting card that can be obtained at any fingerprinting location. Basically, the cards sent from California are the standard cards. However, they have all the required information pre-printed on them. If you use a blank standard card, then you should include the following information: (again, this comes from nurses who have commented on this blog so we cannot vouch for the efficacy):
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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 licenseThat 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, CAI typed labels to make sure it was clear enough to read because the areas are small to write in.
Why This Takes So Long
You can probably already see why this is the long path. Snail mail and bureaucracy are involved on multiple levels. This process is the reason that CBRN quotes 6-8 weeks from the time they receive your completed packet to issue your license.
To make matters worse, the old-fashioned ink-on-paper fingerprint method is imperfect. I’ve experienced several cases in which the nurse’s fingerprint was smudged and therefore unreadable by the DOJ’s fingerprinting system. Of course, you don’t find this out until the fingerprints have been run and the results have been sent back to CBRN. This can be a huge delay. So, if you choose this route, be very careful with your fingerprints. Allow them to dry before stacking them or inserting them in to any sort of packaging.
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CBRN currently charges a $49 fee for processing manual fingerprints. There may also be a fee charged by the service that completes your manual fingerprint.
If you choose to use go the manual fingerprint route, then you will undoubtedly be applying by mail. In addition to the fingerprint cards, you’ll need to include all the other required documentation described below in the section titled “Other Required Documentation”.
The Short Path
The second way to get your fingerprints done, which is the shorter path, is via LiveScan. This is the modern version of fingerprinting. Your fingerprints are read electronically and the results are received immediately. The catch is that you must be in California in order to get the Livescan completed. To be clear, you cannot perform the LiveScan outside California.
Because LiveScan fingerprinting results come back so quickly, you could have your license in less than a day under normal circumstances as long as the rest of your paperwork is in order. Current reports indicate that it is taking 4-6 weeks to get a California RN license by endorsement if you perform a LiveScan, the results are clean, and you turn in all required paperwork to the CBRN in person.
Obtaining LiveScan Forms For California RN License
You can obtain the LiveScan form here. You’ll notice that there are 3 copies of the LiveScan from. You need all three of them. The first copy stays with your LiveScan provider. The second copy must be submitted to the board with your application as proof of the LiveScan. The third copy is for your records.
Finding a LiveScan Location for California RN License
It’s a good idea to find a Livescan location as part of your planning process. They aren’t everywhere, so knowing where you’re getting it done prior to setting your plan in motion will be helpful. Please note, there is a Livescan location a few blocks from the CBRN. If you choose this location, then you could conveniently return all of your documentation together to the CBRN office. If you elect to do this, then you should get started early in the day to ensure there’s time to complete the process before CBRN closes for the day.
CBRN does not charge any fees for LiveScan. However, you will have to pay the LiveScan provider for the service. The charges vary from provider to provider, but estimate spending $75.
Regardless of which fingerprinting method you choose, it’s imperative that the name on your fingerprint cards or LiveScan form matches the name on your application for endorsement!
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Finally, if you choose the LiveScan route, then you may apply for your license by mail or in person. If you apply by mail, then you will include all the required documentation described below along with the results of your LiveScan in your packet. Applying in person is described below and is considered to be the quickest way to get your license.
Other Required Documentation
No matter which fingerprinting path you select you’ll need the following:
1) Application for Licensure by Endorsement
Complete the Application for Licensure by Endorsement. The application can be printed from CBRN’s website.
2) Passport Photos
You’ll also need a recent 2×2 passport style photograph. These can be quickly obtained at many places including most FedEx Office stores.
3) License Verification
You’ll also need a Verification of License. In the vast majority of cases, this will be accomplished on Nursys, which is the online license verification system used by most states. It’s important to note that Nursys license verification is available immediately, but they are only good for 90 days. So it’s smart to request the verification close to the time you’re ready to submit all the other paperwork.
If you’re only licensed in West Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, or Pennsylvania, then you’ll need to check with your respective state’s BON regarding license verification because these states do not participate in Nursys as of the writing of this article.
4) Nursing School Transcripts
Finally, you’ll also need to request that all your nursing school transcripts be sent the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Again, all of the listed items must be completed regardless of the fingerprinting path you select. You’ll need to contact each school you attended that related to your nursing degree and request that they transmit official copies of your transcripts to CBRN. This happens promptly in most cases, typically within two weeks. However, snail mail and bureaucracy are involved so there can be hiccups.
Should you get a temporary license?
As you know, it is possible to obtain a temporary California RN license. The temporary license is good for 6 months from the date it is originally issued. The temporary license is offered to allow applicants to work pending the issuance of the permanent license. The current fee for a temporary license is $50, which is in addition to the application fee of $100.
In order to obtain a temporary license, the CBRN must receive and process all of the documentation described above except your college transcripts. So essentially, applying for a temporary license allows you to bypass the processing time for college transcripts. There are two related factors to consider when deciding whether or not this is advantageous.
Consider the Time For Transcripts
First, consider the length of time that it will take to get the transcripts processed. Second, decide whether or not you’re going to go with the LiveScan or manual fingerprint method. Transcripts are typically processed fairly quickly. That said, you still need to send the request to your school. And you may have to send multiple requests if you attended multiple schools which can increase the chances of delays. Also, if the CBRN needs additional information after they’ve received your transcripts, then they will need to contact your college and wait for their response. This is rare, but it happens nonetheless.
Next, you should consider the transcript processing time in light of the fingerprinting method you’re going to go with. Typically, transcripts will be processed by the time the manual fingerprinting process is complete. But, as mentioned above, there are significant delays with transcripts on rare occasions. However, your transcripts will most certainly take longer to process than LiveScan fingerprints. So you will definitely get your temporary license faster if you’re doing the LiveScan.
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Again, this is all assuming normal circumstances at the CBRN. And, as mentioned previously, they are currently not operating under normal circumstances. Please consider this when determining your approach.
LiveScan is the Key
In any case, if you are going to go with the Livescan in an effort to get your endorsement license quickly, then it’s worth it to file for the temporary license to avoid any mishaps with the transcripts. You’ll still need to send the transcripts in order to get your permanent license; you just won’t have to wait for them to be verified.
If you are going to go with the standard fingerprinting and the long path to licensure, then there’s probably no point in obtaining a temporary license first. This is because your college transcripts, and the rest of your documentation, should be logged well in advance of your fingerprints. It simply takes less time for the transcripts to be verified than the standard fingerprints to be returned from DOJ. However, I advise that you stay on top of both the schools and CBRN with respect to the transcripts. Call them weekly until they verify the transcripts have been sent or received.
Prior Convictions and Disciplinary Actions
The final consideration in obtaining your California RN license by endorsement pertains to prior convictions and disciplinary actions. There is no steadfast rule on these issues. They are reviewed on a case by case basis.
If you have prior convictions, then it may be a good idea to go with the long path to licensure unless you reside in California already. There’s no telling how long such issues can delay the process. If you are out of state, then paying extra for a temporary license and going through the hassle of being present for the Livescan will most likely not be worth it if you have prior convictions or disciplinary actions.
What Is The Fastest Way To Get a California RN License By Endorsement?
The fastest way to obtain your California Nursing License by Endorsement is to visit the California Board of Registered Nursing in Sacramento, California in person to turn in all the required documentation and perform the LiveScan nearby. When doing so, be sure to apply for a Temporary License in order to avoid the processing time associated with transcripts. Of course, you’ll also need to apply for a permanent license. We recommend the following steps:
- Print and complete the Application for license by endorsement and apply for both a permanent and temporary license.
- Perform the steps necessary for license verification. You can verify the license of any state you’re licensed in. So if you are licensed in a state that uses Nursys, then be sure to use that state for verification and remember that Nursys verification is good for 90 days. If you are not licensed in a state that uses Nursys, then you will need to use the verification form attached to the California Endorsement Application and contact your state board for the quickest option.
- Obtain a passport photo.
- Order your college transcripts. You can request your education institutions to overnight official copies of your transcripts to you. You can also request that they send them to CBRN at 1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 150, Sacremento, Ca 95834. We recommend that you do both well in advance of leaving for California.
- Call CBRN in advance to let them know you are coming and make sure you have everything they’ll need. Call them at 1-800-838-6828.
- Go to CBRN and turn in all documentation and payment for both the license and temporary license. They will provide the LiveScan forms and direct you to the nearest LiveScan location. The current price for the LiveScan is $75.
- Return the fingerprint card to CBRN.
This is the quickest way to get your license.
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Here is the link to the California Board of Nursing’s Licensure by Endorsement page. Here is the link to Nursys.
Let me know if there’s anything I left out and let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
Hi adriana , im from illinois and planning to endorse my license in california, i have a question for you, Do I need to take toefl? And cgfns evaluated my papers , can they provided my transcripts and send it to Ca BON? THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.
hey, I am doing the same IL to CA. any updates on your status?
This is my experience as a Canadian RN with a BSN degree. I went in person to a station in San Diego to do old fashioned finger printing because you actually cant even do the Live Scan fingerprinting unless you have a SSN. It took me 14 weeks to hear back from CBN and they found me to be deficient in only my Obstetrical training. I am trying to get to the bottom of this right now with my University because I think it must be incorrect. My sister in law as well as friend from University both have CA licenses and graduated same program, class and year as me! If I can’t get anywhere I will have to take Obstetrics at an approved University in California all over again. That would be funny since I spent the first 5 years of my career as a Labor and Delivery nurse! Has anyone out there had to do this?
I have a question so I submitted via breeze I keep getting this deficiency notice stating needing new finger prints. When I called the breeze guy he said they are not even processing mine yet. Could this be a error message I sent my app in 4 weeks ago? Is it just breeze? Does the board contact you if they are missing something?
Hello, I would like to know if anyone has any updates on the licensure process?
I am applying for the CA RN license by endorsement. I was in San Diego last week and had the “live scan” done and now deciding whether or not to apply on line or via mail, having my transcripts send electronic etc.?
Thank you!
I submitted all my paperwork the 27th of February and went to Sacramento for the LiveScan on March 9th. They have everything. I am now waiting “patiently” in WI for my temporary license to be approved. My husband went to Sacramento to check on the status March 17th and they told him they have everything they need from me and it would take 2 weeks at the longest…so far, nothing..is there anything else I can do to expedite the process??
just wondering if you got your license also wondering did you go through breeze at all?
Liz THANK YOU SO MUCH. Just starting this process after passing my AZ-NCLEX yesterday. I will post here how it goes for me too and I appreciate your helpful tips!
You said they accept electronic transcripts now, do you know what email address they want them sent to? I can’t find it anywhere on their website.
Thanks!
Would you happen to have the email for BORN in order to have my school send transcripts? thank you
Hello, it took the BRN 3 months for me to get my license but this was after I went to Sacremento and got emotional as they decided that they did not accept walk in transcripts if it was post dated past 6 months from the date that they went in. This information is no where on the website.
Here are the things I learned during this journey that is often not mentioned on the website:
1. If possible, do fingerprints in California the results will come back faster
2. You can turn in your application online but you must upload a passport picture (up close head and neck shot)
3. California now accepts electronic transcripts so if your school has that option, use it
4. You do not have to request transcripts with the provided cover sheet, they take them without it
5. If mailing your application, you can send transcripts with your application if all are sealed separately from the application (as told by an employee there however, we all know how things can change, I haven’t tried this method)
6. If you can afford to go to California to apply for the license in person, then take that opportunity as it is a faster process
7. If you are going to California, bring all your transcripts and be sure to order new ones within 6 months of your visit
8. If you are a military spouse, turn in your spouse’s orders along with a copy of your marriage certificate
9. If you had a different name while you were in nursing school, please include a copy of your marriage certificate in your package with the change
10. If you live in California or planning to move here, contact your local representatives and senators and tell them that the BRN needs more employees and help
While I am happy that I have a license, it is simply not enough for me to keep the information to myself. I hope that this information helps someone.
Some things I learned on my journey there last week is: They have 4, I repeat 4 employees working this program and issuing licenses. In the past, they used to have 13. The manager does not have a supervisor he is doing it all, and it seems as though he is stressed and unable to get any help from the department with his requests for more employees. We need to write our senators and representatives. The California BRN needs an overhaul.
It is worth it, but definitely a long process. Just make sure that you have a lot of patience and be willing to go to Sacramento if necessary.
I’m on week 14 of waiting. Transferring from Illinois. Received my arrival letter and paid $150 for license fee online today. I called BVNPT today because I initially thought I was being charged $150 again,;but it turns out it’s a whole separate fee. According to the tech I spoke to it takes 4 to 8 weeks if I mail in the $150 money order or faster if I pay it online but was not given a timeline. This is such a long process I can’t wait for it to be over with. I’m sure once I get to California it’ll all be worth it!!
I saw that you had completed your main application online. I am ready to submit my main application with payments. I am moving to CA in January and I am visiting CA in 3 weeks in order to get the LiveScan completed. Do you know if it is alright to submit the application online now and then send the live scan form through mail once I get it? Or is it better to send it all together at once?
I just graduated nursing school and already have my ATT for Ohio, but plans changed so I’m trying to immediately endorse it out in CA. What luck have you had with the Board? Did you send an online application first and wait a while before going? I was thinking it would be easier for me to go up to Sacramento when I get to CA and drop off a paper application and a check. Good/bad idea?? Any info would be helpful since the board doesn’t answer their phone!! Thanks!!
Have any of you ladies received new information or answers in regards to some of the questions you proposed?
I am a newly licensed nurse with an Associate’s Degree and (unfortunately) no experience. I’ve been told it may be hard to locate a job in California due to lack of a B.S.N. and, again, no experience. I’m also trying to determine whether it’s worth a trip to Sacramento. I’m not sure I have all the required courses and whether or not I’d have to take the NCLEX again. Can’t get through on the phone or email. Any input would be appreciated.
Hello to all of you. I posted my story late last year so you can see what I went through after 4 months in trying to obtain my licence by endorsement. Last week I was asked to complete a survey regarding the California BON, I can advise you I was not sparing with my reply. It is an absolute disgrace that we as professionals are treated in such a manner. My suggestion is to contact the Senator for California I began by contacting Washington DC who then referred me to the local office here in California. If enough of us bombard his office with e-mails phone calls, letters then someone has to take notice. Why should we have to fly to Sacramento and wait all day for some representative to be so kind as to issue a licence.The problems has been in existence for long enough..An election is due in a few weeks “strike while the Iron is hot” Good luck
Hi I mailed off the last of my paperwork last Monday 8/15/16 and my check for $50 for my temporary license cleared on 8/19/16. I filled out my main app online and mailed in my photo, livescan form
Hello Ladies as you, I am awaiting endorsement also. did you have a delay in check clearing of the process. I was told don’t call if your check hasn’t cleared. that was sent 21 days ago. Please let me know.
Christine
Hi Becky and Hannah! Hope you don’t mind me piggybacking onto your thread here for an update. I’m in the same boat as y’all and so frustrated! I moved from Texas and sent all my paperwork almost two months ago and need to work ASAP. How have they let this be an issue for so long?! I never had these issues with the Texas board. Ugh!
Vivian,
It’s so stressful! I plan on going to Sacramento in September because I want to wait a 3-4 after my live scan is in. I’m hoping everything goes really well for Becky Wednesday and she gets her license. You would think in a state with a high demand for nurses they would get more staffing in the board of nursing. I hope you can get everything accomplished too! Have you been able to get in contact with the board?
I’m thinking of doing the same thing and going in person in september. The few times I’ve been able to speak to a person on the phone (after an hour wait time) I get the run around and no straight answers or offers to check on the status on my application. I’ve also sent emails with no response, so no fun at all. Maybe we’ll end up being there at the same time.
Hello Hannah and Vivian,
I understand how everyone is feeling. I have a job on the line. I live in Iowa and never had to deal with this. I’m going Weds., so I will let you know how it goes. I’m nervous, but so ready.
Becky, good luck!! I hope they are accommodating and nice. Vivian, yes maybe we will go at the same time. There may be power in numbers. But who knows with them.
Hi there,
Update….I received my temporary license today. Although I went in ready to fight for anything, they were very gracious. I did my live scan prints this morning and they gave me my license. It is not the permanent one, but that’s ok with me. They said they understand there is a delay and the are overwhelmed and apologized. There was a girl in there with me from Ohio doing the same thing. I’m not sure if she was able to get hers or not. Good luck to everyone.
Congrats to Becky!
Vivian & Christine,
My check was cashed August 12th and my plan is to go to the BON 9/9. I probably go right at 8am when they open. I am going to bring everything Becky did and I did a live scan in cali last week so i’m hoping that is good but I’d always pay to get it again. All I want accomplished is a temporary license because then I can start work. I realize that means we have to deal with them again but I’m sure if you have a temporary license getting the official is a lot easier. If I go before you guys I’ll let you know how it goes! Or maybe i’ll see you there!
Yay Becky! So now I am more than likely going in person ASAP, even if it’s temporary I just want to work so I can make a living and get back in the game (I don’t want to get rusty!). I’ll let y’all know how mine goes as soon as I know when I’m going that way. 🙂
Awesome. I can’t wait to hear how it goes. I hope that you have the same luck I did. I was just hoping I wouldn’t have to put up a fight, and I didn’t. I would personally wait a little bit after they cashed your check. Good idea going 9/9. I think you will get it. I would have never thought of it until this sight, so keep updating. Good luck to you. Can’t wait to hear!!
Becky,
Let me know how it goes. I may end up driving up there. Did you apply for a temporary license? And were you able to find out if they received all of your items?
Hannah, I will let you know for sure. I will be there next Weds and as soon as I have an answer, I will let you know. Yes, I did apply for a temporary license, they cashed my check on 6/22. I have tried to call many times, but can never get through, so I am bringing a set of everything with me, including transcripts, application (again), money, passport, a copy of my license verification, all of it. Good luck to you and I will let you know.
Becky,
I wish you the best of luck on Wednesday, I hope they are nice and helpful. Thank you so much for offering to keep my updated. If that works I will be doing the exact same thing.
Best of luck again,
Hannah
OMG Congrat’s Becky. so were there any issues or did they just walk you right through. I was going to go tomorrow but I talked to an actual person today and she said there was no sense in coming down because they were working on may’s endorsement app’s at this time.
Thanks for the update
They told me initially they were working on May, but they gave me my temporary one. No problems at all. No questions asked. They were very nice. I would wait if I were you also, only because your check was just cashed in August if I remember correctly and mine was June. Thank you, it is a huge relief.
Were they easy or difficult to deal with? Anyone know?
They cashed my check on 6/22 and I haven’t received anything. I also have a job waiting. I’m flying to Sacramento to see what I can accomplish. I hope that they aren’t too bad to deal with.
I am down in Irvine and I just did my live scan. I already sent my application, transcripts, payment, and endorsement from OHIO to verify I have my RN license. I applied for a temporary license. I emailed them and have tried calling multiple times because I have a job contingent on getting my CA license. Any suggestions on what to do. I knew it would be easier doing the live scan in CA but I can’t go to Sacramento. I sent all my other application stuff in the beginning of July so they would have already received it. They cashed my $150 check 8/12/16 does that mean anything good?
Hi Becky,
I checked with my wife. She didn’t have appt, just showed up at 8am.
Do you know if you need an appointment?
I would like to submit all of my information in person to the BON. Do you know if you need an appointment to do this?
It takes 3-4 months no matter how you do it. Good luck!
So are you positive it works if you walk in and submit your application? Like will I have my license that day or does it just speed up the process a bit? I need my license by October 10th for a residency I am being considered for. I sent all of my materials last week thursday but I know I will not get my license in time waiting. I just want to know if its worth it for me to fly out there and do this all in person.
I contacted someone and they told me they are not a walkthrough state and handing things in person will only cut out mail time and won’t do anything for your application.
Please let me know if it is worth it because I am ready to hop on a plane if it means getting this job
Hey Kenzie,
We aren’t able to guarantee results, but yes, submitting all the documentation in person to the BON in Sacramento is typically the fastest way to get your California RN license. The primary reason is that you’ll be able to complete the fingerprints with LiveScan which provides immediate results. Assuming that you submit all the rest of the required paperwork, the BON will have everything they need to grant your license upon reviewing the application. That may still take some time, but it should be less than the time required for mailing everything in.
By contrast, if you mail everything including a traditional fingerprint card, the BON will need to mail your fingerprint card to the DOJ, the DOJ will then send the results back. So, there is the time it takes for the mailed application to even get reviewed, the time for mailing the fingerprint card, the time it takes for the results to come through from DOJ, the time it takes for the results to be sent back to the BON, and the time it takes for the BON process the results with your application packet once the results are received.
I hope this helps!
Hi Mackenzie,
Since you’re situation sounds different than my wife’s, I can’t be sure how much help it will be for you to fly out here. My wife’s application had been, ‘in process’, for about 4 to 5 months when she went to Sacramento. It showed up on the Breeze website, but always said, ‘pending.’ Finally, in frustration she drove up and went into the office and walked out that day with her license. It sounds like you have not applied yet, so don’t know if going up there will change anything. Sorry, wish I could be more encouraging. The Breeze website said there was a 12 week processing time for license by endorsement at the time of my wife’s encounter with this mess. My wife’s license transfer was from Colorado to California. Right now the California Board of Registered Nurses website shows they are processing applications submitted April 15, so sounds like they are even more behind, or maybe just being more realistic.
Albert
Hi re the California BON every situation is different I have heard that if you have all of the required paperwork and are prepared to sit there all day you MAY get your licence.i waited four months and I was physically here in Los Angeles I went to the assembly mans office and the state senators office and finally when I threatened to go and claim unemployment voila it arrived in the mail within three days. They are notorious for being so far behind I even contacted the California nurses association and they were great .good luck.
Thank you! I sent everything almost two weeks ago but I am just going to see how bringing everything in person and doing the live prints works. I’m just hoping it speeds it up enough to have it by October!
Any suggestions on what to say/do once I get to the BON?
Hi Kenzie as I never visited the BON I don’t know what to tell you.Like I stated I sent all my paperwork in to them in June, did my live scan here in Ca and it still took just under 4 months to get it. All I can reiterate is good luck.
Hi Albert,
So you are positive that the in person method works? I need my license by the start of a residency program in October and I am currently freaking out trying to figure out how to expedite this process. The manager told me she had heard of people doing this before but I want to know it works before spending the money to travel from wisconsin to sacramento.
Thanks!
Hello!
I just moved here from NJ and have a couple questions regarding CA RN licensing:
1. Is the online application from CA Breeze the same as the application for Licensure by Endorsement found on CA BRN website?
2. Is it really faster if you hand in your application and requirements in person to the BRN and do they do anything while you’re there or can you just leave once you’ve handed it in?
3. I still have my NJ license (haven’t gotten a chance to change it yet) but on my online application, Licensure by Endorsement ID form and my LiveScan I put my new California address. Once I get the CA license, do I still have report change of address on CA Breeze or anything else?
Thanks and good luck to all the applicants!
How did you send your pictures if you applied online? I do not understand how I can send that piece of paper to my school for transcripts. Please help me
Hi Albert, did she apply for temporary license?
No Chrissy, she did not apply for a tempoary, though that was looking like a possibility. She received her actual license. Was a great relief to us.
My wife applied for an endorsement/transfer from Colorado to Caifornia over 4 months ago. We had the same frustrating deal as everyone else here, unable to get answers or usually even someone to give some phony answer. She had a job waiting, pending receiving her license, and made plans to head to California. Two days before we left she received a letter stating her application was on hold, because transcripts didn’t show some social science class and that after this was presented it would be another 4 weeks. When I got back to Colorado, I sent transcripts from 20 years ago showing the class, she drove up to Sacramento and went to the office. She walked in and presented the papers, walking out 1 hour later with her license. She was not the only one there from out of state doing it in person. California has a huge mess on it’s hands, and thus nurses too, because of a program instituted, “to streamline the process and save time and money.” If it is at all an option, go there. I have seen other posts on blogs such as this where it worked and we can tell you it does.
Did you get your license? I called today and they said my fingerprints were not ever read. so they found them and are sending them on. ugh Also when you call you have to choose other or operator to talk to a human. I was on phone 30 minutes. Dont choose license by endorsement option. She is putting me on a call back list so that they will notify me when all is read.
yes for 12 weeks. Its now been 6 months since i was placed in breeze.ca. I cant get hold of anyone at all on the phone.
My daughter just was rejected by California for her nursing license. She is licensed in Illinois for several years, obtained her BSN from University of Michigan. When the university sent the transcript, they also included a cover sheet on how the classes she took in college were related to what California required. She was denied because of three classes – all three are discussed in the cover letter from California.
Does anyone know
(1) where you can obtain a list of the classes California requires? And more importantly
(2) does anyone have a phone number where you can talk to someone that knows anything? She was told it could be resubmitted for review but the person was a clerk with no knowledge of the process.
Hi, I just have a question. I am helping my mom with her endorsement from Illinois. It’s almost a year when she started the application. The latest letter that she got from Elisa Berumen that they only needed the License verification from Illinois which she did already from nursys. Until now, she still haven’t heard anything and still waiting for the license. What should she do? She tried emailing the board of nursing but they don’t reply and its hard to get a hold of them on the phone. The letter was sent on October 8, and License verification thru nursys was sent on oct 22, 2015. What should be the next step.
I think the best place to start would be with Nursys. According to the representatives I’ve spoken to at Nursys, a verification does not expire. However, according to the California License By Endorsement Application, “Nursys verifications expire 90 days from the date of the request.” I’m not sure if this is the CABON’s rule or if the Nursys reps I’ve spoken to were mistaken. Either way, you can call Nursys at 866-819-1700. They’re very helpful and they can check on the status of your verification. Maybe they can refresh the date so you don’t have to pay again. They might also be able to check if California acknowledged that they received the verification. I hope this helps!
Hi there!
Thank you so much for this very helpful information!
I have a couple of questions regarding the transcripts”
1) On CA.gov It says under mics. fees that there is a fee for “Certified copy of school transcript” which entails $50.00. here is the link and is located at bottom of screen: http://www.rn.ca.gov/about_us/fees.shtml#misc
Do I have to pay an additional $50.00 to make the check $200.00 in total ?(this is including livescan fees)
2) Also, I went to a 4-year university with only the need of one transcript (Thank goodness), and I have already paid a fee last year to have my Nursing school send me a few enclosed transcripts that have never been opened. Can I just put this with my whole application for the transcript part?.. Or do I have to resend the form and have my school send CA state board of nursing my transcript directly?
Thank you so much and hope hear back soon!
Abbey
My apologies, but I’m not certain what the Miscellaneous Fee for “Certified copy of school transcript” refers to. However, I do not believe that it has anything to do with obtaining a license by endorsement. The fees for license by endorsement are stated on the Endorsement Application.
As for the transcripts, according to the Endorsement Application, the Request For Transcript form must be sent to the school, and the transcripts must be received by the CA Board of Nursing directly from the school. Here are some quotes from the application:
“Request For Transcript form(s) completed and forwarded directly from the nursing school(s) with certified transcripts.”
“Mail the Request for Transcript form to your nursing school(s) with the fee required by the school. The official transcripts must include all completed coursework and reflect the degree awarded and date conferred. Transcripts are not accepted from applicants or if stamped “issued to student.” Transcripts are required from all colleges you attended that reflect courses required for a degree in nursing, including general education course requirements and all nursing courses.”
Perhaps if the copies you have are sealed and marked certified, then it might work, but I can’t guarantee that as doing so wouldn’t be inline with the Application’s instructions. I hope this helps!
Hello, I have another question that I’m getting conflicting information on. I FINALLY rec’d my temp RN license and haven’t heard a word from the board on what I’m deficient in. Now I’m waiting on my temp NP license which I was told would be processed in the next week or so. I just asked about my CA furnishing license (temp) and was told that they can’t process it without a permanent RN and NP license. I can’t find this information anywhere on the internet. The actual furnishing application states that CA needs to approve my advanced pharm class but nowhere does it say that temp NPs are excluded. In fact, when I called before to ask about what to put in place of my NP number, I was told to put down that my temp NP license was in process. The board also cashed my check to process my furnishing license and never once said I couldn’t be issued one given my temp status. I was told this was the point of a temp license – to be able to work while I take courses to correct any education deficiency.
….If what I was just told is true, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to work as an NP anywhere if I’m not allowed to prescribe or order meds. Most employers are looking for someone who can do it all. Has anyone come across this? If so, any suggestions on what I can do? It’s too late to enroll in any classes and at this point and I still don’t know what I’m deficient in since the board hasn’t sent me anything in writing or told me over the phone. Please help – I can’ t wait a year for all of this to be said and done….
There is a website that you are required to register called http://www.breeze.ca.gov. when the board started processing my app it gives me info on possible deficits. Also will give you the licence info when its ready. I applied in august. I got my email notice to sign up last week, october. Im in Texas.
Thanks for heads up, Donna! Do you know at what in the process you can register on the breeze website? It sounds like you had to wait for a notification from them to register? Is that correct? Or can you register before they receive your paperwork?
Hi I am wondering if it is necessary to have the request for transcripts forms completed with your transcripts because it would be so much quicker to just request them from my schools and have them overnighted to the board. Instead I had to get an email address, email the forms to be filled out by a real person and then mailed to the boards. Do you think they would reject your transcripts if the forms were not with them?
Thanks!!
I applied to the CBON in June of 2015. I went the live scan route. All information was sent to the Board from the UK on 07/03/2015, Information was sent from New York on 06/23/15 and again on 08/07/15. I called the BON x three and each time at 09:05 am I got the recorded message that due to the heavy demand the wait time would be 30 minutes. Finally in exasperation I contacted the State Assembly office for assistance.. The BON is requesting my educational transcripts from the UK from 40 years ago, my school and college are no longer in existence. The BON has requested a copy of my SS card which has been sent three times and by certified mail. The whole situation is ludicrous. I now have the state senators office involved because it has now been 4 months . I am physically living in California with no job does the BON care??? NO. iT It is a disgrace for any BON to treat professionals in this manner. I did speak with an Atty but his retainer was way out of my price range. So what is next? Will it take going to the Governors office to make him aware of this practice by this BON there does not seem to be any accountability on their part. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi teresai did u work in new york?
Hello Sheila, yes I did work in NYC in fact I took my Boards there and that info was sent to the CA BON. I finally received my licence after receiving help from the CA Nurses Association they were the most helpful I would suggest that you contact them
Good Luck
How to contact them?
In recent experiences of people who have applied for endorsement to CA. It will take more or less 3 months to get your license.- granted that they have all the needed documents. It will take longer if they have to request more information from you.
There was a big delay with processing the endorsement applications when they California system went electronic. So there is about a 3 month back log.
This is an approximate time frame and it varies per case.
If you applied in June lets say. You’re payment will be processed anytime around August- approx. 8 weeks after they received it. Certified mail is always good because you get a receipt of when the BRN actually receives it.
Then it could take another 8 weeks for you to be given a license number.
Overall approx. 16 weeks or 3-4 months before you get your Cali license. Hopefully sooner!
So if you are planning to move or work in California, make sure you have enough time to process the endorsement.
A temp license may get to you sooner, but you will still have to wait until the payment is processed (about 8 weeks), before anything happens.
Unfortunately, technology seemed to slow them down. Hopefully they catch up soon. It never used to take this long to endorse to CA.
But really they should invest in a customer care service we need to talk to some one who will actually look up staff this is not free we are paying for them to do it and still it feels like snail years 😳
I agree why is there no-one available to at the very least answer the phone.I called the New Board twice and on both occasions I was able to speak to a live person and I am sure that New York has plenty of applications too
agree 100% I phoned New York twice and both times I spoke to a human I am sure that they receive as many applicants as NYC
Hi guys
I need temporary RN license but on the front page or BRN is written that they dont issu temporary license any more, so what to do? should i apply or no? I need to work and dont know what to do?
Don’t waste your money applying for a temporary license. I paid for mine, and never received one. 3 months later I finally received my permanent license. Although I had tried calling a few times to check on the status of my temporary license, the phone line gave me a recording saying “Due to the high volume of calls we are unable to take your call at this time” and then I would be disconnected. When I finally received my license I called to ask for a refund for my temporary license, since it was a service I paid for and never received. They said they could not refund the money. If the CBON is not able to process temporary licenses in a timely manner, they shouldn’t offer the service. There is nothing like paying an extra $50 for nothing.
We are getting stationed in California next month and I am getting ready to mail my application but we don’t have our address in California yet. Do you know if I should put my current address in Florida or try to obtain a PO Box in California? Thank you!
Thank you for your information . But quick question , my friend lives in UK right now and she has NY board licenses which she want to change to CA licenses. Are there possible way for her to endorse her licenses by living oversea?
Hi
I believe my situation is a little difficult regarding this endorsement. I am getting my NCLEX license from NY, my husband is from CA so I am planning to move there. Looking at the requirements, I am concern about the school records being requested, you see I graduated from the Philippines but my credentials were enough to get my NY license. Will I have issues having my license endorsed to CA given the fact that I did not graduate in the US yet passed NCLEX?
Thank you
Good Luck!! I graduated here, went to nursing school in NY where my original nursing license was issued. Moved to Florida, license issued in 3 weeks, no problem .. Endorsed to California mid February, 2015, shows received March 9th .. Still waiting .. Waiting.!.! This is horrible, I’m can’t believe how slow this system is so GOOD LUCK!!
Thanks for sharing. Sorry to hear about you experience, hope you can get your license soon. I think I read that you can actually get a temporary license while you are still waiting, did you try to apply for that? So at least you can continue working right?
I spoke with a guy named “Joe” at the CBON office yesterday. I was offered a month long position this summer and currently hold an Illinois and Wisconsin RN license. Since I’m out of state and the employer didn’t want to pay for the airfare to do LiveScan in CA, I had to go the fingerprint card route. I sent all my docs in, did the Nursys verification and did include the fee for a temp license but he told me that even though they received my cashier’s check weeks ago, they only processed my payment as of 5/11/15. Doesn’t matter that I have proof it was received weeks ago. He stated they are currently processing applications with mid March dates on them and “you aren’t even in the system until they process your payment.” He said it doesn’t matter if it was cash it still takes weeks just to get to that point and it is taking 10-12 weeks to get even a temp license. My job starts in late June and runs for a month. I will be out in CA earlier in June for a family event and am considering getting a LiveScan done because I’m also concerned about the timing for DOJ/FBI to get my prints done. I’m afraid I will lose this position because of this ridiculous timeline, even for a temp license. He said “We don’t expedite the process for anyone”…..any advise from anyone? My kids are supposed to attend the program free as part of my compensation and they have already secured my rental housing. All the plane tickets are purchased. This is such a nightmare. HELP…..!!!!
Hi Melissa ! I also graduated from the Phils and so far I do get periodic replies in the mail from the California board of nursing . I started my application October 2014 and am still waiting. I know they’re working on it because they do write me if they need any other documents. I know they will ask you for a copy of your nursing diploma in the Phils with English translation if applicable, and a copy of your Phil nursing license. As long as you’re not in a rush, you should get your license in due time. Just make sure you submit all requested documents before a year because your application expires in a year then you will have to start the application process over again. Good luck !
Thank you May 🙂 Hope you can get your license for Cali Soon! From what state did your license originally came from?
I took my NCLEX here and is currently licensed in NJ
Hi May, I would like to ask if how is your endorsement so far. Did you finally get your CA license? Thanks.
Hi May! Hi Melissa!
I also graduated from Phils and I applied for endorsement December 2014, so far im still on the process of getting it. I am currently licensed in NY. They sent me a letter asking for my clinical cases, academic calendar and bsn curriculum. My school doesn’t have a copy of my clinical cases anymore so they only sent my academic calendar and curriculum along with my RLE to prove I finished my cases. Then I got a letter again asking for my clinical cases. I don’t know what’s next for me. Im super sad 🙁
hi I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble turning in the required documents by the CBON. They only asked for my transcript, diploma, and a copy of my Phil license. And from The NJ board all I had to do was request for them to verify my license to the CBON via nursys. I don’t know why they are asking for your cases. Maybe you can call the board and ask them what other documents you can submit in lieu of the missing case paperwork. Good luck!
Sorry to hear about this experience, how is your endorsement going on right now?
Don’t be sad krishna! Getting letters from the board only means they are actively working on your application but that they just need additional documents to continue processing it. Just submit the requested docs as they request for it and you should be ok. You might not even see updates on Breeze but you will get your license as long as everything checks out. Take heart! Good luck!
we’re on the same boat… whta did you do? My school is currently making a letter certifying that I was able to complete th required cases. I am also planinng to send a letter to the Board of Nursing to supplement the certification made by my scchool… How about you? What did you do and what was the outcome?
Hi yellow! If your school is already sending a certification of your hours to the CBON then you should not need to send them another letter. But I don’t think it would hurt if you did anyway. As long as you submit documents that they request for in the course of your application, you should be fine. They do take a while, I guess because of the backlog but I did eventually get mine. I applied in October 2014 and just received it last week of June! Good luck!
hI KRISHNA… i just want to ask how is your endorsement going on this time that you nor your scchool weren’t able to submit your clinical case records to the CA BON? coz we’re in the same situation. i dont have a copy of my clinical cases… i lost them all… but i am willing to take additonal course work if they would allow me to do so…
Hi Melissa! Sorry for late post but was so busy preparing for my TNCC and CPEN exams. Anyway all went well and to top it all I received my California license on the same day! After 9 months I finally have it! Just be patient-as long as you submit documents as they request for additional ones (they’ll send you a letter) you should be fine . I thought I had submitted everything with my initial documents but they sent me a letter asking for a copy of my nursing diploma (from UP Manila) and a copy of my Philippine nursing license which I did not even apply for years ago when I graduated from nursing school, because I never practiced nursing there. Anyway, I just waited since I was not really rushing. And finally I have it!!! Good luck with your application and if you have other questions don’t hesitate to ask. I hope you get yours soon!
Hi may can i email you privately? Just wanted to ask bout your timeline in endorsing your license if ok if not thanks still.
Hi Melissa! Sure you may email me if you have other questions – ernursemlloren@yahoo.com
Hi May. So I am currently in the process of applying in NY State BON for a nursing license and I live in California. I passed the Philippine NLE in 2012 but did not disclose it when I applied for RN in NY, which is perfectly fine (I guess) since all of my friends were able to get theirs without telling CGFNS/NYSED that they have the Philippine nursing license. Now, the kicker is I am having a dilemma if I should move to NY or just stay here. I learned to love the California weather and I don’t think I could say the same once I set my foot in New York. In addition to that, most of my relatives are based here. My question is, when I get my NY license and plan to endorse it to CBRN is there any possibility that they are going to ask me why I did not tell CGFNS/NYSED that I have a nursing license back in the PI? Would it be a significant reason for them to deny my application, or get myself in trouble? Please help.
Hi Louie! I am a bit confused- if you’re based in California now, why are you applying for a nursing license in NY to later apply for a California license? Why don’t you apply for a California license first and then apply for the NY one thereafter? CBON may ask you later why you did not disclose that you have a Phil. License but then again maybe they won’t. I wouldn’t worry about it right now. Just provide them the documents they require/request as they ask for it. Good luck !
Hi May! I know it sounds very confusing but here’s the reason why:
U.S. GRADUATES OTHER THAN CALIFORNIA:
• If you are a graduate from a U.S. school in a state other than California, transcripts are required from all colleges and/or universities you attended that reflect courses required for a degree in nursing, including general education course requirements and all nursing courses. Transcripts must be received and evaluated by the Board prior to being found eligible for the examination.
• Your education must meet the requirements for California licensure. If any deficiencies are identified, you must complete the coursework prior to being found eligible for the examination. (http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/applicants/exam-app.pdf)
And I’m pretty sure I’d have to take the refresher (max. 2 years) to make up for any deficiencies in my coursework since I finished school and got my license in the Philippines. That, I believe, is true to all the graduates after 2010 I don’t know the exact reason, I may have to do a research on that but as of now yes it’ll take a lot of time and effort if I applied here so I just thought why not try other states (which in my case, NY, easier and faster). But NOW, I don’t want to go and move there anymore but I already paid for everything and I’m just waiting for the approval.
And yes I know I should have told them I have a license in the Philippines. We’ll see what happens from there. But right now I am planning to challenge the boards of vocational nursing. I wanna try LVN. Thank you for your input May I appreciate it!
Hi Louie! If you already spent money on the application for a NY license, it might be practical to just see it through the end. Meanwhile, you can still challenge the exams for the LVN in California. That way you can have your cake and eat it too! I’m sure you won’t have any trouble challenging the LVN exam. Good luck ?
hi louie, i think we’re in the same situation. i have my rn license in nevada but i endorsed it here in cali. im pretty sure i am going to take the refresher course too since i graduated 2011 . have you receive any assessment from CBRN?
Hi melissa
I think we have the same situation
I graduated in phil
And im taking ny nclex but i will in ca
Since my husband is living there?
How did u get ca license?
Did u work in ny?
I have a question I hope someone can help with. I am trying to get my CA license but my issue is that I never had a proper public speaking class. I did have a nursing class that was basically a public speaking class but not in name, and the communications aspect is one of many things listed in the description of the class, so I am concerned they won’t accept it. My question is: if i apply and they don’t accept it, will i have to pay the $150 again and go through the process? or do they hold your application and give you time to complete the missing requirements? I tried contacting the board, but I was constantly placed on hold, and that’s when I was even able to speak to someone. Thanks for any help.
Hi Zoey,
From my understanding, that’s what the temporary license is for. They issue the temp in order to give you some time to complete the missing requirements. For the temporary license, you have to pay an additional $50.. total of $199.
Hello,
I sent my application with fingerprints from FL in regular mail on 2/24/15. My check was cashed on 3/13/15. I JUST registered with Breeze and my status says “pending” and that my educational history is missing (I verified with my school and they sent the transcripts in late February). The website states that the submission date as 3/11/15 . I guess now I play the waiting game. I will keep you all posted, good luck everyone!
hello, i also am in the process of waiting, my breeze status also stated “pending” and that my educational history was missing, i hand deliverd sealed transcripts and watched them open it, it now states “COLLG TX IN SUSP 3/25/15 FA” any one have any idea what that means? thanks and good luck all
I spoke with someone from the board this past Friday because I have the same notice on my breeze about my transcripts. Per the person I spoke with, that means your transcripts are basically being held until they start your application and everything else comes in. The board has everything they need from me but mine still says that. I don’t understand why they can’t follow up with your application when everything is right there for them?!?
UPDATE:
As of 4/7/15, the status of “Missing Educational History: has disappeared from Breeze. Does anyone know what that means??
Thanks,
-Meli
Hi my missing education also disappeared today and it just states status open? i also had a email from breeze asking me to re register my email but in caps…strange
Well I guess I am the first to join this conversation for 2015. I spoke with a lady today on the 1-800-838-6828 number.( It took thirteen minutes for them to answer and the phone went silent for a substantial amount of time before it rang. Which made me think it was a fake number.) I explained to her that I had sent the documents across on 03/10/2015 (Fedex 2 day overnight). It was signed for on 03/12/2015. I have the name. I was told the following timeline :
04/12/2015 will be for when bankers draft check will clear. (four weeks after it was received).
07/12/2015 (8-12 weeks) is when documents will be processed. Only then can I check online for more details. Apparently this would be considered the end of the waiting period.
I guess I will keep you posted. Looking to start work in California in the Fall of 2015
Thanks for the info.. I called the same number and I submitted mine early feb.. And they’ved recieved it Feb 19.. They tild me to wait 4more weeks since they’re still processing Early January applicants. Uggh i never thought its gonna be this long.
Louise, i sent my endorsement application early Feb also. I know they already received and started processing it but the wait is so long. i have to move to LA in mid June. I am wondering if i have to wait until i get it to go or i can go and hope to get it soon to go to work. I am worried.
I mailed my endorsement on 3/4/15 and on Breeze it said submitted 3/19/15… now the wait.. begins..
Hello everyone…I just have a few questions about the paperwork…I am totally lost..hope someone can give me some pointers..!!
1) What is this Breeze I keep reading about? Do I sign up for it? Or do they make an account after I’ve submitted my application?
2) I’ve attended many schools where I would have my pre-reqs for nursing school (anatomy, micro etc). Do I need that special transcript request cover page for each of those transcripts? I called BRN and the lady said I only need that cover page for the school where I actually did my nursing degree and not the other ones? I feel unsure about her answer…
Hi Alabama RN,
Breeze is the licensing and enforcement system used by the State of California where you can file a complaint, renew, and apply etc etc. You SHOULD sign up for it, not mandatory but its good because it keeps you updated on the status of your application. You must send ALL transcripts (including those for pre-reqs). Not sure if you need the cover page for all requests but I am assuming that you do. I have more than once school as well and I submitted the cover page with both schools.
Hope I was able to help a little! , good luck!
Thank you so much! All this paperwork is crazy lol.
I have 4 schools, so I am trying not to mess something up.
I guess better safe than sorry and I will just include the attachment on all transcripts.
Hello,
I sent my application with fingerprints from FL in regular mail on 2/24/15. My check was cashed on 3/13/15. I JUST registered with Breeze and my status says “pending” and that my educational history is missing (I verified with my school and they sent the transcripts in late February). The website states that the submission date as 3/11/15 . I guess now I play the waiting game. I will keep you all posted, good luck everyone!
Oh boy, what do I say about getting your CA license? Be patient. Good luck trying to contact the CA BON. I applied for my CA license by mailing it Sept. 8, 2014. I had my fingerprints done via Livescan when I was out there in LA in early September. I was given the DCA Breeze link from a travel nursing company. When I checked in early October, I had missing educational requirements according to the website. My nursing school transcripts and those of some prerequisite courses had already gotten there I think. I have a Bachelor’s degree in another field and I figured out on my own that CA wanted that transcript. Don’t even ask about the process getting that sent. By early November, my license was showing as “pending” and I was supposed to start a travel assignment on 12/15. Not good. I somehow, from a blogger, got hold of a random 800 number and called CA BON at 4:55 pm PT in early November. The gentleman on the phone explained that there were issues with some computer system and as of November, they were still processing applications from August. This guy told me that my application wasn’t set in motion until Oct. 2 and it was going to take at least 12 weeks from then to get the license, so mid January. I was not happy to hear this. I decided I couldn’t do the travel job starting 12/15 in Laguna Beach. 🙁 Well, my damn CA license posted November 17. So it’s anybody’s guess how long it takes. And by the way, Florida is nowhere near this convoluted. I sent that one and got my license in 6 weeks. I’ve had a NC nursing license for 20 years.
Can you tell me where to go to check the status of the licensure online. The DCA link you are referring to!
Hey! Looking to check the status of my licensure.. Where do I go?
You should be able to check the status on Breeze. Hope this helps!
So all I need to do is register on the Breeze site, and once they’ve received my paperwork in the mail they will update the status on my profile? Currently my Breeze account says No License Info Available.
Hello Whitney – were you able to check your license application status on Breeze? My boyfriend is having the same issues and he submitted his applications more than 6 months ago, still no idea what’s going on.
No, I can’t see anything on Breeze. I don’t fully understand how to use the website. I get the impression that it is used mostly for new grads who are applying for their initial license.. but I could be wrong. I sent my endorsement application in the mail just 2 weeks ago and am just waiting for my check to hit my bank account I guess? Trying to be patient and just hope that it all works itself out! Has he tried contacting anyone at the board? 6 months is an insanely long time!
Ditto, Ditto , Ditto since 11/1/2014 for me
Update: Licensed issued Feb19/2015
Sam
So if they cashed my check 11/25, and I applied for a temporary, will I get it soon? On the breeze website it says “Missing Educational History” but I have sent everything in and requested transcripts by following the instructions on the website.
Difficult to say< Toni. I received my permanent license after 9 months of waiting….after the CA BORN kept requesting documents that they've already received the second time in all 4 occasions. I paid for a temporary license too, yet I never received that money back.
Had I not paid them a visit in Sacramento, they would have still sat on my paperwork; perhaps even asked me to resubmit more paperwork that I have already sent them. The entire ordeal not only caused me so much money to re-order the documents from my former home state, but they have totally compromised my student loans and put me at a financial bind with some of my creditors. The CA BORN is quite simply an absolute example of incompetence at its finest!
If and when you get a moment to review many of the posts in this blog…a recurring pattern subsequently emerges: THE BORN'S DENIAL OF HAVING RECEIVED TRANSCRIPTS….among other documents. However, misplacing applicant's "education history" or transcripts seems to be most common.
The next time you send it, make certain that you send it CERTIFIED with RETURN RECEIPT CARD… so that you have proof that the document has been signed for…. Although, in my case, even after having presented them with several PROOFS (note plurality) OF SIGNATURE that the documents have been signed for, it still took them 9 months to process my application. It is appalling and unacceptable, but who else would ADVOCATE for us?
This State agency does not care, for so long as it is getting paid by the State. The problem with the current set up is that there has not been a system to keep them in check..NO CHECKS & BALANCES exist.
As of current, Boards of Nursing are ABSOLUTE, and apparently, CANNOT MAKE ANY MISTAKES, save for those applicants who seek an RN License Endorsement.
The best of luck to you. I can only hope that all of us in the nursing profession can unite to advocate for ourselves. It will involve banding together, bringing this matter up at National Nursing Conventions, airing our concerns to State Representatives. I could go on discussing this, but I think that you have a clearer picture of what the status quo is. Again, the best of luck to you.
My status says “open” as of 2 days ago on the breeze website. I called and spoke with someone who said that they just sent my fingerprints to the DOJ and FBI yesterday and it could be another 3-4 weeks to process!!! Also I don’t know if that means that it could take another 3-4 weeks to process and still be denied because they were smudged or something. I worry that they will reject my fingerprints because my hands are so dry from washing them so many times as a nurse. So I spoke with the supervisor at the Nursing board and he was just rude to me. All they tell me to do is be patient. I have a job that is being held for me and I don’t know how much longer it will be held. This is a complete nightmare!
Toni,
What number did you call…I only get an automated message saying they are not taking phone calls.
Did you do finger prints hard copy or did you do live scan?
Thanks
18008386828 Very long wait times. But they eventually pick up.
I called as well and finally got to a message that said they were not talking any calls and it hung up on me. I have asked for 3 cards to be sent to me over the last 2 months and not 1 has arrived yet! I am planning a trip out just to do the fingerprinting process!!
I Would say not to worry unless you have a deadline to meet for you to have your Ca license on hand. I submitted my application October 2014. Before that I called for them to mail me the fingerprint cards because I did not feel like spending extra for a trip there from the east coast. I got the cards within a week, completed them at my township police station and submitted completed paperwork October. Set up an acct on BreEZe and saw I was missing education records which I was aware of anyway. My university (out of country) mailed it back to the board by January 2015 via DHL/fedex. By early this month I received a letter from the board stating they are now forwarding all my paperwork for licensing. I’m thinking I should get it in April. So in my experience even if I didn’t call or spend extra bucks on expediting, the board, in fairness to them, do get back to us the applicants re status. Unfortunately, withe the bulk of applications coming in, they probably cannot process lightning-speed considering other states are not even members of nursys. Hang in there and with a little more prayer you should get your license soon! Good luck!
this is very helpful! thanks everyone for the input. just registered as new user on breeze and will check on status of my license application on the site. currently working at an ED in south jersey-mailed my application in October signed for as received by CBON on October 31st. and per Breeze, submitted November 17th 🙂 requested my transcript from my school (out of country) and sent in my fingerprint cards with my application. praying things go through smoothly with no misplaced documents!
Did the board automatically update your license status on Breeze once they received your application? I have registered as a new user but am a little confused on what to do next..
I registered right away. Every time I check the website it reads
” no license information available”.
hi! as I mentioned I submitted my application in October 2014, then when I checked on BreEze it showed “missing education/transcripts”. I tracked mailing from my university to the CBORN for my transcripts and they had signed for it January 27, 2015. I kept checking back on BreEze website and now it states “no license information available.” however, I did receive a letter from them in the mail requesting a copy of my SS card and nursing license and my nursing diploma (which I cannot locate). anyway, I sent them what they had requested for except for the diploma, with a letter asking if they still require that since my university had already mailed my transcripts to them. as of now I’m waiting to hear from them. I suggest try to submit everything they ask for and just anticipate that the whole process will take a long time, so you don’t get disappointed. I am sure they are processing applications-but with the bulk of applicants, they probably cannot move forward at a very fast pace. try to hold off on applying for jobs there until you actually receive your license that way you don’t get stressed time-wise. saying a prayer helps too 😉
Hi may,
I’m just curious if you don’t mind me asking what school did you go to? I’m just curious why they needed your nursing license (which I’m not sure what you mean by that) and your nursing diploma (when you already have your transcripts sent in and have already taken/pass your nclex rn boards). I’m asking because I misplaced by nursing diploma haha. I’m in the process as well of endorsement since beginning of January and am at the “pending” “missing education/transcripts” stage even though I did livefingerprinting and paid for the temporary license permit option.
HI! I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts at the university of the Philippines in Diliman and a bachelor of science in nursing also at the University of the Philippines in Manila. That’s probably why they are asking for my diploma. I am hoping however, that with submission of my transcripts they would not require my diploma anymore. They asked for a copy of my New Jersey license and my social security card which I sent two weeks ago. I haven’t heard back from them yet but not really expecting anything until around 12 weeks from January 27th which is when they received my nursing transcript. I will post updates. Good luck !
Thought I’d share my experience as well. I sent my application July 24th. I sent standard fingerprint cards from the Texas Sherriff’s Office (make sure that they are federal fingerprints, or else they wont be accepted). My check was cashed on August 20th and was quoted 10-12 weeks from that date. I called the beginning of Oct. and was told that my license would be posted no later than the end of Oct. Called just last week and was told they were still processing applications where checks were cashed in July. Today Oct. 24th my license was posted to the BreEZe website, so hopefully that means they are processing applications quicker now. Hope this helps some people out with their anxieties about this application process, trust me, I was expecting a wait of 5 months, but it came through in 3.
Angel,
if they cashed the check does that mean they have all required documents and it’s just a matter of time?
If anyone can answer that question it would alleviate all of my stress. I am planning on going to Ca to re-do my live scan prints because I did them greater than 90 days before I sent my app in. My check was cashed 10/1 so if it means that all docs are accepted then I don’t have to pay $75 again. I don’t wanna wait to find out the prints are no good.
Have you tried calling and speaking with someone or a supervisor at the CBON? They can tell you what they have on file before you spend $75 again.
nicole, thank you. i will try calling.
After months of sending transcripts and trying to get through to anyone at the CBON to see what was holding up my permanent license, I finally recieved it 3 weeks before my temporary expired. So some advice to you all, if you are sending any missing transcripts or other papers, overnight them so you can track them and see who signed that they were recieved in the mail room. To speak with someone about your particular file call the CBON at the end of the day around 4:45pm. The phone lines seem to be less busy atround that time. Also, the people who initially answer the phones can’t give very much information about your particular file. Ask to speak with a supervisor, ( Which you will have to leave a voicemail) but they actually call back within 2 days in my experience. Plus, you can ask for the supervisor’s direct line number so no more waiting on hold for hours to be connected to a voicemail. After I spoke with the licensing supervisor, he answered all of my questions and investigated my profile. I recieved my license the next day.The CBON is really busy and its frustrating but if you are able to speak with a supervisor they are very helpful!
I did my live scan about 6 months before I sent my application in Aug, I’m afraid CBON discarded my results because they didn’t have my app. My check cashed 10/1, should I call to see if they have my finger print results? There are no deficiencies listed yet on the Breeze website. My husband is relocating to CA in Jan I’m afraid I won’t have my license by then. I have already received job offers… Anybody else did this silly mistake and do fingerprints way too early before submitting their application? Should I send in another app for a temp license and do the livescan again?
I too applied for my temp license, and it never came. If your license is processed as fast as mine was(n’t), you should be getting your license right as the new year comes through. Ensure your address is up to date, in case they try and communicate with you via snail mail (they never did that for me, though I wasn’t deficient in any paperwork either). The breeze website never updated or did anything for me during my process, so I would say that’s a poor way of “checking” your status. Though, believe me, I do understand the struggle. It is real.
Just thought I’d share my experience..
I sent my papers in from Minnesota on July 7th, 2014. I did NOT mail them priority or any faster/stronger/tracking/guaranteed way. I did standard ink fingerprints, i did NOT get mine done with the live scan. I also did not order a print card from California, I used the one my Minnesota police gave me. My check was cashed August 8th. I called at my four week mark just to check in with people there and see my status. They chuckled and said it would still be some time. I called at my six week mark, told to wait it out. Again I called at my eight week, again, told to wait some more (however did mention that my prints cleared). Without any further intervention, My license showed up in the mail on October 17th. On this date their website stated they were processing applications cashiered in June.
Insanely frustrating process. But, it did work for me.
Thanks for sharing, Alissa. This is useful information!
My temporary license is expiring in 6 weeks and the BON still hasn’t processed my transcripts that I sent 8 weeks ago. On my application it says if temporary license is expiring approximately in four weeks and you haven’t received a permanent license, call the BON to apply for a send temporary license. Has anyone else done this before? I have tried to call and get more information but the BON is not answering today.
This happened to me. Just email them at all the email addresses on the site nonstop. My temp expired only a week after they processed mine
hi I called this number and they told me I can’t endorse my license here in California because I took my Nclex exam in Philippines. She advice me took an Nclex exam again. My license in Florida is active and I’m currently living here in California and I wish to work here as an RN.
I might as well throw it out there for all you googlers 🙂
For those using 916 and having trouble getting a hold of a representative, use this number instead CBON: 18008386828
I’m still waiting on my California RN license and it has been almost 10 weeks. They’re only missing my license verification. I’ve resent it twice already. Let me know how it goes, hopefully this helps several of you out there!
Is Nursy’s available in your state? It’s way quicker. I submitted mine on June 5 and my license is now on the BreEZe website, although I haven’t received the hard copy in the mail.
I was wondering where you found the 1-800 number. I can’t seem to find it on the CBON website?
CK did they cash your check?
I would hope if they cashed your check you would get a license right?
Thank for the number CK! It worked and I was able to talk to a real live person! Lol. The line rings but then goes silent but don’t hang up because you ARE still in line to speak to a person. I stayed on the line for 10 minutes in complete silence but a person then came on the line. She said it takes 6 weeks just for current applications to get through their mailing department and then an additional 90 days to get issued the permanent license at this point! But she also said the temp license is still only 6-8 weeks. So a word to the wise, if you need your license before March 2015, pay the Extra $50.
Does anyone have a way of actually contacting the CBON? Every time I call, I can’t get a person on the line and no one responds to my e-mails. I got a notice that they are missing a transcript but I do not know which one and it is holding me up from getting my permanent license.
Nicole, look at my reply up above. Goodluck to you! 🙂
Does anyone know if it is still taking 90 days for a temporary license to be issued? I need a license by endorsement ASAP for a volunteer position at the end of July. I am debating about whether or not I should bother to attempt for the temporary license by endorsement. Any advice would be appreciated!!
I filed for endorsement and a request for a temporary license back on February 10th. To date, nothing on either counts. You’re better off not asking for a temporary license. As far as I have gathered, applicants who have requested for a temporary license already but ended up not receiving one at a timely manner will be getting their payments back as soon as the permanent license is granted. So, save your money while you can or take a gamble if you want. My advise is..don’t bother. Hope this helps you make your decision.
If you did not turn in your application a month ago don’t even think that you will get anything by end of July. I have spent the last month trying to get things sped up. I have a job I am supposed to start July 14th, but to date I have not had any response. My fingerprint cleared, my transcripts received and my nursys sent. I overnight mailed my application end of May, they didn’t even cash it until June 12th. From the cashing of the check I am being quoted 6-8 weeks for temp or permanent. I have had a representative quote me 4-6 weeks (but said that would be fast). At this point I have quit my job in CO and am praying that everything goes through. I have no choice but to drive out next week and complete all of my pre-screening just in case they take pity on me and grant my temp license by next Friday.
I had mine transferred from CO too. Do you know if we need to do anything for the state like surrender the old license or something?
Just wanted to leave an update to my prior post and hopefully give some hope to others out there that this is not an impossible process–I was able to obtain my license by endorsement within a two week timeframe from the CBRN. I have an active NV license on the Nursys verification system and I have the advantage of living in Reno, NV, which is only a 2 hour drive from the Sacramento CBRN office. I was able to drive to Sac for LiveScan fingerprinting to be completed (results were reported in a 3 business days), and then submitted my application with cash fee for the temp and permanent license directly to the front window employee. I explained the cause and the urgency (Muscular Dystrophy Association camp in urgent need of a volunteer RN), and the CBRN was able to process a temp RN license. There were a couple of issues that were brought to my attention that could have delayed the process: 1) Paying by check–it would have taken an additional 5-7 days 2) Paying in July when the CBRN turns over their fiscal year for accounting–creates an additional 5-7 day delay 3) Issues with the CBRN system automatically matching fingerprint results to applicant names–someone had to manually search for mine 4) No one answers the phone to answer your questions, don’t bother trying. I did seek the assistance of my home state’s board of nursing, and would suggest others going through this process do as well. Good luck to all those out there going through the process.
I am confused. How many fingerprint cards (hard copy) are we supposed to send with the application? 1 or 2?
Can anyone confirm this?
My original application was never found. Sent in March as one package with transcripts ( sealed), application, fingerprint card . . . check not cashed. Another individual with the same name (different SS) has a license – so board not sure if my original application was confused in the system with the individual with an expired licenses. Waited on hold for over an hour to even get to speak to someone. So had to redo the entire process. Just FedEx transcripts from school directly with signature; used the online system to verify active licenses, and FedEx application with signature to main office . . Plan to fly to CA next week to do the “livescan” vs. the fingerprint card. If process not completed by the end of the month I loose the position I was offered as ADON of nursing program. Very very frustration process.
I would like to get some suggestions from some experts in this forum.
I hold an active RN licence in the state of Iowa. I have 5 years experience in a long term care/Rehab skilled nursing facility. Husband and I are planning on making a permanent move out to Cali. Thus, I am planning on obtaining a CA RN license by endorsement method. My transcript was sent to CA-BORN by my college on June 9th and I sent my licence verification electronically through Nursys on June 7th.
I still haven’t mailed out the application form as I can’t decide if I want to do the old-school manual fingerprinting or if I should fly out to CA for livescan ($$$$). If I do the hard-copy fingerprinting, and overnight my app tomorrow (June 23) how long would it take for them to send me a temp licence?
I don’t have a job lined up in Ca yet but we (me and my husband) have already put our house in the market in Iowa. I have been actively applying for a job in Ca (specially in SF area) but no luck yet.I have a feeling that it will probably be easier to get a job once I am physically out there.
Base on my situation, what would be the right choice for me? livescan or hard copy?
Hey MJ,
Do you have the fingerprint cards already? I have requested it twice already and still have not received it. There is more room for error using fingerprint route and usually takes longer compared to the livescan. Mail gets lost, fingerprints get smudged, DOJ/FBI rejects fingerprint cards etc.
I went on vacation to California (landed in SF) and drove to Sacramento. I did livescan there, then went the to California BON office and handed them my application. My money order was cashed only after 2 days!
If money permits, I would do Livescan.
This is my California RN endorsement updates: (Illinois to California)
April – I had the state mail the RN license verification and my school to mail my transcripts to California BON.
May 19, 2014 – I flew in to California for vacation and did the Livescan, also turned in the main application form to the BON Sacramento office.
May 22, 2014 – Money order was cashed.
June 4, 2014 – Called BON for status updates, told me FBI/DOJ cleared me but cannot tell me if my RN license verification or transcripts were turned in. Representative asked me to call back June 23.
Let me know when you get your license. I’m also getting my California RN by endorsement from Illinois. My check was cashed on May 30th.
Did you register at the Breeze website?
Currently my license says pending and under deficiencies it says “Missing Education History”.
According to a person in allnurses.com, it said the same for him/her and it disappeared after a few weeks. I have sent my transcripts back in April and resent them again earlier this month. I’m going to call them this Friday or next Monday to get updates.
I have been checking my Breeze account, and it also says that I’m missing my education history. I called about it and a guy told me that the notification doesn’t mean that they didn’t receive it, but that it just hasn’t been processed yet. I also sent my transcripts in April. When you call, let me know what you find out.
Yeah that’s what the person on the forum said too. What number are you calling to get to a California BRN representative?
I have a number aside from the 916 number, which is ALOT easier to get hold of a person.
I don’t know if it’s appropriate to post it on here. Email me: kcsantos4@gmail.com
As of June 19, the “Missing Education History” disappeared.
Have you received your license yet?
My account also says missing education history. I submitted my information about the same time as you and applied for a temporary license.
I find this problem all too common with Boards of Nursing, which is why I have since made it a point to send my transcripts in 2 ways, i.e., via the School Registrar (direct mail) and via Credentials Solutions, which the University has retained to process online transcript requests… Recipients literally get it within 5 minutes of processing your payment, and it costs cheaper than having to do it the conventional way.
Additionally, you will also get an emailed confirmation of the transaction, including (if you so desire) a text message confirming delivery to the recipient. However, you might have to check if your university/college has retained them for their services. Here’s a link to the site: http://www.credentialssolutions.net/transcriptsplus.html
Good luck, dear colleagues!
Steve
I am also applying for endorsement and have been getting the same pending message stating missing education history and I resent my clinical hours. How long did it take to receive the license and what is the best number to call. Please let me know any advice. Thanks
Greg
Hi! Does anyone have an idea what a “clinical portion of transcript” is? I already have RLE & complete list of clinical cases & transcript of records. The CA BON is also asking for clinical transcript from my school. Thank you. Response appreciated.
i took the RN Nclex on 5/29/14, i am getting nervous to see my result. what is the easiest way to see my result, i check from the BreEZe and national board of nursing but no news yet.
what should i do
What’s up Eric. I took my NCLEX 2 years ago and did the “trick”, where you re-register for the test again. If it doesn’t let you re-register it means you passed, if it goes to the credit card page it means you failed.
Does anyone know if the Verification of License form and the Transcript Request forms must be
sent to the BON and schools or are the online request sufficient? From looking at the forms there is additional info that has to be filled out but many schools use third party transcript companies and the BON uses online verification? Just want to make sure I do everything exactly the way they require it. Thanks guys!
I didn’t send the forms to the school or to the BON. I did everything online.
Cole, I never submit transcript requests via utilization of those suggested forms for three reasons: a) they’re more expensive; b) why send the BON an authorization form to request transcripts if it takes them so very long to process applications anyway? It will only delay the process further; c) Universities have the sole right on how to release information as confidential as transcripts. No BON in any State has the right to dictate on University procedures. For example, the CA BON Instructions state that the request has to be directly sent to the School of Nursing, but the University I graduated from has the STRICTEST policy to direct all Transcript Request to the University Registrar. If I were to send it to the School of Nursing, it would have only been treated as rubbish.
For the above-mentioned reasons, I decided to bring sealed, notarized true copies of my transcripts before I left the State I was in. I sent those in with the application, along with confirmation of an “on-line” transmittal of the transcripts (YES, I sent it in 2 ways just in case…) that sends an electronic copy of my college transcripts directly to the CA BORN.
Either way is fine, in my estimation. I think that requesting them online, however, will best facilitate the process. You need not worry about the document getting lost in the mail, and the electronic signature can always be traced back to the date, time, and schedule of when it was sent; thus, the BORN cannot deny having received them.
Hope this helps you. Let me know if you have further questions. The best to you, our dear colleague.
I’m afraid the only thing that is truly going to persuade CA BORN to move quicker on this is to put immense political and public pressure on this issue. It is affecting patient care, it is putting patients’ lives at risk, it is affecting nurses’ ability to provide for their families, it is affecting the colleges and universities in terms of their graduates and ability to recruit future students, and ultimately turning potential nursing students from the profession at a time where nurses are desperately needed in California. I think ANA, CCNA, and other similar national nursing groups MUST get involved at the political level in order to put pressure on the Board to do whatever is necessary to get this ball moving. Their actions have simply been unacceptable regardless of what obstacles they have faced. There are too many compact states for California to have this much trouble processing license applications, particularly by endorsement. As a travel nurse with active licensing in two other states, it is simply ridiculous to be unable to acquire the ability to work in and help the shortage of nursing in California for such a long period of time. Develop a plan to alleviate the bottleneck immediately or face public and political ridicule – that’s the only answer.
I could not agree more. This is just getting ridiculous. It’s been 4 months since I applied, and still no license!
I have been waiting almost two months for reinstating of my lapsed license. I flew from NYC to LA for fingerprinting, (as the BRN does not accept prints done in another state) to expedite the process. When I found I was getting nowhere I called the Governor’s office. I was contacted back by a liaison person, but once they were out of the loop, the process came to a grinding halt.
I am with Joe; Why haven’t UNAC, AFN or the CCNA taken this on? I spoke with a UNAC representative and all she wanted to do was blame Arnold. I perceived as long as they have their license, they don’t give a fig. What do they do for their members?
I am happy to be involved in some sort of action to get the public on board with the problematic BRN and how it effects them in the long run. I have already written to the Governor, as noted above, and my local states senator.
Contact me if you are interested in starting a petition
I recently received a letter of deficiency stating the board needed another copy of my transcript (this will be the 3rd time I send it) and stated my transcript is laking courses taken in social sciences and oral and written communications. I have my bachelor’s, satisfied all of the gen ed courses I needed to graduate, including an RN license in another state. Has anyone else had a problem like this?
Hi Elizabeth,
I’m having the same issue; I’m actually a nurse practitioner with an MS in nursing, but I received a notice saying my transcripts were deficient in oral and written communication. Did you ever get your issue resolved?
Hi Elizabeth and Shannon,
I am having the same issues! I have a BS in Biology, a BSN, and an MSN and I just received a notice saying my transcripts were deficient in oral and written communication. The number to contact the Boards is busy, I can’t even get through to sit on hold. I read a post on allnurses about this and one person had success with writing a letter identifying coursework that demonstrated oral and written communication. So, I am going back to my school’s BSN and MSN course descriptions and will be doing the same. Good luck to you.
Have either one of you been successful otherwise?
Were you able to resolve this problem? I called them after not hearing from them for 3 months (they said it normally takes that long so I waited), but they told me I lack social science class & they won’t be able to process my request without it. I graduated in an approved nursing school with my BSN. I don’t know what social science they are talking about. This is very upsetting to say the least.
Have you gotten this issue resolved yet? I have the same issue. I am working on getting my CA RN license. I received a letter that I lack a social science credit. I had Psychology & Abnormal Psychology, but this is a behavioral science. I have been told a “Lifespan” class or “Intro to Sociology” will fill the need. It doesn’t matter how many credit hours the class is. I just have to show that I completed the class. Has anyone else ran into this & what did you do? I really don’ want to take a class. Thanks.
Hello,
I did Live scan early feb, submitted transcripts and Nursys, I overnighted my application on Feb 18th and they signed for it Feb 19th. My check was cashed on March 13th. I paid extra for a temp license…but I haven’t received anything yet. When I call the CBON they tell me they can’t see if they received my transcripts or Nursys but my fingerprints have cleared. Shouldn’t I be able to get a temp by now?? So frustrating as I have received multiple job offers but I can’t start! My family is struggling big time because of this ridiculousness te CBON has going on!!
I did everything the CA BORN required and more, including not calling them until after 90 days have elapsed since sending in my application. I did my livescan the day before I sent all my documents to the Board, since they also said that it is only good for 90 days and may expire before they get to it. I did not only submit sealed copies of my transcripts and background checks, but I also did a LiveScan and a direct electronic submission of my transcripts directly from the university. To date, nothing. I had been told that the more you pester them with phone calls, the more it will delay processing of one’s licensure.
It was my understanding that the State Assemblyman was going to pay them a visit, but I have heard no feedback from what transpired as a result of that visit. Frustration is the least of our problems, but the financial repercussions brought about by inefficiencies in the State Board not only put us at a bind, but also ruin our credit. Not very many of us sit on cash, but does the Board care? Perhaps they do, but I highly doubt it.
I received an email back in February, I think it was the first week. I didn’t receive my license until 04/02/2014. I sent in the application on November 8, 2013 – they cashed my check on 12/26/2013I applied for temp and perm license.. I went to the BON on March 11, they promised I would have my license in 2 days. I left Sacramento and went to Oregon to visit. Then to AZ, applied for my AZ license on 3/24/2014, I got my temp AZ license the same day I got my CA permanent license. It would seem that something could be done because the CA BON is causing a lot of hardship on a lot of people. It is unbelievable that they would take so long to process an application especially when it is an endorsement and license are held in 3 other states. Never got temp RN license just the perm. one – which is all good, but now I will have to see how long it will take for a refund on the temp license – I was told I was eligible for that refund. They don’t seem to mind that their process is causing many problems for other people. I called 2 sometimes 3 times a week to check on the progress. A lot of times, they did’t know how to respond because they told me many times that I had everything I needed for perm. License. It was ridiculous!!!
Thank you, Mike. I concur, the situation is ludicrous. What is worse is that we have no recourse against the State Boards. Very rarely can State Boards be sued either, since in order to do so, one would have to seek permission from the State. Guess where that leads us?
Perhaps sending a letter to our State Representatives and our CA Senators would help, but this measure requires group collaboration. We would have to obtain as many signatures as we can to seek their involvement, and for other options that might exact any remuneration from the State, especially as you have pointed out…it has continued to disrupt many lives. Some of us have defaulted in their student loans by no fault of their own.
Realizing this, there must be some damages that we can demand from the State Board, but we will have to work in numbers and seek legal representation should we decide to go that route. I am on board, should anyone be interested. If this does get to a point where I default in my student loans, I won’t think twice about suing the CA BON, especially since defaulting disqualifies some of us from taking advantage of the new law on student loan forgiveness for nurses.
Should you be interested in collaborating efforts, kindly send me an email at ej196910@yahoo.com. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Steve
Has there been anything featured in the news/media regarding this? Do you think that would help speed up resolving this? I’m in touch with one BORN staff member who is at least emailing with me, and although she seems to be sympathetic, she still has not located my transcripts (this is the second time I’ve sent them in) and cannot tell me about a hang up on my fingerprints (which the DoJ said were fine, and they had sent the results to the BORN in December 2013). This is going on 5 months for me…I’m so discouraged.
As always, exposing the obvious seems to generate the most attention, but not necessarily the fastest, nor the best fix. It is not very easy to attack a State Agency. For instance, a huge percentage of students in the State university I graduated form have numerous complaints against its practices…all of which seem to only be silenced without any resolution. State agencies that generate so much revenue have a lot of clout. It is not easy to but heads against them.
To date, I have not noticed anything from media television that brings the CA BORN issues to the fore. All I can say is that there are, however, a number of online news releases from the CA BORN, itself, including Report Briefs published by the Republican Caucus in the California State Senate on March 12, 2014 (possibly one of the more recent reports that I have come across, thus far). The Brief offers explanations for what most of us probably already know, but unless you haven’t been privy to these circumstances and complaints, you would be best advised reading the publication.
What I know are as follows:
1. The transition into a 52-million dollar investment, as we all more familiarly know by now as the BREEZE system, has met with two obstacles since its launch:
a. Interface modules seemed to have met with interface glitches; meaning the transition was, by no means, seamless. Data that had to be pulled in from the existing software did not integrate quite well with the new software devised by a company called Accenture.
b. Much blame has also been assigned to inefficiencies of State employees, who find difficulty transitioning to a new system, as can be expected in many group studies. Here, you might agree that we can be free to speculate that the underlying problems are multi-faceted:
As can be expected, there is a “learning curve” that should have been foreseen by the State Department; and that learning curve varies on many variables, i.e., the State employee’s aptitude and degree of adaptation, and age, among other factors.
Resistance to Change is a common obstacle, especially in major re-organizations that impact a huge operation.
Management’s inadequate foresight on these needs as it pertains to the employees’ readiness to adjust to these changes, as well as, ample training to respond to the modifications. As nurses, (the BORN must know it just as well) we are held to higher levels of expectation while operating as public servants and must respond to all grades of catastrophe according to our preparedness. The questions remain:
Should this agency not be upheld to the same level of preparedness it expects of its nurses, especially as its responsibilities not only impact the public, but all nursing professionals under their governance?
What sort of Management & Governance has the CA BORN been projecting over the course of these inefficient results?
Does this agency begin to even try to reach out to all those affected, whose lives are put on hold and whose financial standing, credit, and student loans have been put in peril?
In all certainty, there are quite a few of us who have more pressing questions than what I can possibly include in this tirade. We are all on the same boat. I am very sorry that it has taken you so long to even just get to where you are at with your application for licensure. You had applied for a license earlier than I did. Who knows how long it will take the CA BORN to get to mine?
The California Hospital Association has published a very important article that discusses the CA BORN’s updates on RN Licensing delays (BJ Bartleson, 2014). It would also behoove you to peruse the article, in case you find anything that might pertain to your situation. For your convenience, the link to this February 28, 2014 Press Release is http://www.calhospital.org/cha-news-article/california-brn-provides-updates-rn-licensing-delays
According to CA State Senator, Cathleen Galgiani’s website, published on April 04, 2014. The State Senator has already stepped in to help alleviate Professional Nurses’ frustrations pertinent to the CA BORN delays. According to the said article, a frustrated nurse, identified as Schiffmann, contacted the Senator’s office to explain the severity of the delays, urging the Senator to contact the CA BORN. Subsequently, the agency hired staff for 3 weeks to try to get caught up with the delay, and Schiffman expediently obtained her license and is now working at Doctors Medical Center. However, there has been no mention of how long ago Ms. Schiffman tried to apply for an RN License.
I have tried to get interest from a few of our colleagues in order to better address this situation. As we know, we are our own advocates. We have our State Senators as our lifeline, and we do need to stand up for our rights, especially as it has not only put our lives in peril, but it has compromised many patients because of staff inadequacies, as well as, the staff for being overworked.
Like you, I have tried to keep my patience and honored the Board’s request to NOT Contact them until after 90 days has elapsed since sending in one’s application. They have also stated that they no longer attend to personal applications over the counter at the Sacramento Office. The only alternative that I can really see would be a most viable and effective tool would be a mass appeal to all California State Senator to hold the CA BORN to the fire for the continued inadequacies it continues to project.
This blog can only do so much, although I immensely appreciate what is has so far provided. Accept my apologies for this lengthy message, but feel free to respond to this in case you or any others would like to start sending letters to all CA State Senators with as many signatures as can be collected. It is a way to stir them to action, especially as each signature means a potential vote to keep them in office.
The best of luck to everyone.
Note: THERE IS POWER IN NUMBERS.
Respectfully,
Steve
Steve, that was so well written! Thank you for the extra links, and I will certainly have a look at those. There was finally light at the end of my tunnel. After 5 months I received my RN license last week!! I’m excited to be applying for jobs now. Steve, you really seem to know a lot of the ins/outs of the problems entailing this. This has caused a great deal of turmoil for so many of us. I’d certainly be happy to send or be a part of signing a letter written to the Senator. If we needed to send, it would be nice to have help constructing an effective letter.
Good news…I justs got issued a license today. I thought I would give a positive update. Not sure why I got a license and others who applied before me haven’t. I’m thinking a lot of apps submitted end of last year got lost in the shuffle. Good luck to all.
Happy for you Jess, now I have hope! 🙂
@Steve,
I submitted everything 1st week of Feb. I received an email with a link for Breeze that asked me to verify it was me yesterday. Afterwards, I received an email with a temporary password. When I logged in, I noticed beside my license status it said processing. There was also an area that said it was received 03/21.
I sent a money order, so I am unsure when it was cashed.
Thank you, Nina. I should give them some more time. I submitted mine around the same time, so they’re probably close to processing my application too. I just need to be more patient. Thank you so much for your input. It certainly helps a lot.
I think that should have been @ Steve.
Have others received an email as well?? I haven’t received that yet.
Thank you for responding promptly, OBRN. It’s a bit difficult to determine when they cashed the check I sent them, since it was a money order that I sent. My experience with other states is that they require a money order, which is why I sent remittance for required fees in the same way I have been sending payments to all Boards of Nursing.
With regard to transcripts…the University where I received my degree has a strict policy to direct all transcript requests to the Registrar. For this reason, the Dept. of Nursing cannot process transcript requests; the department merely redirects it to the University Registrar, which keeps all these records. Prior to leaving for CA, I had to request a sealed copy of my transcripts in the even that I would need it. The University also retains Credentials Solutions as a secure means of ordering transcripts online. This allows for the electronic submission of transcripts to an entity requesting it. In my case, I have not only forwarded a sealed copy of my transcripts, but I also sent for them through Credential Solutions.
As far as calling the CA BORN, they have published an explicit statement suggesting that all applicants do not call the BORN to follow-up on applications until at least 90 days have elapsed since sending the application, because it simply causes further delay on processing everybody’s applications. My experience with Boards of Nursing is that they tend to give an applicant more problems for non-adherence to their regulations. It seems unfair, but they simply have us “by the balls”…so to speak. (Pardon the French).
What can RN’s do? We all need to try to send letters to our State delegates to advocate for our causes. There must be a way, besides repealing and filing complaints, to prevent these inefficiencies and covert means of oppression/intimidation against applicants. The fact is, we are at the mercy of State employees at the BON…and if they do not like any of us for whatever reason…they can do anything to further delay our licensure….On top of that, we cannot remuneration for such abuses simply because there is no way to prove it….so all we can do is “remain nice” despite the aggravation and personal impact on our finances of the BON’s inefficiencies.
My guess is they have cashed the money order I sent that was dated on the 1st week of February (along the same time it was sent with all my documents). Still, I remain at their mercy, but it flabbergasts me as to how others (whose payments were issued and cashed later than my money order) have received an email from them already, whereas, I have not. I will honor and follow what they’ve requested applicants to do. Therefore, I will not call them until after 90 days have elapsed since sending in my application. I certainly hope that I hear from them before that, so I wouldn’t have to make the call.
Erratum:
a) “It’s a bit difficult to determine when they cashed the check I sent them, since it was a money order.”
b) “Prior to leaving for CA, I had to request a sealed copy of my transcripts in the EVENT that I would need it.”
c) “On top of that, we cannot EXACT remuneration for such abuses simply because there is no way to prove it….so all we can do is “remain nice” despite the aggravation and personal impact on our finances of the BON’s inefficiencies.”
My apologies for the errors in the above statements.
@Nina,
It seems like the determining factor is when they cash your check for the application fee. On the home-page of the Board of Nursing website they have a statement that they are processing applications for checks cashed in February. About 2 weeks ago is said January. It appears that they are taking 2 weeks to work through applications for that month so in theory, any day they should say “Processing applications that were cashed in March”. This is just my theory 🙂
Some blogs on here have stated that the BRN has ‘misplaced’ college transcripts- causing a delay- so I would make sure when you call again that you confirm they have everything.
They received my application on 3/17 and my check was cashed 3/31- that’s much quicker than others who waited a month or more so I’m speculating that things are actually moving along more quickly now.
Hope that helps. Good luck
Erratum:
a) “It’s a bit difficult to determine when they cashed the check I sent them, since it was a money order.”
b) “Prior to leaving for CA, I had to request a sealed copy of my transcripts in the EVENT that I would need it.”
c) “On top of that, we cannot EXACT remuneration for such abuses simply because there is no way to prove it….so all we can do is “remain nice” despite the aggravation and personal impact on our finances of the BON’s inefficiencies.”
My apologies for the errors in the above statements.
Hello, Nina.
When did you submit your application? I sent my application (with fees) for endorsement with a request for both temporary and permanent licenses in 1st week of February, yet still have not heard from the CA BORN. When I first called the BON, a representative told me that it should take 6 to 8 weeks to at least get a temporary license. Anybody else have an opinion about this? Thank you!
I received an email from Ca BON with a link for me to be able to log into the Breeze system, although I still don’t have a license. Is this a sign that I may soon receive a Ca license?
Thank you for the update, OBRN.
I just wanted to provide an update with my situation and let all know the BRN website home page states they are now processing checks cashed in February. Two weeks ago it was January so that’s progress!
I had my live scan done while in California 3/10 and called their number with my confirmation code to verify it was processed with success 48 hours later. Mailed my application to BRN with receipt confirmation 3/17 and 3/31 my check has been cashed. Looks like things are at least moving and not stagnant. Please keep us posted with ya’lls progress if you can!
Can a hospital “not accept” a temporary license? I was so excited that I could start my job and now I am being told they don’t accept them. What is the point of the temporary then??
Kelcie, that’s the first time I’ve heard of a hospital not accepting a temporary license. All the other hospitals, nursing homes, and agencies I know have no problem with temporary licenses. I am speculating that the only reason that the hospital that you mentioned might not be accepting temporary licenses is if for some reason your permanent license does not fall through, in which case, the hospital will have to find another candidate to take your place.
There are some applicants who, for some reason ran into some problems with their application resulting from inaccuracies in their formal application, or possibly a non-declaration of past criminal record; as a result, their temporary licenses were not renewed or extended, and their permanent licenses got denied. I am suspecting that this facility that you had mentioned had a similar experience with a prior applicant before, which clarifies why they would have policies that do not allow for hiring anyone with temporary licenses only.
However, I do not believe that such a practice is legitimate. The CA BON permits an applicant to practice as an RN with a temporary license, pending approval of his/her permanent license. My suggestion would be for you to clear that up with the CA BON. Subsequently, if they say that the hospital is in violation of that ruling, it might be possible to file a complaint with the BON. If you decide to take it further, you may elect to file an injunction against them in court.
Best of luck to you. I’m still waiting on any developments with regard to my application for RN License endorsement in the State of California. I understand there’s been a major delay, but I did not expect it to be this serious. I submitted my paperwork early February. It’s almost 60 days already, and I haven’t heard anything. My experience with other Boards of Nursing is such that I usually get my temporary license within 3 weeks of sending for it. This current delay is testing everyone’s patience; not to mention, putting everyone’s stability and finances in shambles.
I have already sent all the required documents around mid of January and requested for manual fingerprint card at the same time. I had sent online request twice and written request twice for the manual fingerprint card but until today I have not received anything in my mail. But I noticed they had already cashed my check around mid of last month. I am wondering how does the process work now because I have heard that the board will only cash the check once it receives all the documents, but in my case I did sent all the documents but the manual fingerprint card. The Online Breeze System has also sent me an email to verify my email add last month. Does anybody going through this same problem. Can anyone suggest me what could be my next steps. I am really wondering about it.
I turned everything in person to the BRN on 2/21. Check was cashed 2/27. Temp License posted on 3/25. I just called and asked the hold up on the permanent. They said it takes 4 weeks or so for transcripts to make it though the mailing office. I just checked and mine was sent out on 2/10 so hopefully the permanent is coming soon, too.
Kelcie
That’s the only good news I’ve heard from all of this in awhile!
How long did it take from the time you submitted your forms at BRN for them to cash your check and then issue the temp license??
Were you at the BRN recently?
Good luck to you! We are all jealous! LOL
I am from NYC and flew to Sacramento, did the livescan and submitted my forms to the BRN. They told me not to waste my money applying for a temp but I had already paid so much so i did it anyway. 5 weeks later I have a temp! So go to Sacramento– it works.
Do I get a physical temp license? or is it just available for verification on the Breeze system??
Thanks!
Thank you for your post, dear colleague. I’m glad you got your temporary license. I cannot help but wonder when you applied for a temp. license, since the CA BORN no longer issues temporary licenses over the counter, so a personal visit to the Sacramento Headquarters to avail of the temporary license is rather moot at this point in time. If you did get the document just recently, please let us know.
Having said that, I find your post a bit confusing. You state that “5 weeks later you have a temp!” Yet you ask whether you “get a physical temp license…” Could you please explain the position you’re coming from.
Thank you.
I posted below about my time frame…
I have been checking the Breeze system and see that I have been issued a temp license. I guess it takes a few weeks for it to physically be mailed to me (surprise surprise). I just hope this allows me to start the job I was offered in CA!
Shaune, I received an identical letter dating from March 20th 2014. I wonder if it’s a mistake. I called yesterday and spoke with someone in the info department and I ask him to just give me my temp license, which I PAID FOR! When you call the main number, they don’t even pick up anymore. I just call (800)838-6828 and bother the hell out of them. Hopefully it pays off!
I don’t know if it’s a mistake…I think they are really losing stuff in the chaos! But thanks for the number – I’ll give it a call and see what happens.
This week I finally received the fingerprint cards. I requested them early February and then, three weeks later, I requested them again. So it took almost 2 months for me to get them from my original request. Just wanted to let people who maybe wondering how long it will take. At this point, I have decided to do the LiveScan since I will be in California in about 2 weeks. I am hoping that will be a lot faster. Good luck everyone and let’s keep each other updated! Great blog!
Hi Kyle,
It’s been a while since I’ve posted here. I hope you don’t mind a respectful vent. I sent my request for transcripts in November 2013. When I finally talked to someone on the phone at the Board in January 2014, I was told my transcripts had been received. Yesterday I received a letter from the Board stating they have not received my transcripts from the university I received my nursing degree. I just contacted that university, and they confirmed they sent those to the Board on November 22nd. I’m so frustrated as it looks like the Board lost my transcripts. Again, to all who are looking to apply here in California, please do NOT think any of the process at this time will go smoothly. =(
Thanks for making this blog! I’m making my move from IL to Cali by September so I started my application yesterday. I have a few questions. It says it can take up to a couple weeks to get those fingerprint cards. How long should I wait to resubmit a request for the fingerprint cards if I have not received it? Also when I do receive the cards, do I send both of them? Form only asks for one.
Also I will be going to California May 17th, I’m wondering if I should just do the Livescan process since it will take 2 weeks to receive my fingerprint cards + processing time (2-3 months) + chance of error, or do both??
Greetings!
Reading through the posted contributions and responses, I realize that at least one contributor has been waiting for 5 months for his/her license applied for via endorsement to no avail.
I had sent my application for endorsement on February 10th and realize that it is still too early to inquire about its status, especially since the CBON issued a statement requesting everyone to wait 90 days before starting inquiries.
Since February 7th, as per your earlier post, has anyone visited the CBON to find out why there has been so much delay processing license applications?
Why is it only happening with the CBON while other Boards of Nursing in other states do not seem to be having the same difficulty? Is there a way to hold Boards of Nursing accountable for such inefficiency?
Please advise. Thank you.
Steve, RN BSN
Hey Steve,
You might be interested in our blog post covering the delays in obtaining a California nursing license by endorsement. We hope you find this information useful and we hope you receive your license soon!
Thank you, Kyle. I certainly hope so. From the looks of it, however, I’m not holding my breath. Needless to say, the situation is utterly unacceptable? By any chance, have you been able to pay them a visit yet? Are there any other updates save for the ones provided for in the blog posts you pointed me to? I strongly feel that there should be a system in place to advocate for professional nurses. The inadequacies of the BON severely impact our lives, income, and stability. We are held to a high standard that not even the BON is able to uphold for itself. They have all of us by the balls, so to speak. Pardon the French.
Hello,
I sent in my application in the beginning of Feb. They have not even cashed my check yet and I’m understanding it’s 90 days from that point. How long did it take/ does it take for them to cash your check? Is there any way to check if my background check has even processed or if there was a problem with the fingerprints? Was I supposed to send my fingerprints somewhere other than CBON?
Please help, I’m getting really nervous.
Not to worry, I sent in my application on November 8, 2013, they ddin’t cash my check until December 26. I still haven’t even received my temporary license! This was an endorsement from FL, and I am also licensed in NV. I went to BON on 3/11 they told me it would be 2 – 3 days. After 7 business days, still nothing. I called them 2 times today, once they told me someone would call me in 5-7 days and then the second call someone told me I would have a temporary license in 24 hours. I hope you are not counting on the license being there soon. The BON states they are taking 90 days with all applicants. If there are any issues out of the ordinary, plan on another 90 days – so total 180 days. This is certainly unacceptable but there is no choice.
At this point they are discouraging people from applying for a temp license. call this # 800-838-6828, they should be able to guide you.
I have been waiting five months for my license via endorsement. Allmy documents are accounted for as of Jan. 6th. IN my many phone calls to the board of nursing I have learned that I have a less than efficient transcript evaluator. I did not initially apply for a temp license but due to the time involved here I am wondering if I should apply for a temp. Will a temp application slow down the process at this point in time? Or confuse the matter even more? I was hoping to take a travel position by July and now I am starting to wonder if this is even remotely possible.
@ Northern IL RN, I applied last November, hoping to take a travel assignment in March this year….here we are. I was told all documents were accounted for on Jan 16th. Been to BON 2 times, they keep promising. I also paid for the temporary license which they were issuing when I applied. I have nothing at all from the BON but a lot of hot air. I hope you are able to accomplish your goal of a travel position in July. I will be in Alaska by then. They are not issuing temporary license any longer at this point in time. They will refund your money supposedly if you paid for one and never received it prior to your permanent license. It could take a long time to get the money back but hey – why not.
Hello, when did you send in your application? How long did it take for them to cash your check? How did you find out all of your documents were correct?
Do not apply for the temp license, it’s basically useless.
I went recently got my temporary. They cashed my check in the end of January. The temporary is just issued if everything is turned in and fingerprints are done but you’re missing transcripts. The best thing to do is goto the office and bug them. I went everyday for 3 weeks. They were taking forever with the temporary and just waiting on my transcripts so I asked for my money back and all the sudden they produced a temp
Hi Kyle!
Fantastic job moderating this, and excellent responses (very helpful). My wife is currently an RN in here in CO, but I just got a job out in San Fran so we plan on moving out that way in the coming months. We are going to go out to Cali for vacation in April and plan to get the LiveScan done then. What do we need to get that done? I saw the LiveScan paperwork you posted, do we just fill that out and bring it in? Could you also elaborate more on why we should go to Sacramento to get it done?
And finally, I know you posted that even with LiveScan ppl are seeing delays, but is it safe to say that going the LiveScan route is still faster than waiting for fingerprints in the mail?
THANK YOU!
Mat
Hey Mat,
Thanks! We’re glad to hear that this information is useful. Congratulations on your new job! At this point, it’s difficult to tell whether or not a Livescan will speed up the processing of your California RN license by endorsement application. However, it’s fair to say that it will dramatically lessen the chance of potential delays. Delays can happen if the FBI and DOJ lag in processing the fingerprint cards, or if the prints are smudged and unreadable. Typically, RNs from out of state would come to Sacramento to get the LiveScan done so they could immediately go to the California Board of Nursing and have their temporary license processed on the spot. However, the board is not offering that service currently. But, you may still want to visit the board to try and ask questions or check on the status of your wife’s application. Yes, to the best of my knowledge, you just fill out the LiveScan form and take to any LiveScan location. At some point, they’ll get the kinks ironed out and get back on track. Maybe that happens before your trip in April…although it sounds unlikely at this point.
We hope this helps!
Thanks Kyle!
That helps a lot! Now I understand the desire for Sacramento, although we will probably avoid the temp license (as you said, they are not taking apps at the moment). Once we get the LiveScan do we have to take the paperwork anywhere else? Or do they forward the paperwork where it needs to go?
Thanks again (so much) for awesome info.
Mat
Thanks and you’re welcome, Mat! The actual results of the Livescan are transmitted from the DOJ to the California Board of Nursing. However, the Baord provides 3 copies of the “Request for Livescan Service” form. One is for the Livescan operator (the people who conduct the Livescan). One is for the applicant (you). One is for the Requesting Agency. To the best of my knowledge, you need to turn this form into the California Board of Nursing. It could be mailed in. But I’d recommend taking all the documents in together. It’s still a mess over there and if things get messed up with your application packet, then it could be very difficult to iron out.
I hope this helps!
Hi Kyle,
My wife applied for her fingerprints only a few weeks ago, and has already received them in the mail. We are planning on going to California mid-April to do the LiveScan, but would it also make sense to submit/mail back the fingerprint cards we received in the mail? Would it just cause confusion if she submitted fingerprints AND we did a LiveScan?
Thanks again for the help!
Mat
Hey Mat,
It’s great to hear that you received the fingerprint cards in a relatively short time frame. Thanks for sharing that information. I think it would be best to just go with the LiveScan. It’s highly unlikely that the results of the traditional fingerprints will be completed before your mid-April trip and the LiveScan results are pretty much immediate. And yes, at this point, doing both could cause confusion given the circumstances.
We have added a new blog post with information on the California RN licensing problems. We will make a best effort to respond to all comments as quickly as we can.
Any word on the delay for the temp licenses? My wife flew in from Maryland last week to get her live scan done in order to speed up the process.
Hello,
I submitted all required information to obtain a California license by endorsement. All that I am left to do is the dreaded fingerprints. I have requested the fingerprint cards and have not received them and, according to this blog, I am not the only one and there are some delays with receiving the cards. At this point, as I continue to wait, I am considering doing the Live Scan. I will be in California for a week in mid-April. Do you think I should do the Live Scan when I visit in April or if I receive the fingerprint cards in the mail in the next few days or weeks go that route?
In addition, when filling out the Live Scan form, it says to fill out the form any where there is an “X.” Since I live in Indiana, I do not have a CA driver’s license so do I just leave that part of the application blank or put “N/A”? In addition, in the eye color and hair color section do I use the abbreviations that are used on the fingerprint cards or just write out the color? Sorry about all the questions, I just want to make sure I do everything right. Thanks in advance.
For sure just do the live scan. You will save yourself some time and frustration.
Great blog! Thanks for all the useful info- Now I’m really freaked out though because I accepted a job in California, gave my 30 day notice at my current job and have a moving company coming 3/24 to pack up my whole family and move us 2500 miles away and I may not be able to start working!
I am coming to California next week March 4- to finalize my work physical- and will get my Live Scan done while I’m there. My endorsement state participates in Nursys and I’ve already requested transcripts be sent- so in theory- all should be speedy- but not from what I’m hearing on here. I’m not sure what to do!
In addition to any advice you may have- Does anyone know if a California Driving License is required for the Live Scan because on the Request for Live Scan Service Application form one of the required areas to be filled out is a ‘California Driver’s License #’. Can anyone tell me from their own experience if I need a Driver’s License # or if I can fill in N/A??
Thanks again,
Hey Dawn,
Thanks and you’re welcome! We’re glad to hear the information is useful. On the plus side, you should not need a California Driver’s License. We have worked with countless travel nurses over the years, all of whom obtained their California RN license by endorsement without a California Driver’s License. On the down side, the current license processing issues at the California Board of Nursing will almost certainly delay your license. WWe can’t be 100% certain, but it’s a disaster over there right now. Employers are aware of the issues and many are willing to wait, but you should communicate with your new employer ASAP. You may want to try and stay on with your current employer a little longer, even if it’s PRN status. This has been going on since October and Lawmakers and employers are beginning to really apply pressure…so hopefully it clears up soon!
Hi Dawn, No problem with having an out of state drivers license when you go to Livescan. I was worried about the same thing as it wasn’t clear on the application if they did accept out of state DLs, but they took my Colorado license. Also, it’s so humbling as I also quit my job thinking it would not be this long to get a license. Now I’m unemployed and looking for ANYTHING to get by as I don’t qualify for unemployment since I did quit voluntarily. I had to go apply for food assistance, too. Very discouraging.
Kyle, I’d like to send a letter to address this. It took me 4 hours to fill out the application, drive to the office, have a face to face meeting and walk out with a food assistance EBT card. But it’s taking from November 2013 until who-knows-when (at least April 2014) to get an RN license! Who is the best person to send a letter to address this problem at state/government level? It’s so frustrating to want to be employed, want to work, could be earning an excellent salary and paying taxes INTO the system. But here I am having to take. =(
Also, the Board of Nursing should acknowledge on their website that they aren’t sending out fingerprint cards by mail. I request mine for 6 weeks before moving, sent follow up emails with no reply, no cards, no phone call. They specifically say they will be delivered within 2 weeks…reality seems to say they aren’t sending them at all. =/
Dawn, I did the Live Scan without a CA drivers license. You do not need one. Additionally, my state participates in the Nursys, and that hasn’t sped up my process any. I really would look into trying to stay on longer with your current job.. Best of luck to you!
Can you tell me where I went wrong?? I was living in Colorado and requested the fingerprint cards. After 6 weeks, they never came, and I moved to California as planned. I did the Livescan on 12/26/13, and confirmed last week by the DoJ that all was well. I sent my application in, and have been told all documents have been received, but my fingerprints/background has not been “associated” with my application yet, and this will take 90 DAYS from the time they received my application. I sent my application on 12/27/13 – they acknowledged receiving it on 1/28/14. The whole process has been frustrating…starting in November 2013 and being told I probably won’t hear anything until the end of April 2014. This is nothing like the process you’ve described. Is there anything I can do at this point to obtain my license any sooner???
Hey Shaune,
It doesn’t sound like you did anything wrong. Unfortunately, the California Board of Nursing has been experiencing difficulties with BreEZe, a new online licensing and enforcement system, since the system was implemented in October. We’ve tried to communicate the impact where applicable in this blog post and will continue to provide updates as we receive them. We are unable to confidently provide any guidance or recommendations as the process is currently broken.
Thank you for the feedback, Kyle. This blog was a relief just to see I wasn’t alone in this. Thanks for keeping us posted!
You’re welcome, Shaune! We’re glad to hear the blog has been helpful. We’ll continue to provide updates as we receive them.
So Sorry the above comment was for Carrie & Rach
I was just wondering if you applied for a temp license or not, and if so have you gotten them yet and how long did it take to get them? I have a job that I’m very interested in and they want me in CA ASAP but I did not think it was such a hassle to get license. So any advice would be great! Thanks.
I was initially told that it would take almost as long to get the temp license as it was to get the permanent. But that was before this 90 day wait came into effect, so I wonder if it will delay getting a temp license, too?
Yes, from what I understand, temporary licenses are delayed too.
Yes, that is true, temporary license are delayed, they are taking the 90 days. Additionally, I was told by the department of Consumer Affairs that they are not answering their phones. The department of Consumer Affairs are assisting the BON with the application process and phone calls. It would seem that somewhere along the line, someone would step in to resolve this very frustrating issue that seems to be affecting many peoples lives in a negative way.
Hi Shaune, I applied for a CA license in January 14 (temp & perm). I finally got the chance to speak with someone at the BRN on Friday and was told that ” if I had called before applying, they would have told me to not even worry about the temp license because I might receive my permanent license before the temp”. My check wasn’t cashed until February, according to him, so I have to wait until May. Shame on me, I already moved my family to CA and I will probably forfeit my job offer 🙁
ILRN…so they are still saying 90 days after checks are cashed? My plan is to move from Illinois to California in July and my check has not been cashed yet (it’s just been 4 weeks since I mailed everything). I too applied for the temp, so I guess I wasted my money. What I really need to know is if my fingerprint cards are good enough, if not I will need to do livescan when I visit next month. This whole process is making me nervous as if the move isn’t nerve wrecking enough!
Cecily, I was told it is 90 days from the day they cash in your check. I was in California in early January on vacation and did the livescan then. I suggest you do the same when visiting. On the board’s website they have a list of approved vendor. It’s a very easy process.
Let me know how everything goes.
Hey Lorna,
We are receiving reports that the California Board of Nursing is currently recommending against applying for a Temporary License. Due the technical difficulties they are experiencing with their new online licensing and enforcement system, they are experiencing major delays in processing all licenses. We’ll try and get some additional information up here ASAP.
Thanks everyone for the advice. I’m thinking about taking an assignment in South Carolina since it’s a walk through state and hopefully I will have CA license by the time I’m done with that assignment.
Hello Lorna, I did apply for the temp license, and I’ve been told I still need to wait the 90 days. So at this point, the temp license seems very useless, to be honest. Thankfully I’m blessed to be in a position where my job is willing to wait. So I’m not quitting my current job until I have my CA license in hand. That would be my advise to most. You don’t want to be without a paycheck for an unknown amount of time. One thing I have learned is that there is a CA statute that gives the BRN up to 120 days to process requests. Even then, I have low expectations… 😉 Just clarify with your job about their willingness to wait. This is a statewide problem, not just you!
I sent in my CA RN endorsement application in late November 2013, came to the Board in person December 12, 2013 with livescan items in tow, and today, February 17, I still don’t have a license. I have been calling the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Board of RNs, and the Governor’s office twice weekly since the last week in January to no avail. I am seriously considering going back to Sacramento this week and maybe getting the local news involved. My job was supposed to begin two weeks ago. Anyone in a similar predicament and interested in coming with me?
Carrie, Im in a very similar predicament with a job that is to start soon. I submitted my application with live scan in mid-December. I contacted the office early Feb as I still had received nothing. They said my check wasnt cashed till Jan 21 and I should receive my license within 90 days. I’m as frustrated as you since that leaves me in limbo with not knowing when to quit my current job and move cross country. I’m considering going to Sacramento too just to see if that would speed up the process.
Going to the CA BON won’t likely help. I went there about a week ago. They have had my application since late December. Now, they have all the paperwork necessary and said license would be issued in 2 – 3 days, we are on business day 7 now and still nothing. I called and was told just keep checking online. They don’t even process their mail for 4 weeks. So, if your application was received the first week March, it will not get processed until the first week of April – then you can expect at least 3 months before you hear anything. Very frustrating indeed.
Carrie,
Do you know when the California Board of Nursing cashed your application check? They are claiming it will take 90 days from the date that your check was cashed for the license to be active, assuming everything was received. We’re sorry to hear of the delay and hope it works out soon!
since I live out of state of California, I have already sent a request for manual fingerprint card one month ago but still I have not received the card. Do you know how long does it take?
Ashley,
It’s very tough to answer any timing questions at this time due to the unusual circumstances facing the California Board of Nursing. Under normal circumstances, I’d say you should have definitely received those fingerprint cards by now. All requests for both new licenses and licenses by endorsement are backed up due to the technical issues they’re experiencing. We wish we could provide more detailed information and we’d love to hear back from you regarding how this turns out for you.
Hi Kyle, thanks your information is great. I thought CA required a couple courses for the licensure. Like child abuse or something else? do you know about this?
Thanks, Angela
Hello Angela,
I’m not aware that California requires any specific courses for obtaining a license by endorsement.
Thanks,
Kyle
Ashley,
The only time I can conceive of the CA BORN requiring applicants to complete additional coursework is when his/her original/other state(s) of licensure has/have filed an injunction against him/her. Let’s say, for instance, the there may have been a violation of sorts against not reporting a suspected abuse, or filing paperwork with false/inaccurate information…then he/she will be found to be of violation and be ordered to take a course in nursing jurisprudence. Most courses take a day or two to complete. After completing the course, the nurse may also be asked to pay a “fine” before that particular state’s BORN releases his/her license for endorsement into other states. Fines are mostly minimal, but the courses are not cheap. Always take courses from an approved BORN provided within the state that files an injunction against your license. Hopefully, this situation is not the case you are facing. Nonetheless, it should be helpful information to many who might be facing the same predicament.
When in doubt, always go directly to the BORN as having to wait long hours in the phone only to be given inaccurate information that could lead to an injunction on your RN License is NOT worth it. Also, when you do get such an advise, WRITE it down and have the person giving you the advise review it with you before you ask him/her to sign it; that way you protect yourself from being found in violation of any of the State BORN rules.
‘ Hope this helps.
Hi Kyle
I had done all paper formalities it’s been 4 months. Also want to apply for ARNP license. I m totally confused as what to do. It seems like never ending wait BTW how is the ARNP market there I m boards certified adult ARNP
Thx
Hey Smiley,
4 months is much too long and indicates that the board is missing required information or there is some other problem. Please follow this link to check the status of your pending California RN license to see what the board says.
The market for ARNPs is sound in California!
Thanks!
Hey Smiley,
Do you know when the California Board of Nursing cashed your check? They are claiming it will take 90 days from the date they cashed the check.
Hi
I have received my temporary RN license and it expires in March. I had tried to call BON but always busy signal. How will it take for me to receive my permanent RN license. ? Also I want apply for ARNP license and I have take my national certification exam and they have sent my passing score to CA BON
Any ideas?? What to do
Thx
Smiley
Hey Smiley,
Thanks for the questions. I believe the California Board of Nursing quotes 4-6 weeks for a permanent license to be issued, assuming they receive all the required paperwork. Delays can occur for several reasons, but most delays for permanent licenses are due to problems with transcripts and fingerprints (although they should already have your fingerprints taken care of if you have a temp license). You should be able to check the status of your California nursing license on the license verification system. What’s the status there?
My apologies, but I’m unable to discern what steps you’ve taken to apply for your NP license. Have you completed the application and submitted the rest of the required paperwork? If so, are you able to check the status on verification website?
Thanks again!
Hi,
I will be applying for a temporary and permanent RN license by endorsement. Does anyone know if I can submit finger print cards from my local police department rather than waiting for the cards to arrive from California? The finger print cards appear to have all of the same information. Also, do I need to submit 2 copies or 1?
Thank you!
Hey Liz,
I hope all is well. To obtain your California RN license, the board needs 2 fingerprint cards because one goes to the DOJ and the other goes to the FBI. Unfortunately, I’m not 100% certain about whether you can use fingerprint cards from your local police department. I attempted to contact the California Board of Nursing but was unable to get through. I’ll try again when able and update this comment if I’m able to get through. However, my gut tells me that you need to use the cards provided by the California Board of Nursing. I spoke with a local fingerprinting business who explained that many State of California governmental bodies require obtaining fingerprint cards from the body. The cards are then pre-printed with required information and sent to the requester. They do this to avoid processing issues on their end. They were uncertain as to whether or not the Board of Nursing had this same requirement. We’ll do our best to find out though. Hope this information helps and good luck!
Hi Kyle,
Thanks for all this information. I sent in my application last week with only 1 fingerprinting card. I did receive two from the board but figured this was in case of smudging or any other problems as I read nothing in the application about submitting two. In fact, it specifically states “All applicants for licensure by endorsement are required to complete and submit one (1) set of
fingerprints.” Where did you find that we need to submit two? Should I go have the other card done and send it in as well?
I also had a question regarding verification. I am a travel nurse and currently hold a license in Texas (my home state), Massachusetts, and a temporary in Washington. Do I need to verify all of these through Nursys or just my Texas license?
Thanks so much,
Megan
Hey Megan,
This information was provided by a local fingerprinting service. However, a thorough review of the California Board of Nursing Endorsement Application indicates that you only need one fingerprint card. You should be fine. My apologies for the confusion. I’ll make a trip in there this week to ensure this information is correct.
Also, according to the Endorsement Application, you should only need to submit one license verification from a state in which you hold a current, active license. I’ll ask about this too and report back.
Hi there,
All the information here are helpful.
I am concern with my application. I’m planning to endorse my license from IL to CA, and I am an international graduate. I red different forums relating to the required subjects/units to take for foreign graduates before they take NCLEX in CA. Any idea if I still need to take that requirements tho I’m already an RN from other state (IL)? Thanks
Hey Joseph,
Unfortunately, I don’t have that much experience with foreign educated nurses. However, the “CALIFORNIA BOARD OF REGISTERED NURSING
APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE AS A REGISTERED NURSE” states the following:
ALSO:
These instructions imply that you will not need to take the requirements. While there are additional hoops that you must jump through, it appears that the board will honor the fact that you met the requirements in another state.
I hope this helps!
I have practiced nursing and have a current RN license for over 20 yrs in a different State than where I took my exam and obtained my original license. My active license is in a state that is part of nursys verification, however the state I received my original license is not (WV), and has to be completed through snail mail. I am planning a trip to Sacremento just to complete the live scan and obtain a temp license. Do they have to receive verification of my original license prior to granting me a temp license? Also, I received an ADN at one college, became an RN and went back to school for my BSN. Do they need transcripts from both degrees before I can get a license? Just want to make sure I have everything in order before making the trip. Thanks for your help.
Hi Jacqueline,
I’m not 100% certain, but I believe you should be able to get your temporary California RN license with the Nursys verification for your active license. The guidelines from the California State Board of Nursing state, “Proof of clear and active RN license from state of endorsement”…So, the license must be active and it doesn’t say anything specific about requiring your original license. Also, they do not require your college transcripts to get your temporary license. However, they need all transcripts before granting the permanent license.
Quick question now that there is no walk thru can you still get the temporary without transcripts?
Thanks for the question, Courtney. Yes, you could get a temporary license without transcripts the last time I checked. Again, if you are able to be present at the BON in Sacramento, CA, then you can have your temporary license very quickly by getting Livescan fingerprints completed (the results are received almost instantly). If you are not able to be present, then it will be unlikely that obtaining a temporary license will save much time. This is because the results for standard fingerprints typically take much longer than transcripts.
I’m traveling to Sacremento next week , and wonder if you have the names of Livescans near the BON.
Thanks so much for your help.
The BON is at 1747 N Market Blvd Sacramento, CA 95834. The closest live scan location is at America’s Testing Center, 4105 South Market Court Sacramento, CA 95834. Telephone number (916)215-7299. You can also google the following: live scan locations Sacramento for a more options. I hope this helps!
i just recently submitted my application for endorsement from Illinois.. Its been 4 weeks and i still havent received anything.. i was wondering if i also need to submit my lpn transcript.. I only submitted my RN transcript from a community college.. How can check the status of my license if i am missing something or not
Thanks for the info, I just wish I would have read it before I submitted my application. I did it the snail mail way and paid extra for the temp license and now I’m waiting in limbo for the temp license to be issued. Now that I’m reading that this can still take a while, I’m considering taking a trip to Cali to submit my livescan fingerprint to expedite this process. I live in KY so this will be expensive with hotel and airfare but it may be worth it if I can start working quicker. I just need to know if I can submit livescan fingerprints if I have already submitted the paper fingerprint board.
Thanks,
Hey Katrina, You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear you found the information useful. I believe that you should be able to come to California, complete the LiveScan, take the results to the CBON, and receive your temporary license. According to their document titled “Minimum Requirements for a Temporary License When Applying at the Board Office” (http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/applicants/tlcounter.pdf)
“If you mailed your endorsement application and Temporary License request to the BRN and you now wish to obtain a Temporary License at the BRN office, please be advised that the BRN must receive and process the fingerprint results from the DOJ and the FBI prior to issuance of the Temporary License.”
It sounds like they’re saying they must receive and process fingerprint results prior to issuing a temporary. A LiveScan would therefore suffice because the results are immediate.
That said, I recommend contacting them to get their verbal assurance before flying out. I know it’s difficult to get through, but if you keep hitting redial, you’ll get through to someone eventually.
I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Can i book a one day flight to sacramento, complete a livescan, submit my application and then do the transcripts/nursys after, or do i need to have the transcripts/nursys at the time I submit my application?
Hey Aliza, Good question. I believe you can complete the livescan and application first and then take care of the transcripts and nursys later. Of course, they will not issue the license until the transcripts and nursys are received. That said, I’d still recommend taking care of the nursys verification first. It should be very quick and easy. That way, you can get a temporary license when you visit California while they wait for your transcripts to issue the permanent license. Please let me know if there are any questions.
Thank You. I have completed the nursys verification and will hope to get transcripts done this week. I have an early AM flight from Denver to Sacramento (returning same day in the late evening). I contacted the nearest place that does livescan and they said they see nurses coming in for one day to get the temp license. As for the transcripts, I was wondering if you knew whether the transcripts will hold me up for the temp license issuing. As i understand it,they require transcripts prior to issuing the temp license- is this correct? This will be my 3rd assignment and I am TRYING very hard to get the temporary license, complete interviewing, drug screen, housing and relocating by the orientation date of 5/22.
Thanks for the info, very helpful
You’re very welcome! To the best of my knowledge, transcripts are required for temporary licenses only for those who received their education from outside the US. Here is a link for the minimum requirements for temporary license: http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/applicants/tlcounter.pdf
Note that it only references transcripts under “Out-of-Country Education”.
That said, we maybe able to confirm this on Monday during the Board’s normal business hours. Will this be in time for your flight?
Hi there,
Very accurate information, as I just applied to CA by endorsement yesterday. I’ve mailed my university the request for transcript form as well. I am hoping to have my CA licence by April. All I have left to do is, like you mentioned, is that dreaded fingerprinting. Currently I live and work in another state. I am visiting my boyfriend in San Francisco in early March and was planning on doing the Livescan fingerprinting while I’m there. Do you think this will work out ok?
Hey Brazi1nut!
I’m glad you found the information useful. Yes, I believe that you should be able to take care of the Livescan when you visit in March. I recommend trying to get the Livescan form prior to your visit in March, just to make it easier and avoid a run-around. Then, you should be able to find a LiveScan provider somewhere in San Francisco. I don’t believe that they’ll send the LiveScan form out of state, but I do believe that you can request it be sent to your boyfriend’s address. However, I’m not certain. Please let us know if you find out. Worst case…you can make a trip to the nursing board in Sacramento. The drive is less than 2 hours from San Francisco. Let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or updates!!
Great info!! Sharing it now…
Thanks, Gypsy Nurse! I hope all is well.