California, where the sun shines brighter and dreams run wilder- it’s not just a vacation spot but a dream place for travel nurses. Imagine you’re waking up to golden beaches, towering mountains and a salary that is as impressive as the view. But there is one hurdle that stands between you and the dream travel nursing destination: the California Nursing License. However, in this blog, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a California nursing license and outline the requirements. So, let’s dig in.
Step-by-step guide on how to get a California nurse license?
California is a dream place for travel nurses because of its high pay, lifestyle, diverse patient population, etc.
Check your current nursing license
- Your nursing license should be active.
- There are no disciplinary actions on your record.
- You have graduated from a recognized nursing program, such as BSN OR ADN.
Apply for California licensure
- Go to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) website.
- Complete the application for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Pay the fee which is around $200.
- Upload official transcripts from your nursing program.
- Submit proof of your active RN license from your home state.
Complete fingerprinting and background check
- Go to the Live Scan location and pay the fee, which is around $70.
- The California board of Registered Nursing will review results and issue your California license.
Additional California nurse license requirements
- Complete continuing education requirements (CE)
- Proof of tuberculosis immunization.
Waiting for your license
The processing time varies, but typically it takes 10 to 12 weeks
Can I apply for a temporary California nurse license?
Yes, you can apply for a temporary California Nurse License. This helps you work in California until you get your permanent California nurse license. A temporary California nursing license is valid up to 6 monthsÂ
What documents are required for a California RN endorsement application?
Some of the documents required for the California RN endorsement application are as follows:
- Accurately completed application for licensure by endorsement (RN).
- Verification of current active RN license,
- Official transcripts from you nursing school, graduation degree and date.
- Fingerprint and background check.
- Proof of US work status such as US citizenship, permanent residency or work authorization.
- English proficiency
- Temporary license request or court or legal documents if you have any criminal history.
- Sometimes, the recent work history.
How long does it take to get a California nursing temporary license and a California nursing permanent license?
The time varies for the California registered nurse permanent license and the California registered nurse temporary license.
Permanent license: 10 to 12 weeks.
Temporary license: 2 to 3 weeks.
What are the factors that can affect the California nurse license time?
Some of the factors that affect California nurse licensing time are as follows:
- Fingerprinting method
- Application completeness
- Background checks
Does California accept a compact nursing license (NLC)?
No, California is not a compact state, and you have to apply for separate nursing license.
What is the application fee for obtaining a registered nurse license in California?
When applying through the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). ( source: Applicant Fingerprint Information)
- RN examination (California graduate): $300
- RN Examination (Graduate from Another State, District, or U.S. Territory): $350
- RN examination (International Graduate): $750
- RN Endorsement (RN from Another State, District, or U.S. Territory): $350
- RN Endorsement (International RN): $750
Some additional fees that you might pay are:
- Temporary RN license
- Manual Fingerprint Card Processing
- Verification of RN Licensure
- Verification of California RN Licensure
- Certified Copy of School Transcript
- Copy of NCLEX-RN Results
- Duplicate Certificate
- Interim Permit
Conclusion
Your dream destination is waiting for you; with the right steps and guidance, you can get your California nursing license. Even if your nursing license is taking time, you can always apply for a temporary California nursing license so you can start working as soon as possible. Keep in mind a permanent California license takes up to 10 -12 weeks and a temporary California license takes up to 2 to 3 weeks. If you are a travel nurse who are looking for best assignments in California, then join SkillGigs now and start bidding on the best nursing jobs in California and start earning your dream salary.
