Compact State

[Duncan]

Is it relatively easy to take the California State license/certification and travel to other states? When I was learning about the licensing process I was told that certain states had reciprocal agreements with other states (like with drivers licenses). Does California have such an agreement ?

[cougarnurse]

I know this thread is a bit old.....but I did list the states that are currently (as of December '07) Compact License States. They are listed in the State Forums. Hope this helps, Duncan!

'Cat'

[AmandaWIRN]

California is NOT a compact state, so your California license is not transferable to other states. If you google "nursing compact", the first site that comes up shows a map of all the Nursing compact states.

[rnphil]

Hi, I am new to this site and was just reading through the thread about compact licensing. So California is not a compact state. If my license is in a compact state and I want to work in California as a nurse, then I'd have to take the California licensure exam again?

Thanks.

[cougarnurse]

No, you wouldn't have to take the test again. Click on the 'sticky' regarding the CA State BON, and that will help you.

'Cat'

[AmandaWIRN]

Originally Posted by rnphil

Hi, I am new to this site and was just reading through the thread about compact licensing. So California is not a compact state. If my license is in a compact state and I want to work in California as a nurse, then I'd have to take the California licensure exam again?

Thanks.

You do not have to take the exam again- you apply for licensure by endorsement- involves a lot of paperwork, getting fingerprints taken, a background check, transcripts sent from your nursing school, and paying a fee...

[rnphil]

Ok thanks, you guys! Does anyone know how long the processing of the licensure by endorsement takes?

[cougarnurse]

If you have all your information together, shouldn't take too long.

[onetraveler]

Originally Posted by rnphil

Ok thanks, you guys! Does anyone know how long the processing of the licensure by endorsement takes?

Some states in a week others can be several weeks. Just depends.

[AmandaWIRN]

Endorsement in CA can take several weeks if you do it by mail, but CA is a walk-through state, meaning if you have ALL of your documents in order, you can go to the board of nursing office in Sacramento and get your temporary license the same day. I did the walk-through and it took about an hour. Make SURE you have EVERYTHING before you go- all of the required paperwork, your transcripts sent ahead of time from your school of nursing, verification of your current license from your home state's board of nursing, LiveScan fingerprints done ahead of time.... the CA board of nursing's website provides detailed instructions on the walk-through process.