NURSE PRACTICE IN USA?

This talks about the normal processes that foreign educated Registered Nurses must undergo before they are licensed to practice nursing in USA. Contents
RN EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS NCLEX-RN EXAMS. RN RECRUITING AGENCIES /US-BASED EMPLOYER. RN ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST. RN IMMIGRANT VISA/GREEN CARD. RN VISA INTERVIEW AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION RN JOB OFFER AND EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION. RN RESUSCITATION CERTIFICATION: ACLS/BLS PALS, ETC. Reference: 2. TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING: www.bon.state.tx.us : Additional Requirements/Information for Online and Paper Process. Aug.12 2008 LinkCitationEmailPrint FavoriteCollect this page

With the persistent shortage of Registered Nurses in US hospitals, the trend of foreign educated nurses relocating to USA seemed to have come to stay. Each year, thousands of international Registered Nurses move to United States; the majority of these nurses coming from the Philippines, India and Canada. The transition from international RN (Registered Nurse) to US RN is virtually a process, and this process could take a few months to a couple of years to accomplish.

RN EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The first step is the completion of an accredited registered nursing program and being a licensed and practicing RN for at least two years. If you have not worked for a minimum of two (2) years after RN education, most state boards will not license you until you complete an FEN (Foreign Educated Nurses) refresher course consisting of 120 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse. Your international RNs training program must also meet the USs minimum educational requirement for registered nursing. You can now submit a completed application form to the state board of nursing under which you intend to practice. Accompanying your application are criminal

background check report, photo, application fee, and an original training transcript for evaluation. The transcript must be sent in by your college directly to the state board of nursing on your behalf. If your RN training was not in English, an unabridged original and certified original translated transcript(s) are required. Some state boards do not do transcript evaluation. You will therefore be required to send your RN education transcript(s) to evaluation companies for CES (course evaluation service). Most boards accept CES from the CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools), the ERES (Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc.) or the IERF (International Education Research Foundation, Inc.).

NCLEX-RN EXAMS.
The prerequisites for registration for NCLEX-RN vary from one state board of nursing to another. For applicants whose training was not in English, most state boards of nursing require a pass in the required English test before registration for NCLEX-RN; and some states also require a pass in the CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) exam as a prerequisite for NCLEX-RN examination registration. Results/verification of the above tests and licenses must be sent directly to the board by the concerned organization. Once your application for the exam is approved, you then register with Pearson VUE (virtual university enterprises) and choose a suitable date and location to take the exam. You will also pay a fee to Pearson VUE. They will then send you an ATT (authorization to test), which is a pass to the exam room. The required identification documents on the day of testing will also be communicated to you. When you become successful in NCLEX-RN exam, your name and license number is posted on the website of your state board of nursing, but if unsuccessful, the board will write to you indicating your weaknesses with regard to the RN test plan.

RN RECRUITING AGENCIES /US-BASED EMPLOYER.

You can decide to handle the entire international RN to US RN process by yourself or seek the help of an RN recruiter.

Not only does the foreign educated RN to US RN transition exercise require time and resources, some professionalism may be needed too. That is where the role of an RN recruiting company or agency comes in. An RN recruiting agency also passes for a US based employer, an important requirement for your immigrant visa. Most RN agencies only play the role of a USbased employer by helping you secure an immigrant visa as well as find you an RN job in their client hospitals. A few agencies however have a more extensive package; they support and finance the entire relocation process from NCLEX-RN exam through RN job search to a suitable accommodation. You must as well be cautious of the bad and exploiting RN agencies.

RN ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST.

The international registered nurse is supposed to pass an English language proficiency test before NCLEX-RN/CGFNS exam (if so required by the state board) and or for the acquisition of a visa screen certificate. Below is a list of the required English tests and their respective pass marks. The registered nurse can write any of the following exams: Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL): [pass mark: 540 for Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL), iBT (internet based testing) : Test of English for international communication (TOEIC): [pass mark:725] International English language testing system (IELTS): [pass mark:7.0 overall paper/pencil version, or 207 for computerized version. [pass mark: 83

(academic module) Most RN recruiting agencies however prefer that that their RNs take either IELTS or TOEFL for their English tests. Some foreign educated RNs are exempted from the English test on condition that they meet the three criteria below: 1. The country of nursing education was : United kingdom Australia New Zealand

Canada, except Quebec (however, some schools from Quebec fall

under this exemption. Please check with CGFN or the board of nursing of your state). Ireland republic. 2. The language of RN training instruction was English language. 3. The textbooks of RN training were in English language.

RN IMMIGRANT VISA/GREEN CARD.

Having passed NCLEX-RN and or CGFNS, the next step is the immigrant visa processing for the RN and family (children over 21years excluded). The two most important documents at this stage are: 1. Evidence of US-based employer who will be the petitioner for your immigrant visa. An RN recruiting agency passes for this position. 2. Visa screen certificate (VSC): this document is issued by ICHP (International Commission on Healthcare Professional), a division of CGFNS. The acquisition of the VSC requires an evidence of having passed the required English test, verification of your newly acquired US RN license, verification of your original RN license, RN training transcript, college/university education transcript(s) and high school certificate/transcript. The above documents must be sent in directly to ICHP/CGFNS on your behalf by the issuing authority. The RN recruiting agency/employer then goes ahead to petition USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service) for an immigrant visa for you and your beneficiaries.

RN VISA INTERVIEW AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION

If your immigrant visa petition is approved, USCIS sends your file to NVC (National Visa Center) for processing, and once NVC is done, your file is forwarded to the nearest US embassy where your visa is going to be issued.

At the same time, you will receive a package from NVC and this package will state your appointment date for the visa interview, and who and what must accompany you to the embassy. The package also indicates a list of designated panel physicians and their contacts where you can do your visa medical exam. Details of the medical exam may differ from region to region. The medical exam usually comprises of physical examination, vaccination, HIV/AIDS screen test, syphilis screen test and may involve stool test and chest x-ray. On rare occasions, however, an existing medication condition or upon the specific instructions from the embassy to proof a particular case, a bone age test, specialists report and DNA test could be part of your medical examination. The duration of your immigrant visa processing could vary from a few months to a year or, even, years; and there are various factors that could cause a delay in visa processing. Having successfully gone through the visa interview and medical exam you could receive your visa a few hours or week(s) after the visa interview.

RN JOB OFFER AND EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION.

Usually, your employer/RN agency would have secured you an RN position with one of their client hospitals before the visa interview. To do this requires the RNs resume and RNs specialtys checklist. You will also do an employment medical examination. Details of this examination will depend on the requirements by the assigned hospital. The exam usually involves physical examination, vaccination and TB screen test. A drug screen test will also be done on your arrival in USA.

RN RESUSCITATION CERTIFICATION: ACLS/BLS PALS, ETC.

Final but equally important requirement before practicing nursing in USA is the certification for ACLS/BLS, PAL etc. The type of resuscitation certification required will depend on your area of practice, and hospital policies. You can acquire these certificates before arriving in USA, but make sure the provider of these courses is AHA (American heart association) accredited. Having met all the above, the international RN is set to start orientation and practicing as a US RN.

For further information about the international RN relocating and practicing in USA, visit the below web sites: 1. www.ncsbn.org 2. www.cgfns.org 3. www.transitional-rn.com

Reference:
1. CGFNS: www.cgfns.org : English language proficiency exam.Aug.12 2008

2. TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING: www.bon.state.tx.us : Additional Requirements/Information for Online and Paper Process. Aug.12 2008
1) What is RN Indias mission? .....RN Indias mission is to recruit the finest registered nurses from India for healthcare .....facilities throughout the United States. 2) How is RN India different from other international healthcare staffing providers? .....Specialists .....We only recruit Indian nurses and we know the process inside out. .....Local Expertise .....We have a deep understanding of the Indian healthcare system. .....Our expansive network of recruiting offices & training partners throughout .....India is central to our business and client fulfillment strategy. .....Comprehensive Services .....We manage the entire nurse procurement process including .....recruitment, certification, immigration, licensing & orientation. .....Experience .....We recruit nurses for the largest hospital groups in the U.S. .....Quality, Speed & Reliability .....All of our nursing candidates are qualified and ready to work when they arrive ..... at your facility. We guarantee delivery time & satisfaction with each and ..... every nurse. 3) How do I find nurses halfway around the world? .....At RN India, we are continuously recruiting qualified Indian nurses who aspire .... to work in the United States. RN India operates a number of recruitment and training

.....centers throughout India that prepare Indian nurses for the certification and language.....exams required for immigration to the U.S. We also have programs in the Gulf and..........the United Kingdom to assist nurses in those countries that are seeking employment .....opportunities in the U.S. Therefore, we always have a large supply of nursing ..... .....candidates seeking .jobs in the U.S.

4) How do I interview someone so far away? .....RN India will provide you with resumes, skills checklists and electronic profiles of.....prescreened nursing candidates with excellent language and clinical skills. If you are.....looking for a few nurses, RN India can coordinate phone interviews between the..........selected candidates and your facilitys representative. If youre planning to hire a..... .....large group of nurses, RN India will arrange for face to face interviews between the .....selected nurses and your facilitys representative at a convenient location abroad. .....We also have a Registered Nurse on board with extensive international .....recruitment experience who can interview and hire candidates that meet your .....facilitys specific requirements.

5) What are the minimum qualifications of your nursing candidates? .....All of our candidates have a B.Sc. or Diploma in Nursing, a current nursing license .....from their home country, 1 year of acute care experience and fluency English, and..........active nursing licenses which allow them to practice in the United States. 6) How can I be certain that the candidates credentials are real? .....The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) was estab.....lished in the late 1960s with a commitment to protect the public by ensuring that .....nurses educated in countries other than the United States are eligible and .....qualified to meet licensure and other practice requirements in the U.S. When a .....candidate has completed the CGFNS Certification program, you can be certain .....that their credentials are valid,their education is equivalent to a nursing education .....in the U.S. .....In addition, each state board of nursing conducts an independent review of the .....candidates education and license to make sure the candidate meets the minimum .....requirements to practice in that state. 7) Which work visa is available for Indian nurses seeking employment in America? .....An Indian nurse can live and work in the U.S.permanently with an employment .....based third preference immigrant visa (Green Card). Once a healthcare facility .....sponsors a nurse for the Green Card, he or she can arrive in the US and start .....working in 8-12 months. RN India also sponsors nurses for immigrant visas, which..........reduces the time that facilitys have to wait for nurses to arrive. 8) How long will it take for RN Indias nurses to arrive in America and start working? .....In the case where RN India is the sponsor, the nursing candidates are presented 2-3..........months before arrival and will be ready for employment within 90 days of selection. .....In the case where the facility is the sponsoring entity, the candidates can immediately.....commence the visa process and can arrive and start working at your facility in 8-12.....months.

9) Who will handle the immigration paperwork?

.....At RN India, we have immigration attorneys on board who file the immigration .....paperwork with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS). .....Once the application is approved by BCIS, the final visa processing will begin at .....the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in India. RN Indias attorneys will guide the nurse .....the nurses family members throughout the consular process. .....Knowing which forms to use, what information to supply, what supporting .....documents to attach, where to file the documents and what to do if there is a .....request for additional evidence are all critical to the process. These steps can .....be a nightmare for someone who is not familiar with U.S. immigration laws and .....procedures. .....Having immigration attorneys handle these procedures will decrease your burden .....substantially, leaving you free to address your facilitys current staffing needs.

10) What if the Nurse seeks employment elsewhere after arrival? .....In exchange for the sponsorship (either direct or through RN India), the nurse is .....obligated to work for your facility for predetermined period of time. The nurses ..... .....typically sign a 24-36 month employment agreement in exchange for assistance with.....various immigration, licensure and travel costs. RN India will ensure that the nurses.....are provided with a comprehensive relocation and acculturation program, which ..... .....often results in candidates staying well beyond the initial term of the assignment.

11) How much will an RN India nurse cost our facility? .....Our recruitment programs are extremely cost-effective and tailored to meet the ..... .....needs of your facility. In fact, most healthcare facilities save well over $30,000 per.....nurse by using our services. Please call client services toll free at (866) RN-INDIA to.....find out more about our pricing and staffing solutions.

12) How much does RN India charge nurses for its services? .....We do not charge our nurses any fees at any point in the process. This allows us .....to attract hundreds of qualified nursing candidates into our program. .........

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Applicant Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions Prior Convictions and Disciplinary Actions Questions

Applicant General Questions

Click on a question Below to view the answer:

1. How do I become a Registered Nurse (RN) in California? 2. How can I inquire as to the status of my application? 3. What is the Fingerprint Requirement? 4. After submission of my application, how long does it take to receive my eligibility to take the examination? 5. What is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)? 6. How much does it cost to register for the NCLEX-RN examination? 7. I have registered to take the examination. When will I receive my Authorization to Test (ATT)? 8. Where can I take the NCLEX-RN examination? 9. How long does it take to receive my test results? 10. I failed the examination. How do I assess my performance on the examination? 11. How do I reapply to take the NCLEX-RN examination? 12. How can I check if my Interim Permit has been issued? 13. Does California require TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)? 14. I am licensed in another state. How can I become licensed in California? 15. I have taken the NCLEX, but my license has lapsed. What can I do to endorse into California? 16. What is Nursys? 17. How do I submit the Nursys Verification Request Application?

18. How do I apply for a Temporary License? 19. How can I check if my Temporary License has been issued? 20. How long does it take before I receive my permanent RN license? 21. I need a Temporary License quickly. Can I obtain a Temporary License directly at the Board's office? 22. Eight or more years have elapsed since the expiration date of my California RN license. What steps should I follow to renew my license? 23. What should I do if I have a name and/or address change? 24. For a candidate with a disability, what is the process to receive reasonable accommodations for the examination? 25. How do I obtain an Advanced Practice Certificate?

1. How do I become a Registered Nurse (RN) in California? For detailed information, please see the Careers in Nursing section of this Web site. 2. How can I inquire as to the status of my application? It is highly recommended that you wait approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks after submitting your application before contacting the Board. Requests for application status before this time period will cause unnecessary delays in the processing of applications. 3. What is the Fingerprint Requirement? All applicants are required to submit fingerprints. There are two (2) methods available for completing the fingerprint requirement:

Method 1 - Live Scan - For applicants residing in California you must use Live Scan to submit your fingerprints unless you obtain an exemption. To see a listing of the California Department of Justice (DOJ) applicant Live Scan agency locations, fees and hours of operation, see the Office of the Attorney General's Web site. Method 2 - Fingerprint Card (Hard Card) - For applicants outside of California, you may use either Live Scan or a hard card. You may request a Live Scan form or a fingerprint card at https://app.dca.ca.gov/rn/requests.asp.

4. After submission of my application, how long does it take to receive my eligibility to take the examination? Processing time depends on when the Board receives all required documents from schools, agencies, and other states. Prior convictions may delay the process. Usually, if the Board has received all information required for approval, you can expect to receive your eligibility letter within a period of four (4) to six (6) weeks. 5. What is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)? The NCLEX-RN examination is a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) designed to test knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level. For detailed NCLEX-RN information please visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Web site. 6. How much does it cost to register for the NCLEX-RN examination? The examination registration fee is $200. If you choose to schedule your NCLEX-RN examination at any of the international test centers, you will have to pay an additional international scheduling fee of $150 plus a Value Added Tax (VAT) where applicable. These fees will be charged when you schedule your examination appointment. For additional NCLEXRN examination information please visit Pearson VUE's Web site. 7. I have registered to take the examination. When will I receive my Authorization to Test (ATT)? After the Board determines that you are eligible to test, you will receive an Authorization to Test by mail/e-mail from Pearson VUE (the organization that provides test administration and services test development). You must have your ATT to schedule an appointment to take the NCLEX-RN examination. Additionally, at the testing center, you must present the ATT and acceptable identification to be admitted to the test. 8. Where can I take the NCLEX-RN examination? The NCLEX-RN examination is administered at any Pearson Professional Center (PPC) located in the U.S.A. or its territories. Additionally, international testing centers are located in Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, and Taiwan. For specific testing center information please visit Pearson VUE's Web site . 9. How long does it take to receive my test results? You should receive either your permanent RN license (see question 20), or notification that you did not pass the examination, within two (2) to four (4) weeks after taking the examination. 10. I failed the examination. How do I assess my performance on the examination? Candidates who fail the examination will receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR). This report identifies the candidate's performance on the examination, provides the number of items administered to the candidate, and a summary of the candidate's relative strengths and weaknesses. 11. How do I reapply to take the NCLEX-RN examination? To retake the NCLEX-RN Examination, you must submit to the Board a completed Request for Reapply/Repeat Examination form along with the reapplication fee of $150. When the Board issues a notice of failing result, the Request for Reapply/Repeat Examination form is provided to the candidate. 12. How can I check if my Interim Permit has been issued? The Board must receive and process the fingerprint results from the California Department of

Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) before an Interim Permit is issued. If fingerprint requirements have been met, and you have submitted your Interim Permit application, your $50 fee, and have received your eligibility notice for the NCLEX-RN, you may access the Temporary Registered Nurse License - Interim Permit Verification page of this Web site to check if your Interim Permit has been issued. If issued, your Interim Permit hardcopy will arrive by U.S. mail within two (2) weeks from the issue date, and is valid for six (6) months, or until the results of the first NCLEX-RN are mailed, whichever occurs first. 13. Does California require TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)? The Board requires TOEFL only if an applicant attended a non-English speaking nursing school and is applying for an Interim Permit. For additional information please visit TOEFL's Web site. 14. I am licensed in another state. How can I become licensed in California? Endorsement is the licensure method for registered nurses who hold a current and active license in another state in the US or Canada. The endorsement applicant must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), the State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE), or the five-part Canadian examination (prior to 1980). The Canadian Comprehensive Examination is not acceptable. For additional endorsement information please see the Licensure by Endorsement section of this Web site. If you have not taken one of these three (3) examinations, you are not eligible for endorsement and must apply for Licensure by Examination. 15. I have taken the NCLEX, but my license has lapsed. What can I do to endorse into California? In order to endorse, you must have a current and active license in another state, and meet all other licensure requirements. Contact your State Board and inquire as to the steps necessary to reactivate your license. 16. What is Nursys? Nursys (Nurse System) is an online license verification program used to convey licensing and discipline information between state boards. Although the California Board of Registered Nursing is a non-participating board, information is obtained from Nursys for those applicants endorsing into our state. For additional information and a list of participating states, please visit the Nursys website. 17. How do I submit the Nursys Verification Request Application? Visit the Nursys website and follow the instructions to complete the online application. Payment is made by credit card. Once the application is complete and the credit card payment approved, the verification is posted immediately. 18. How do I apply for a Temporary License? You may apply for a Temporary License at the same time that you apply for licensure by endorsement or at any time prior to the issuance of a permanent registered nursing license. The Board must receive and process fingerprint results from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) before a Temporary License is issued. A Temporary License is valid for a period of six (6) months, allowing an applicant to work pending issuance of a permanent RN license. To qualify for a Temporary License, the applicant must submit:

Application - Completed Application for Licensure by Endorsement (which includes application for a Temporary License) Applicable Fees - Check or money order in U.S. currency. Cash transactions require exact change. Fingerprints - One completed Fingerprint Card (Hard Card) or second copy of the Live Scan Service Applicant Submission form (BCII 8016). Fingerprint results, from the DOJ and the FBI, must be received and processed by the Board prior to the issuance of a Temporary License. Verification of License - Proof of clear and active RN license from state of endorsement submitted via sealed envelope from State Board of Nursing or Nursys verification system. (Allow 7 working days for receipt)

The issuance of a Temporary License is normally completed within four to six weeks, but may be delayed if the application or fingerprint results indicate a prior conviction(s), or other basis for denial. For information related to requesting a Temporary License, please visit theLicensure by Endorsement section of this Web site. 19. How can I check if my Temporary License has been issued? You may access the Temporary Registered Nurse License - Interim Permit Verification page of this Web site to check if your Temporary License has been issued. 20. How long does it take before I receive my permanent RN license? Processing times depend on when the Board receives all required documents from schools (e.g., transcripts), agencies, other states, or countries. Prior convictions or disciplinary actions may delay the process. Delays may also occur with the fingerprint processing at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and /or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Please note that the Board must receive and process the fingerprint results from the DOJ and the FBI before an Interim Permit, a Temporary License, or a permanent RN license are issued. 21. I need a Temporary License quickly. Can I obtain a Temporary License directly at the Board's office? The Board must receive and process the fingerprint results from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) before a Temporary License application is approved and the Temporary License is issued. If all other Temporary License requirements have been met, you may apply for a Temporary License at the Board's office. You may personally hand-carry your application, fees, and verification of license to the Board's office. (Verification of license must be in a sealed envelope from State Board of Nursing or Nursys verification system.) For additional information please see Minimum Requirements for a Temporary License (TL) To Be Issued at Board Office 22. Eight or more years have elapsed since the expiration date of my California RN license. What steps should I follow to renew my license? If eight or more years have passed following the expiration date of your license and you do not presently hold a current and active registered nurse license in another state or U.S. territory, you are required to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)

before your license can be reinstated. The NCLEX-RN is required to determine current clinical knowledge and fitness to resume the practice of registered nursing. For information on retaking the NCLEX-RN examination, please visit Reinstatement of a Lapsed RN License (8 Years or Longer). If eight or more years have passed following the expiration date of a license and you presently hold a current and active registered nurse license in another state or U.S. territory, you do not have to re-take the NCLEX-RN. For information on how to renew your license, please visit Reinstatement of a Lapsed Registered Nurse License (8-Year Renewal). 23. What should I do if I have a name or address change? To ensure receipt of important notices, please notify the Board within 30 days of any address change. Also, please notify the Board immediately of any change in name or e-mail. Please note that your name must match EXACTLY in ALL of the following areas:

Documents on file at the Board Registration at Pearson VUE Personal official identification Authorization to Test

The Change of Address and/or Name for Applicants form may be sent via U.S. mail or faxed to the Board at 916-574-7697. 24. For a candidate with a disability, what is the process to receive reasonable accommodations for the examination? A Request for Accommodation of Disabilities form must be submitted to the Board along with the application for licensure. 25. How do I obtain an Advanced Practice Certificate? For Advanced Practice Certificate information, please click the corresponding title to access the information on the Board's Web site:

Public Health Nurse Certificate (PHN) Nurse Practitioner Certificate (NP) Nurse Practitioner Furnishing Certificate (NPF) Nurse Anesthetist Certificate (NA) Nurse Midwife Certificate (NMW) Nurse Midwife Furnishing Certificate (NMF) Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate (CNS) Psychiatric/Mental Health Certificate (P/MH)

Applicant Prior Convictions and Disciplinary Actions Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question Below to view the answer:

1. What convictions or license discipline must be reported on the application? 2. Can a person obtain a license as a registered nurse if they have a misdemeanor or felony conviction on their record? 3. Is there any specific conviction that will automatically disqualify an applicant from receiving a license? 4. Do I have to report charges if I completed a court diversion program and charges were dismissed? 5. What type of documentation do I need to submit in support of my application if I have a prior conviction or license discipline? 6. Can I receive an Interim Permit if my application is under review because of convictions? 7. How long will it take to review the information that I submit with my application? 8. I am licensed in another state and want to receive my temporary license ASAP. Can I obtain a temporary license by coming to the Board's office if I have prior conviction(s) or out of state disciplinary action on my record? 9. How can I help facilitate how quickly my prior conviction or license discipline is reviewed? 10. How do I appeal the denial of my application for licensure? 11. What will happen if I choose not to appeal the application denial?

1. What convictions or license discipline must be reported on the application? All convictions must be reported, except for minor traffic violations. Both misdemeanor and felony convictions must be reported, and "driving under the influence" must be reported. Convictions must be reported even if they have been expunged under Penal Code Section 1203.4. Also, offenses must be reported even if the applicant has successfully completed a diversion program under the Penal or Article 5 of the Vehicle Code. All prior or current

disciplinary action against a healthcare related license must be reported, whether it occurred in California or in another state or territory. 2. Can a person obtain a license as a registered nurse if they have a misdemeanor or felony conviction on their record? The BRN reviews all prior convictions substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a registered nurse. Each application is evaluated on a case by case basis. (Please refer to the Policy Statement on Denial of Licensure.) The BRN considers the nature, severity, and recency of the offense(s), as well as rehabilitation and other factors. The Board cannot make a determination for approval or denial of licensure without evaluating the entire application and supporting documentation. 3. Is there any specific conviction that will automatically disqualify an applicant from receiving a license? No. There is not any one specific type of conviction that will disqualify an applicant. Again, the Board must review, on a case by case basis, all convictions and supporting documentation to determine if an application will be approved or denied. 4. Do I have to report charges if I completed a court diversion program and charges were dismissed? Yes. Offenses must be reported to the Board even if a court diversion program has been completed. (Business and Professions Code section 492). 5. What type of documentation do I need to submit in support of my application if I have a prior conviction or license discipline? In addition to the documents required for licensure, the BRN will require:

Certified official court document(s) and arrest report(s) relative to your conviction(s), showing the date(s) and circumstance(s) surrounding your arrest /conviction(s), sections of the law violated, and disposition of the case. Copy of documents relative to any disciplinary action taken against any license as an RN or any healthcare related license or certificate, if applicable. A detailed description of the circumstances surrounding your conviction(s) or disciplinary action and a thorough description of the rehabilitative changes in your lifestyle since the time of your conviction(s) or disciplinary action which would enable you to avoid future occurrences. It would be helpful to include factors in your life which you feel may have contributed to your conviction(s) or disciplinary action, what you have learned about yourself since that time, and the changes you have made that support your rehabilitation. The burden of proof lies with the applicant to demonstrate evidence of rehabilitation. Examples of rehabilitation evidence include, but are not limited to:

If applicable to your conviction(s) or license discipline(s), documented evidence of professional treatment and counseling you may have completed. Please provide discharge summary, if available. Letters of reference on official letterhead from employers, nursing instructors, health professionals, professional counselors, parole or probation officers, or other individuals in positions of authority who are knowledgeable about your rehabilitation efforts. Proof of community work, schooling, and/or selfimprovement efforts. Court-issued certificate of rehabilitation or evidence of expungement, proof of compliance with criminal probation or parole, and orders of the court.

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6. Can I receive an Interim Permit if my application is under review because of convictions? No. If your application is referred to the Enforcement Program for review, you will not be allowed to receive an Interim Permit until the review has been completed, and a final decision has been made regarding your application. 7. How long will it take to review the information that I submit with my application? The normal processing time is approximately 4 to 6 weeks. This assumes that all requested information for licensure and for the Enforcement Program has been received. 8. I am licensed in another state and want to receive my temporary license ASAP. Can I obtain a temporary license by coming to the Board's office if I have prior conviction(s) or out of state disciplinary action on my record? No. Temporary licenses are not issued until all conviction, discipline, rehabilitation, and other evidence is fully evaluated. 9. How can I help facilitate how quickly my prior conviction or license discipline is reviewed? The BRN strongly encourages all individuals with a conviction or discipline history to be fully prepared with information regarding their background, as specified in the policy statement on denial of licensure and the BRN application for licensure. Otherwise, your request for a license will experience a delay. 10. How do I appeal the denial of my application for licensure? You have the right to appeal the license denial, and to have an administrative hearing, under the provisions of Section 485(b) of the Business and Professions Code. You must submit the appeal in writing to the Board office within 60 days from the service of the notice of denial. If you do not submit an appeal in writing to the Board, you will automatically waive your right to a hearing, and your application will be deemed denied. Should you appeal, and the denial is upheld, the earliest date to reapply is one year from the date of service of the notice of denial. 11. What will happen if I choose not to appeal the application denial? If you select not to appeal the application denial, you will be allowed to reapply for licensure one year from the date of the service of the notice of denial.

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