If you’re a licensed vocational nurse who wants to work in the state of California, you’ll have to go through LVN license verification before you can get a job. This process can be somewhat confusing and time consuming, but it’s required before your out of state LVN license can be recognized in this state. Whether you are a recent graduate from an LVN school in California, or have recently relocated to the state, here’s a little of what you should know about the process.
LVN License Verification Requirements
In order to start the license verification process, you’ll first need to take the NCLEX-PN, or National Council Licensure Examination – Practical Nurse. This is required in all states for board verification. If you have previously taken this test in another state, you will be required to submit your scores to the California Board of Vocational Nursing. You may also choose to take the SBTPE, or State Board Test Pool Examination and submit those scores.
You will also need to complete the board’s Application for Vocational Nurse Licensure and supply a 2 by 2 inch photograph of yourself. This photo should be taken from the front and should show your head and shoulders. To further verify your identification, you will need to complete two fingerprint cards and the processing fees associated with them. The state of California also requires an application fee of $201.00 as of May 2012. Licensees must be able to prove that they have a high school diploma or GED, that they were originally licensed in another state, and that they have not previously been convicted of a major crime. If you currently hold a valid license in a state different from the one that issued your original license, you will have to submit a copy of that license with expiration date. If you don’t have a current license in another state, you cannot get a license in California.
Time Frame
The state of California requires you to apply for license verification early. The California Board of Vocational Nursing recommends allowing a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks for processing. Some Licensed Vocational Nurses have received their verification in as little as 5 weeks, but the process usually takes longer. This time period is larger than the usual one in many states, and can be surprising to out of state LVNs.
Potential Delays
If the state board sees an anomaly in your past licensure history, or if you have a prior criminal conviction, this can cause a delay in processing your LVN license verification. This does not mean you won’t receive your California license, however. If you still hold a valid LVN license and your previous conviction was not a felony, there is a good chance that you will still receive California licensure. Delays also happen when the information you provided does not match the results of your background check. This is why it’s so important to provide accurate data on your application.
Further Advice on Verifying Your LVN License
The process of verifying your LVN license in California can be a little time-consuming and frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply make sure that all your paperwork is in order and that you submit it on time. Put in your application early to ensure that you will get your new license as quickly as possible. This helps prevent the risk of being forced to wait for work until after your license has been verified. As always, don’t be afraid to contact the state board if you have any additional questions about LVN license verification.
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