Obtaining a nursing license by endorsement is the method by which a licensed nurse seeks authorization to practice in a new state. This pathway facilitates mobility for nurses who are relocating, but the timeline for approval is highly variable. Approval depends on the specific state’s Board of Nursing (BON) procedures and the completeness of the applicant’s file. Understanding the steps and potential roadblocks is necessary for accurately estimating when a nurse can begin working in a new jurisdiction.
Understanding Nursing License Endorsement
Licensure by endorsement allows a nurse who is already licensed in one U.S. state or territory to obtain a license in another state without having to retake the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This differs from initial licensure, which requires graduation from an accredited program and passing the NCLEX. The process serves as a mechanism for the receiving state’s BON to verify that the applicant’s existing credentials meet its own standards for competency and safety.
The endorsement process is relevant when a nurse holds a single-state license and moves to a new state. It is also relevant when a nurse moves their primary residence from one state participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) to another NLC state. A nurse who establishes a new primary state of residence in a different compact state must apply for a new multi-state license there via endorsement within 60 days. For nurses moving between non-compact states, the endorsement application is the only path to licensure in the new jurisdiction.
Key Stages of the Endorsement Application
The timeline for endorsement is predicated on the completion of several mandatory stages, starting with the formal submission of an application to the receiving state’s BON and the payment of all associated fees. This official submission initiates the review process. The board will not begin a comprehensive review until all supporting documentation has been received.
The second stage involves the criminal background check, which requires the applicant to submit a full set of fingerprints to the BON. This is often done through digital live scan technology within the state or via traditional paper fingerprint cards if the applicant is out-of-state. The board must receive and process the results from state and federal law enforcement agencies before a license can be granted.
The third stage is the verification of the nurse’s original license and educational credentials. Most states use the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) database, known as NURSYS, for electronic license verification, which is an immediate process. If the nurse’s original state does not participate in NURSYS, a paper verification form must be requested from that state’s BON, which can add significant time. Official transcripts from the nursing education program must also be sent directly to the receiving board to confirm the educational requirements have been met.
Typical Timeline for License Endorsement
The duration for a license by endorsement can range widely, generally falling between four weeks and three months. In the most streamlined scenarios, where all documentation is submitted electronically and the applicant completes an in-state digital fingerprint scan, a license can be issued in as little as two to four weeks. This faster timeline usually occurs when the receiving BON has a highly efficient, digitized process and a low application volume.
Conversely, it is not uncommon for the process to extend to eight to twelve weeks. In certain states with backlogs, a nurse may wait three to six months or longer. This longer timeframe reflects the time needed for the receiving BON to process the application after all required materials have arrived, including background check results and official transcripts. The processing time is divided between the applicant’s time to gather documents and the board’s time to review the complete file.
Factors That Influence Processing Time
The efficiency and current workload of the specific State Board of Nursing are major determinants of the overall timeline. Boards with smaller staff sizes or those managing a sudden surge in applications, such as during peak travel nurse seasons, often experience substantial backlogs that delay application review. Systemic issues, such as the implementation of new technology platforms or staff shortages within the board’s administrative offices, can also impede the speed of file processing.
The complexity of the license verification itself can also introduce delays that are outside the applicant’s control. While NURSYS verification is instantaneous, if the nurse’s original licensing state does not use this system, the paper verification process must be manually completed by the non-participating board. Applicants who were originally licensed in a foreign jurisdiction face additional requirements, such as a Credential Evaluation Service (CES) report, which adds a preparatory step to the process.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
Many delays in the endorsement timeline stem from preventable errors made by the applicant, which cause the file to be labeled incomplete. Failing to ensure all required fields on the application form are completed, or neglecting to include the correct application and background check fees, will result in the application being set aside until the errors are corrected. The board will often communicate these deficiencies, adding days or weeks to the process.
A frequent cause of delay is a problem with the background check, particularly when using traditional paper fingerprint cards, which have a higher chance of being rejected due to smudging or poor quality compared to electronic live scan submissions. Delays also occur when applicants do not proactively request that their official transcripts be sent directly from their nursing school to the BON. Another issue is when the NURSYS verification expires, which is generally only valid for 90 days from the date of the request.
Utilizing a Temporary Nursing Permit
Many states offer a temporary or interim permit, which allows a nurse to begin practicing while their full endorsement application is still under review. This permit is typically issued much faster than the permanent license, often within a few days to two weeks, assuming the initial application is complete and the background check process has been initiated. The temporary permit allows the nurse to start working without waiting for the final review of the permanent license application.
Obtaining a temporary permit usually requires the applicant to submit the full endorsement application and fees, and often to complete the fingerprinting requirement. Some states will issue the temporary permit before receiving transcripts, which can expedite the ability to begin practice. These permits are non-renewable and are valid for a fixed period, such as 60 days to six months, or until the permanent license is issued.