Being a travel nurse means that after some experience in the nursing field, you can have the opportunity to take assignments in some pretty amazing places. One of the most sought-after areas would have to be California. If this is a destination you'd like to explore, be sure you are in-the-know about the California licensing process, which can be lengthier and more involved than the processes of other states. Jeff West, a branch manager with Aureus Medical, recently offered his insight on the California nurse licensing process and ways that RNs can best prepare for potential assignments in the state.
"One of the sought-after places for travel nurses is California."
The process and turnaround
If you're thinking about becoming a travel nurse in California, you might want to begin the application process as soon as possible.
"As soon as they can start the application process, I would definitely encourage them to do so, just because it can take … longer than other states," West explained.
He added that turnaround time for obtaining a license may be as little as one month to three months or longer, depending on whether a nurse turns in all materials in person at the physical location of the California Board of Registered Nursing in Sacramento, California, or submits the application and corresponding requirements online or by mail.
Documentation and transcripts
When it comes to the necessary paperwork, West indicated that the best place to begin is the California Board of Registered Nursing website, as it's very easy to follow. Simply go to the applicants tab, then click on the endorsements tab. Then, RNs can acquire the application for licensure by endorsement, and one of the selections is a link that will pull up a 19-page document in a PDF format. This is going to give nurses the bulk of the information they need to get started.
West went on to say that the second page in particular is excellent for travel nurses, as it outlines everything that applicants need, from the appropriate fees to passport-type photographs to fingerprint cards. West indicated that the PDF is "very clear and concise on the specific transcripts and documents and everything that you need to apply, whether it's by mail or in person." He indicated, "A lot of times, applicants will speed through that and miss a very important step."
One of these important steps includes transcripts. In order to become a California travel nurse, RNs will need all transcripts from their respective schools, not just the one they graduated from. If a nurse went to several schools over the course of his or her education, he or she will need to acquire transcripts from all of them.
The nurse job market in California has been quite impressive in recent years. Additionally, RNs will need to pay close attention to the fingerprint instructions. Nurses have two choices when it comes to fingerprint scans: RNs can either travel to California and conduct a live scan at one of a number of live scan locations within the state, or they can have California fingerprint cards mailed to their home state, have the fingerprints made at an authorized location, such as a police station, then send the cards back.
If at all possible, West recommends that travel nurses have their fingerprints done in Sacramento, as submitting all materials to the California Board of Registered Nursing in person can substantially speed up a travel nurse's turnaround time from submitting the application to receiving the license in the mail.
In order to expedite the licensing process, Aureus Medical Group reimburses travel nurses for the cost of the flight to California and the licensing fee once he or she accepts a California assignment with the healthcare staffing agency.
"If you do the live scan in Sacramento and hand those in with the completed application all in person, we've been seeing [the license] come back … [in] four weeks. Now, it can take longer than that, but that's the quickest we've seen," West explained.
As the mail process will usually take around three months, if not longer, clearly, there are significant advantages to handling the licensure process in person.
In addition, nurses having their fingerprints taken outside of California must request and utilize California fingerprint cards, not cards issued in another state. Live scans do not cross state lines and fingerprint cards issued by other states will not be accepted. "We've had a couple of scenarios where people have gotten fingerprints done in their own home state and used cards from that state but they don't transfer to California," West indicated.
Current nursing job trends in California
Right now is an excellent time to be a travel nurse in California as it is one of the states with the highest demand for RNs. West explained that the population increases in California and nationwide have contributed to this huge jump, as well as the baby boomer generation heading into retirement age. West also stated that the recent health care reforms outlined in the Affordable Care Act have given individuals more access to insurance, which has contributed to this demand over the past few years.
As a result, nurses' incomes in the state are rising, especially with the nursing shortage that has been occurring in the health care industry. So what types of nursing positions are the most in demand? In short – all of them.
"I would say all nurses are in high demand. The more specialized [RNs] are in even higher demand … cathlab RNs, ICU RNs, L&D RNs, OR RNs, PR RNs, CVICU RNs, NICU RNs, PICU RNs," West explained.
The perks of being a travel nurse in California
California is one of the most unique states in the country, and a wonderful place to work for several reasons. Not only is the job market increasing at a healthy pace, but California is also simply fun to explore.
"A lot of people don't realize how big of a state it is. There is so much out there and so many cool things to see .. you can be skiing in the mountains in the morning and be swimming in the ocean in the afternoon."
If you think that being a travel nurse in California is a good fit for you, be sure to contact Aureus Medical with all of your medical staffing needs so that you can start gaining assignments on the sunny West Coast as soon as possible.
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