I have a lapsed NY license and want to work in CA but I'm not sure where to begin

Hi,

I'm brand new to this site and am hoping for some advice to point me in the right direction. I've read a couple of threads with similar issues, but they're not an exact fit to my situation, so please forgive me if I missed information that's already been posted.

I worked as an OR nurse for several years in NYC and allowed my license to lapse 17-years ago (oh boy!) I changed careers for awhile after I married, but nothing was ever as fulfilling as nursing. I just went through a divorce, am relocating to southern California and want to return to nursing.

Does anyone know what I need to do? Do I need to reactivate my NY license and then apply for a CA license? Can I give them my credentials, etc., and sit for the exam out here? If I need to reactivate my NY license first, do I need to go back to NY to do so (am already in CA) or can I do this online?

I just don't know where to begin and would be grateful for any advice.

Thank you!
Tammy P.
Welcome to allnurses! I think your best bet would be to ask the CA BRN what you need to do. Their answer is the only one that matters.
Thanks elkpark! I've sent them an email, two actually, but haven't heard back from them yet I'm hoping it's not because my situation is impossible. I feel a lot of regret about letting my license lapse. It's just one of the mistakes I made during my 18-year marriage LOL.I contacted the licensing department, but perhaps I should contact another one? I'm feeling frustrated and a little nervous Maybe they don't want a nurse who's been out of the field for so long.Thanks again for the advice. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond.TammyP
I am in a similar situation but I am a LPN and what I did was this I contacted NY bon and they told me what to do to reactivate my NY liceense which I was able to do the classes on line then I sent them all the info and my license was now active. The next step was to get a fl license , so after reasearch and much help from this website i found an online refresher course that was approved by Fl BON and I took it and completed it I am now ready to send all my parework in to Fl BON and hopefully within 30 + (lol) days I wil have my Fl LPN. I wish you much luck and keep us posted