From student to your first shift

1. Before graduation: apply to your board

Many boards let you apply before you finish school. Your program confirms your graduation to the board. Expect a background check, often with fingerprints.

2. Pass your exam

Schedule your exam once the board says you're eligible. Which exam?

3. Confirm your license is live

After you pass, look yourself up on the board's official lookup. Employers check the same lookup, so don't start work until your license or certification shows as active.

4. Get your work documents ready

ID and work authorization, health records, life support card and training certificates. Use the PRN credentials checklist.

5. Find your first role

Think about the setting you liked most on rotation, and ask your preceptors and instructors for references. PRN shifts are one way to build experience across settings. How PRN works.

California notes

• RNs: apply to the Board of Registered Nursing for licensure by examination and take the NCLEX-RN. A Live Scan fingerprint must be completed in California.
• LVNs: apply to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians and take the NCLEX-PN.
• CNAs: after a CDPH-approved training program, take the competency evaluation exam. You must be at least 16 years old.
• Check your license: RN and LVN licenses appear on the DCA License Search; CNA certificates appear on CDPH's certification lookup.

Working with SHIFTit

SHIFTit lets facilities work with SHIFTerz directly. Your credentials are verified once and travel with you to every facility on the platform. Join SHIFTerz.