California Learners & Graduates Information Center

Update: Friday, Oct. 23

Dear Learners and Graduates,

Today, the judge denied Nightingale’s request for a preliminary injunction.

This means the BRN's identified deficiencies still apply to affected graduates while the lawsuit continues, and graduates cannot yet move forward with licensure in California. A denial of this request is not a final decision on the lawsuit. Today’s ruling concerns our request for temporary relief while the lawsuit is pending.

The next scheduled hearing is February 19, 2027, when the court will consider the BRN's demurrer. A demurrer is an attempt to dismiss a case.

As the lawsuit continues, we will continue moving forward with additional courses. Our pilot of BSN 491, 492, and 493 is underway. Although enrollment in the first cohort is limited, we will offer the courses to more graduates as space becomes available. We also plan to make adjustments to the BSN program, beginning in Spring Semester 2027, for current and future learners. More information about additional courses and program adjustments is coming soon.

We know this is not the news you were hoping for, and we understand the stress and uncertainty of today’s ruling adds to an already difficult process. This news impacts many areas of your life.

We are disappointed by this outcome. However, this news will not end our support for you. We will continue with our legal actions and will continue working to provide academic options for graduates and learners. We are committed to seeing this through together. We will share more updates as they become available.

Nightingale College

 

Update: Thursday, Oct. 22

As you may already know, Nightingale has asked for a preliminary injunction to allow some or all of our recent California graduates to receive their Authorization to Test (ATT) while the lawsuit against the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) is ongoing.

The judge issued a tentative ruling in the BRN’s favor today. This is disappointing news and an indication of the judge’s current views on the case, but it is not a final decision. The hearing will be held tomorrow (Friday), during which we will present our arguments. The judge may make a final ruling at that time, but we may not know the outcome for weeks or even months from now.

We will share next steps and updates with you soon.

 

Update: Wednesday, Oct. 21

Dear Learners and Graduates,

This week’s preliminary injunction hearing is the next step in the legal process in our lawsuit against the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The hearing is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, though we may hear about the ruling before or after this date. We remain hopeful for the best possible result.

To clarify expectations, here are possible outcomes:

1. The judge may make a tentative ruling on Thursday. If so, the decision is not final but is an early indication of how the judge views the case. Nightingale’s legal team intends to present additional arguments at Friday’s hearing.
2. The judge may make a ruling on Friday. The judge may grant, deny, or partially grant Nightingale's request. If the judge rules in Nightingale’s favor, the ruling would provide temporary relief but would not decide the final outcome of the lawsuit.
3. The judge may delay ruling on the injunction. If this happens, we cannot predict when the judge will make a decision.

We will continue to update you as more information is available and to support you on your path to licensure.

Nightingale College

 

Update: Wednesday, Oct. 14

Dear learners and graduates,

The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) recently filed sworn declarations as their next step in the lawsuit we filed in August. We disagree with many of the BRN’s statements and/or interpretations, which is to be expected during a legal dispute.

During the legal process, which includes the preliminary injunction hearing on Oct. 23, we won’t address specifics about the BRN’s declaration but will file our rebuttal by early next week in response. It may take some time after the preliminary injunction hearing before we have new information to share.

We stand with you. As a Nightingale nurse, you have the knowledge, skills, and training needed to care for people in your community and  provide safe, reliable access to care. We are doing our part to help you achieve licensure. As we pursue this legal challenge, we are providing additional courses in response to the BRN’s requirements listed in recent letters to graduates. Currently, the courses are offered as a pilot program on a limited enrollment basis. We will increase enrollment as we evaluate outcomes and more space becomes available.

We understand that this is a challenging time for graduates and learners. Many of you are waiting to test for licensure and begin your careers as registered nurses.  We’ll continue to advocate for you, and we appreciate your dedication to your nursing education and your chosen profession.

Nightingale College

 

Update: Thursday, Oct. 1

Dear graduates,

The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) recently sent letters to some graduates stating that they must complete additional coursework* before they can be licensed. As we understand the BRN’s request, this coursework may include up to 140 extra direct patient care hours, including:

• 30 concurrent direct care and theory hours in obstetrics
• 30 concurrent direct care and theory hours in pediatrics

Our top priority is providing a path to help California graduates get licensed. Although our current lawsuit disputes the application of in-state program approval rules to out-of-state licensure candidates, we've developed additional courses so you don't have to wait for the legal process to conclude.

Additional Courses

These additional courses are:

• BSN 491: Maternal-Newborn Nursing
• BSN 492: Pediatric Nursing

*Note: Because the BRN makes final licensure determinations for individual applicants, Nightingale cannot guarantee the outcome of any individual application. Nightingale continues to dispute the BRN’s application of these requirements. These courses are being offered to provide graduates and learners with a path to address the requirements the BRN is currently applying while Nightingale continues to pursue its legal challenge.

How to Enroll

Complete this form to indicate your interest in the additional courses.

The form will be open from Friday, Oct. 2 at 8 a.m. MT until Friday, Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. MT.

There will be no cost to you to reserve your spot or enroll in these courses. This course is available to graduates seeking California licensure. Additionally, you must be available to spend 40 hours per week on coursework.

Since these courses are new, enrollment numbers will be limited for the first cohort of graduates taking these courses. During the next few weeks, we will gather data about outcomes, resources, placements, and graduates’ success in obtaining ATTs after completion. We will use this information to identify gaps, make improvements, and expand future enrollments as needed.

Enrollment priority will be assigned by graduation cohort and time of form submission, as space allows. If space does not permit us to enroll you immediately, you will be considered in the future. You do not need to submit the form again.

We are excited to offer this opportunity, and we’re sure you have questions. Read more below: 
 
Nightingale College 
 

Additional Resources: 
Additional Course FAQs
Forbearance FAQ
California Graduate Information Center
College Catalog course descriptions and addenda
rmahlberg@nightingale.edu