Washington ESD unemployment benefits with nursing license suspended - am I eligible?

That's reassuring, thank you. The suspension was definitely not for misconduct - just some missing documentation that should have been filed. I can still work in other capacities while my license is under review.

Yeah but don't they ask about your availability for work? If you can't practice nursing without the license, how are you available?

Good point about the weekly claims. I've been applying for medical assistant positions and some administrative roles at clinics since I don't need an RN license for those.

Smart approach! That shows you're genuinely available for work even without the nursing license.

How long did your adjudication take? Mine's been pending for 2 weeks now and I'm getting worried.

Took about 6 weeks total, but once I could actually talk to someone at Washington ESD they resolved it quickly. The Claimyr thing was worth it just to avoid sitting on hold for hours.

Never heard of Claimyr before but anything that helps get through to Washington ESD sounds useful. Their phone system is terrible.

I know it's frustrating but keep trying. The best times to call are usually right when they open at 8am.

I've tried calling at 8am and still can't get through. It's like they only have 2 people working the phones for the entire state.

That's encouraging! In my case I wasn't fired - I actually resigned when I found out about the license issue because I wanted to focus on getting it resolved.

Resigning can sometimes complicate unemployment eligibility. You'll need to show you had good cause for leaving related to the license suspension.

Not necessarily. Washington allows unemployment benefits for people who quit with good cause. A license suspension that prevents you from doing your job could qualify as good cause.

Yeah I made sure to document everything about why I had to resign. I couldn't continue working as an RN without a valid license.

A month isn't too bad, mine's at 2 weeks so hopefully not much longer. Did they require any special documentation about your license issue?

They asked for the suspension notice and a letter explaining why I had to quit. Keep all your paperwork related to the license suspension.

Good point. I've been keeping a spreadsheet of all the positions I've applied for, including the non-nursing ones.

That's exactly what you should be doing. Washington ESD wants to see you're making a genuine effort to find work.

That's really helpful to hear! I'm definitely working on the reinstatement process and have documentation showing my efforts.

Yeah keep all those records. Washington ESD likes to see you're being proactive about fixing the situation.

That's reassuring coming from someone with HR experience. It really was just documentation that should have been filed with the state board.

Those kinds of administrative issues happen more often than people think. The nursing board is usually pretty reasonable about reinstatement if you address the paperwork properly.

Absolutely. I've been completely honest on all my weekly claims about the license suspension and the types of work I'm seeking.

Good approach. Honesty is always the best policy with Washington ESD even if it complicates things initially.

I might have to try that if I don't hear something soon. The waiting is the worst part of this whole process.

Yeah the uncertainty is brutal. At least if you can talk to someone you know where you stand.

Good point. My former employer seemed understanding about the situation but I'll keep an eye out for any contests.

If they do contest it, you'll have a chance to provide your side of the story during the adjudication process.

That's my understanding too based on everyone's responses. Fingers crossed we both get approved soon!

Same here! This thread has been really helpful for understanding what to expect.

Great advice. I've been keeping copies of all my communications with the nursing board and the continuing education courses I'm taking.

Perfect. That kind of documentation shows you're serious about getting back to work in your field.

That's amazing news! Congratulations and thank you for sharing. Gives me hope that mine will work out too.

Hang in there! The waiting is terrible but it sounds like you've done everything right.

5 weeks is pretty typical for these kinds of adjudications. Glad it worked out for you!

Excellent advice. I've been keeping a file with all my unemployment-related documents organized by date.

Smart! Organization makes a huge difference if you need to provide information quickly.

Good luck! Based on everything you've shared, it sounds like you have a strong case for approval.

Hoping for good news soon! This thread will help a lot of people in similar situations.

Keep us posted on the outcome. Success stories help encourage others going through the same process.

Thanks for that heads up. I hadn't thought about the possibility of later reviews but good to know it can happen.

It's not super common but it does happen occasionally. Just stay consistent with your story and keep those records we talked about.