Applying for out of state license immediately upon graduation?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hey!! Looking for some input! I am in my last year of an ADN program in NJ. (Plan to do an online BSN as soon as I start working as an RN) I plan on moving out of state by 2020 (promise to myself). I was originally going to apply for my license here in NJ, work for a year, then move to NC and apply for a NC license by endorsement. Now I am wondering if I should just apply for my NC license and move right after I take (and pass) the NCLEX? Looking for any advice, thoughts or experiences to aid in my decision...a little about me, 32yr old, no husband, kids or boyfriend so it would be an easy move. Both parents (divorced) live in the tristate area, although my mother may end up following me south for a change in scenery/lifestyle. I don't have any family or friends in NC, just have wanted to move there ever since I first discovered my love of the NC coast in my late teens. I enjoy the simple things in life, I pretty much hate the big city atmosphere and I am content with the slower pace and "lack of an active nightlife" I hear so many complain about regarding the smaller, sleepy coastal towns of the south. I am definitely going to move, it's just a matter of how soon....thoughts? Thanks in advance for all the input!! 😷💉💊

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Specializes in NICU.

It would be quicker to apply to NC for license by exam if you intend to move immediately after graduation. Apply for jobs immediately after getting licensed in NC. Don't move until you have a job offer.

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Thank you for your reply! I have read and received (from professors and staff nurses) so many different opinions on license by exam vs. license by endorsement. Some say license by exam for out of state is harder and a more arduous process because the new state(NC) has to verify your education in NJ and you therefore will have to send a ton of paperwork (transcript and school related) down to be reviewed and the process can take much longer. Others say the time it took was just as quick as an in state was. I have heard endorsement is a much quicker process since you are already licensed, but because of all the varying information I just don't know what to think! I appreciate your input!

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

You still have to do all that if you apply by endorsement. They will still need all you school stuff and transcripts.

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I agree with Klone, NC will require this regardless of whether you apply for licensure by endorsement or examination. And you don't need to be licensed to apply for a position, particularly if you are applying for a new grad residency as there are several systems in NC that offer senior nursing students positions pending passing NCLEX.

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Thank for your reply! When I looked on the NC BON site, it does not specifically say that transcripts etc will need to be sent for endorsement. I notes the following: Name, location and year of graduation of your basic school of nursing, State, year and license number of original license by examination, State of current license and license number, Dates of employment and position(s) held for last two (2) nursing employers, All U.S. Member Boards in which you have EVER been licensed with License Number and dates License held., Social Security number issued by U.S. Social Security Administration, Verification from original state of license and, if different, last state practiced, and Criminal Background Check conducted by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. So I assumed they don't require a copy of my transcripts automatically. I appreciate your comment, but I was looking for more input from those who have done it one way or the other and their experiences/tips etc. Thank you though!

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You will always be netter off to apply for i nnotial licensure in the state in which you ultimately want to be licensed in. There is little advantange in being licensed in another state when applyimg for licensure. While there might be a small amount of time saved ny having neen previously licensed in another state, when you include tje time to obtain initial licensure, the time to obtaoimg the second license in this manner is generally longer than applying for initial licensure. If you apply to, amd accept a position in a new grad residency this additional time might rezult in your not being licensed in time to begin.

Thsn, there is the cost factor. Why pay for another license that you don't plan kn using. Plus the fact that NJ is going to charge you to when they provide your licensimg.information to NC. Also consider that if you apply for licensure in another state later, some states require endorsement information from every state in which you have ever been licensed in, all with additional time and cost.

Best wishes as you gegin your new career!

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Specializes in Pedi.

I would suggest securing a position before moving and obtaining your initial license in the state you plan on working in. It is useless to pay for a license you never intend to use and will end up taking more time to endorse to the second state than just getting an initial license in that state.

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Most states (I think) use NURSYS. You pay them to make your credentials available for 90 days to whomever asks. I do believe they require transcripts. For this reason, it would probably be less hassle than to just take NCLEX and become licensed in the state where you want to practice. Otherwise you'll be paying for 2 licenses plus the NURSYS fee.

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Specializes in L&D, OBED, NICU, Lactation.

My first license was not in my home state because I had a job in another one. Make sure to look at the requirements for getting verified by your ORIGINAL state of licensure and ensure they are part of NURSYS. Otherwise it takes forever.

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I was originally licensed by exam in VA over 15 years ago. They needed transcripts, etc.

12 years ago, I applied to NC for license by endorsement since we were relocating. While I don't remember if I had to send transcripts, it was a very quick process (a few weeks). Took no time to get it done.

When I moved back to VA 10 years later, I reapplied to VA again. That licensure only took a few weeks as well; easy peasy process. Not counting the time needed to get an ATT, all my licensures took about the same amount of time as my initial licensure.

In my experience, none of my licenses took more than a few weeks max, initial or endorsement. I would plan on going through the process where you want to live and practice.

Even if NC does wants paperwork for licensure, it takes next to no time to electronically request your transcript from your school...and the most I've ever paid for a certified copy of my transcript was $10, other times it was free.

I would go with the simplest route, which is get your license where you plan on working. I loved NC.

Good luck.

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Thank you PixieRN1! So far it seems either way it takes about the same amt of time/effort, although most recommend going the license by exam for NC route. Currently the NJ BON is a mess and it is taking months for nurses to get their licenses so moving right away may be the best way to go. I guess my plan was to stay here in NJ and work for about a year, gain some experience and make some money before making the move, since my savings will be depleted by graduation. I guess at this point it's more of a personal and financial decision though. What to do, what to do ������ Thank you to all so far! Keep the advice coming!

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