Moving From Chicago to California...

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So... my life is about to get way more hectic than I ever planned. I graduate with my BSN in December. Then, I have to take my NCLEX (or so I think...this is where I need advice). My lease for my apartment is up January 31st. I have been planning on moving to southern California for quite some time, but didn't realize how fast this all would be coming up, until recently. That being said, I need some advice regarding whether or not I should take my NCLEX here or wait until I move. Is that even an option??? Or do I have to take it in Chicago? Is the NCLEX the same test nation-wide? I'm totally lost, and totally nervous. If I take the NCLEX here in Chicago, how would I go about getting my license in California? Bear with me here as I do not have much experience in this area YET! I have so many questions... but if anyone can shed light I would greatly, greatly appreciate it.

Kindly,

SLPLSSinSCRUBS

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

The NCLEX is the same test nationwide. You can apply for licensure in whichever state you choose but also take the test wherever you live when you schedule it (or anywhere you choose). From NCSBN's FAQ page:

Where can I take the NCLEX?Hide Answer â–²

The NCLEX is given year round and is administered by Pearson VUE. For candidates seeking licensure in the U.S., domestic test centers are those within the U.S. and American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For candidates seeking licensure/registration in Canada starting in 2015, domestic test centers are those within Canadian provinces/territories and the mainland U.S. (not including territories). International locations where the NCLEX is offered include Australia, Canada, England, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico and Taiwan.

Candidates are able to take the NCLEX at any Pearson Professional Testing location, regardless of the board they are applying for licensure.

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Fair enough, Thank you Rose_Queen for your facts. I guess what I'm asking here is more for advice. With all of this stuff coming up at one time, would you take your NCLEX in your home state and then move or would you move and then take your NCLEX? If I take my NCLEX here and pass, how long does it take for my paperwork to go through? And then I have to transfer my Illinois license to a California license which I'm sure is a process in itself?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

If you apply for licensure in CA before taking the test, then you don't have to endorse the license to CA. You can apply for licensure in CA but take the test in IL if you choose, completely bypassing getting a license in IL if you don't intend to work there. If you do apply for licensure in IL, you will have to pay both the licensing fees to IL and the endorsement fees to CA.

Only you can decide what order to do: move then test or test then move. Start by making a list of pros and cons to each side. Having never moved out of my home state, I really don't have any personal advice.

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It's going to take at least 3 months either way to get your license

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I applied for a Mississippi License, tested in Alabama, moved to Florida the same day and had my Licensed endorsed to a Florida License. This whole process took about a month! Was it expensive? yes but if for whatever reason if I ever chose to move back home and practice, I already have a license.

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NurseMischa,

What would you suggest I do? I am thinking it might be better to just test in my home state, Illinois but am not sure what is the "best"/most efficient option here.

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I would go ahead and test in your home state! Get it knocked out of the way and focus on the big move!

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Specializes in Surgery.

I did this. I knew I was moving to another state after graduation. I took the NCLEX in my home state, got licenced there, then transferred my license to the new state. In retrospect I wish I would've just applied directly for the state I intended to move to since I had no intention of working in my home state. Initial licensing was quick (within 12 hours of taking the NCLEX) but the transfer took over a month.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

If you haven't already, I would test in Illinois and get licensed there first. All the coastal towns of California have a glut of new grad positions. I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area and although the situation is probably worse here than SoCal, I know that there are many nursing schools here and their graduates saturate the market. Best to do is to work in Illinois and start gaining experience while actively pursuing jobs in California. I would never advice moving to California to look for jobs. That is going to be financially disastrous with the cost of living here and not having a steady flow of income even if you come with some savings.

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Great, thanks for your opinion!! I'll keep it all in mind as the time approaches.

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