Applying for licensure by examination in multiple states

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Hi everyone!

I have a question so far no one has been able to answer for me, but maybe someone else on here has been in a similar situation and knows how this works...

I graduate in July and will be taking NCLEX in August. I am in a crossroad about the next stage of my life and am up in the air between licensing in three different states- boyfriend in one, family in the other, best job outlook in the third (of course none happen to be compact, of course!)

My question: Is it possible to take the NCLEX and apply to three different states at the same time? I know it will be ridiculously expensive and I know that you can apply for reciprocity after becoming licensed in one state initially but my thought process is that by the time I get licensed in one state and wait for the reciprocity to come through on the other states I will have already lost about 5 months worth of waiting time (I have contacted the BON for each of these states and they say even the waiting time for getting prints back and everything processed can take up to 3 months).

I am trying to save myself some hassle since as a new grad I will be applying for non new grad positions (I graduate at such an odd time of the year that the soonest new grad programs do not start until November or January and Id hate to think that I could have landed a position in that time instead of waiting around for a residency) and rather just open RN positions that 99% of the time want you to have a current license in that state...not a license in another state while you make them wait to file for reciprocity.

So pretty much I am asking if its possible to take one test (nclex) and apply to three states at the same time (I know, major headache and money waste)

Thank you in advance to anyone who knows anything about this and can respond to my question!

Kaitie

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Specializes in Ambulatory care.

Well depends I'f you live in one of the compact states. See list below. If so your licenses is a multistage one that can be used jn any of the member states otherwise as you said have to get licenses in your home state then transfer of reciprocity it to your tArget state. https://www.ncsbn.org/2011_NLCA_factsheet_students_Rev_Jan_2011.pdf

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I know that none of the three states are compact. I also know that you can test, apply for a license in home state then apply for reciprocity. But my question is to cut out those months in between getting a home state license than applying for reciprocity if you can initially apply for licensure by examination in more than one state.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

You can apply to how ever many states you want but results will only be sent to one state and then you have to apply to other states for endorsing. Probably easier to apply to one and then endorse as well as save money

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I'm in a very similar position. I just passed the nclex in state of NJ and I am waiting on my license #. I live just outside of NYC so I would like to be licensed in NY as well. Should I wait for my license # (which is taking forever) and apply for reciprocity which then would take even more time or can I file for NY at the same time? My concern is that this entire process has taken such a long time and I don't want to waste even more time waiting around for the reciprocity to go through. I was thinking while I'm waiting for NJ to send my license, I would apply to NY while I'm waiting but I'm not sure how that works. I guess the question is can you apply for a license in 2 different states at the same time?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Read what the requirements are for endorsing your license. Because you are endorsing license you I would image have to wait for license to be issued

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Specializes in acute care and Alzheimer's care.

I was just googling this same question and came upon this thread. MsKait, I was just wondering if you were able to get an answer to your question (or if anyone else has the answer)? I actually live in a Compact State, but the other two states that I am thinking of going to are not in the Compact States. Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

I know this is an old thread but OP did you ever figure it out???

Im facing a similar situation. Hubs and I were planning on moving ASAP after graduation to a compact state (state 1) so I sent my application info to them last month. (It wasn't cheap and there were multiple hoops for the livescan background check). However, now it looks like we will be staying in non compact state (state 2) for at least 6 months or a year. I do already have a job offer and another interview in State 2, and an interview in the state 1 as well. And if the offer is right, moving isn't off the table completely. But I'm worried about the length of time between ATT, taking the nclex and applying for endorsement. So confused as what to do now. Do I just wait it out? Cancel state 1 (and waste the money)? Both states recommended apps in nonlater than 60 days prior to graduation - well I'm at 56 days prior right now. Please, any advice. Help?!

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