Confused, need your help

Always_Learning, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2011

I think your quickest, most detailed answer would be if you call your current state's board of nursing. Some states have reciprocity agreements (in other words, if you're licensed in state A, it will transfer to state B), and some don't.

If you call the BON (or maybe check their website), they would be able to tell you what states have this and which don't. With this info, you would be able to tell if you need to test first and then move, or vice versa. Best of luck to you.

TriciaJ, RN · Oct 23, 2011

I don't think it really matters. The NCLEX is the same throughout the country and to take it you have to submit the same paperwork. Unless you want to pay for more than one active license, probably you just want to get one where you'll be working. I don't think you have to take the exam in the same state you went to school.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2011

You can take the NCLEX at any approved Pearson VUE site, even if it's my in the state of are getting your license in.

When I say for the test in New Jersey, the closest testing centers were in New York. Pearson VUE is a national company and wen you take the test, the results are submitted to their national database and the BON that issued your ATT.

To apply for a license, go online and look up the website to the state BON where you want a license. You should be able to print and application and get instructions there.

breaktime · Oct 23, 2011

It's actually even possible to test for a license in another state, while you're still living in CA. Just call the BON for the state you plan on moving to and they can explain the process. It generally takes slightly longer than testing for your home state (as far as getting the date to test set up) but otherwise it's really no different. I will say this in regards to getting your license, better to have on from out of state than not at all. When I graduated and started applying, I heard nothing until I had already received my license. In this economy, it seems the days of hospitals hiring you before you take your NCLEX are over (at least in the areas I was looking for jobs). Good luck on the test, and on the job hunt!

emmanewgrad · Oct 23, 2011

I went to school in AZ , lived in Utah, and took nclex in las Vegas for my CA RN licence. :) memorial hospital mailed me a flier this Friday. Hiring RNS for all departments. Starts November 11, CA is the best paying State in the USA. Just FYI, good luck :)

TriathlonRN · Oct 23, 2011

I went to school in AZ , lived in Utah, and took nclex in las Vegas for my CA RN licence. :) memorial hospital mailed me a flier this Friday. Hiring RNS for all departments. Starts November 11, CA is the best paying State in the USA. Just FYI, good luck :)

Wondering which state and area that memorial hospital at that? Thanks!

roser13, ASN, RN · Oct 23, 2011

It depends. Will you be moving somewhere for a job that you already have? Or are you moving to a specific location and then looking for a job?

If you already have a job, I'd move there right after school and take the NCLEX in that state. If you don't yet have a job, I'd take the NCLEX where you currently live and then job-hunt. As a graduate nurse, it's much easier to find a job with a license.

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2011

I have couple questions, and will greatly appreciate if someone can answer them.
I will be graduating soon and planning to leave my state in search for a job ( i'm from California). I am confused about the process of moving, taking my board and applying for a lisence. Do you think I need to take my boards here, in Ca and then move or move, take the boards, and apply for the lisence in that state. Thank you.

Please note the correct spelling - it's license, not lisence.

With the new Compact licensure that's happening these days, it might not matter. I think, though, that the best thing to do is contact Californ BRN and whatever other states' Boards of Nursing where you are thinking of moving.

You should also ask this question of various advisors and deans at your school. I use the plural because I think you'll get a lot of "don't know" and varying answers. That's why I advise going straight to the horse's mouth (the Boards) to get definitive answers. Get the names of everyone you speak with and don't accept talking to non-supervisors or the director in each state Board office.

Search the Boards' websites, too, to learn if you are eligible to test in their state.

used to be you tested in the state where you graduated; don't know if that is changed now; best wishes and congratulations on your huge successful achievement;

dudette10, MSN, RN · Oct 23, 2011

Applying for initial licensure is an important decision. There are a lot of factors at play here. Do you plan to never work in CA before moving? If not, apply for initial licensure in the state to which you are moving, so that you will be ready to apply for jobs even before your move.

Taking NCLEX is not a difficult decision. The NCLEX results are sent to the state for which you applied for initial licensure. I could have taken the US NCLEX in a foreign country, if I wanted to. (Yes, there are Pearson Vue centers abroad.) Your initial application for licensure determines what state you are licensed in as a new grad, not where you took NCLEX.

futuredream · Oct 23, 2011

Thank you very much, your comments were very informative. I apologize for the mistakes I made, and appreciate all your posts.