First license/ job/ moving questions

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Hello! I am just a bit confused on applying for my first license. I am from Minnesota, finishing nursing school for my BSN, and taking the NCLEX here late May/early June. I am interested in moving to Colorado and getting a job there (love the state and have family there too), so I want to apply for a Colorado license. I didn't think there would be any issues, but on a job posting I read a requirement that stated "must be a CO resident." Obviously I am not yet a CO resident, and am hesitant to move there until I secure a job first. I don't know if that was just that job's specific requirement or if I must be a CO resident to apply to CO jobs... I'm not finding that on CO's BON. Anyone know?

Also, in allnurses opinion, will I be causing myself a lot of extra problems by refusing to move to Colorado until I have landed a position? I am not picky about the position or the city I would have to move to, I just want to go to CO :)

Lastly, CO is my first choice, and MN is my second choice. Would it be foolish to get my first license in CO, and apply for an MN license by endorsement after? Maybe this is wrong, but I figure I could get an endorsed license faster in MN since I am already here. I could bring in the paperwork myself.

I appreciate any thoughts, suggestions and opinions! Thank you! :)

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Congrats on graduation! I just graduated in December, so this whole process is still pretty fresh for me. I'm not sure about your school, but our school walked us through filling out the application for licensure. They even had a person dedicated for us to talk to in regards getting licensed in another state. MN is actually pending legislature according to the nurse license compact act website. Truly you have a few options get your MN license and work there until they become a compact state and then move. Or call the state board in Colorado and clarify the information about being a state resident. I'm sure there is some type of regulation about relocating. However, I will say try not to have your heart set on just that. Jobs can be hard to come by. I didn't have a hard time and landed the exact job I wanted, but I've heard from others that for a new grad I'm truly blessed to have done that! I hope this helps good luck with everything!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

State residency is sometimes required for some Civil Service positions. Might that position you found be Civil Service?

If it's around a border of another State, some places may grant a 'grace period' to establish Colorado residency but that all depends on the employer. Failure to meet residency requirements could result in termination.

Tough decision.

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