NCLEX 3 years after graduation

Nurses General Nursing

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I graduated almost 3 years ago from a college in California (non compact state). Due to some family situation, I had to move to South Carolina (compact state). I haven't taken my board exam since I graduated and I'd like to find out how I can finally get my RN license.

I'm a resident of SC. Upon checking SC Nursing Board website, I found out that if someone didn't passed NCLEX 3 years after their graduation, they had to go back to nursing school. (I was shocked to hear this!)

I heard that in North Carolina, you can take NCLEX as many times as possible without any time limit. However, in their website I found this sentence: "You are not eligible for licensure in North Carolina if your Primary State of Residence is currently another Compact State." I called NC board exam to ask about this. I was told that I could take/pass the NCLEX, but since I was a resident of SC, I wouldn't get any license. Then I was advised to get more info through their website. I still don't understand what it means... eligible to take NCLEX but not get a license??

I am very confused now. Can someone help me understand the different paths of getting RN license with my current status? In what state should (or can) I apply for NCLEX to get my license. What are the benefits/disadvantages of choosing that option?

I'd really appreciate if anyone can shed some light on this issue. Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

I think you are in a very tough spot here. 1) Do you think you can successfully pass the NCLEX at this point? Taking it numerous times should not be an option do you- you need to follow whatever path will get you a license successfully. 2) Being so far out of school, do you feel like you have retained enough to be successful at the bedside? You are not a new graduate an will not be able to apply as such. I suggest taking a refresher course ASAP. 3) Start looking at states around you that are not compact and will allow you to sit for the test in that state. You can then gain a license in SC by endorsement.

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Hi ED Nurse,

Thanks for your comment. I do think that I will be able to pass as long as I keep studying and taking the refresher course as you suggested. My main concern is trying to understand where/what state/how/what's the best way to get the licensure. Seems like my situation is a little unusual that I cannot find relevant information in the state board websites.

My understanding is, NC will allow me to sit for the test, but then I am not getting the license? So it's a little confusing.

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You live in SC, so you are going to have to jump through the hoops required by the SC BON. I would suggest you call them and discuss your situation and determine what your options are.

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

Hi,

If you take NCLEX in SOUTH Carolina you will have your RN license in SOUTH Carolina and to obtain a license in a compact state you must live in that state. If you want to obtain your license in another state after you have initially become licensed you will have to figure out what that BON requires for reciprocity. You do not need to retake the NCLEX once you pass it, you just need to figure out what the requirements are for each BON for you to prove that you already have a valid RN license in another state that is in good standing.

Annie

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Hi ED Nurse,

Thanks for your comment. I do think that I will be able to pass as long as I keep studying and taking the refresher course as you suggested. My main concern is trying to understand where/what state/how/what's the best way to get the licensure. Seems like my situation is a little unusual that I cannot find relevant information in the state board websites.

My understanding is, NC will allow me to sit for the test, but then I am not getting the license? So it's a little confusing.

Check Hawaii BON and New York BON

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