I posted in another thread

Published

but didn't get much response. Please lend some advice... My husband and I are seriously considering moving to Colorado. We like the idea of sunny days and snow but also we are both planning to pursue upper level degrees which are both offered at U of C. Anyway, I don't graduate until Dec of 12 and my question is...

Should I take the NCLEX here and then try and get a job there or should I just take it there. We really want to move as soon as I graduate. Is there a chance I will get a job as a new grad moving from another state. I am currently a PCA working at a magnet hospital. I was also a CNA for many years. I will have my associate RN and plan to apply immediately to a Bachelor program, probably online. Thanks for your help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Two people I know that moved right after graduation took nclex where they moved TO. But neither state was Colorado. Maybe call the Colorado BON? A lot may also depend on your job prospects.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just a quick note... I know that some states require you to have a certain number of working hours in your original state of licensure, before transferring. This is just something to consider and to inquire about from Colorado Board of Nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I moved immediately after nursing school and here is what I did:

Instead of applying to my home state BON(Alaska), I applied with my new state (Texas) BON. You can take the NCLEX anywhere, but you need to apply with the state you plan to work in.

The only thing that tripped me up was that when I got to Texas, I immediately applied for my new TX drivers license. Found out that the DMV takes up to 6 weeks to process the ID, so I had to keep rescheduling my NCLEX while waiting on my drivers license (NCLEX does not accept temporary licenses as proof of identification). I should have kept my AK license until after I tested. I have lived in CO also, and I believe they take a few weeks to give you a permanant drivers license as well.

Good luck with your move!! I admit, job hunting was particularly hard for me, because I didnt have any established contacts with the new local schools/hospitals.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

You can take the NCLEX anywhere, you will be issued your license with the state your registered.. Ex: I live in SC and now licensed in SC but took the NCLEX in NC because that testing center was closer to me..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

One of my classmates asked this of our program director. She planned to move to another state immediately after graduation, and the director suggested she apply here, and after she gets licensed apply to her new state for reciprocity. The rationale was, we know our school is approved for our state, but there is a possibility that the school wouldn't meet the requirements for the new state, and she would have to take another class or two before being eligible to sit for NCLEX. And even if our school qualifies, it would take time and lots of paperwork to establish that.

Just food for thought, YMMV. Check with the BON in the new state.

~Simmy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I do believe you can take it for more than one state also. say u sit for the test in ur current state and as long as the state ur moving to dosnt require more clinical hrs than other u can apply to have a multi-state license.. I did some research into it since where i am located i am in pa but close to ny and lil drive from oh.. hope that helps

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Definitely check with the BON in the state to which you are moving and be sure to follow their recommendations as they will know what they require. They may want you to take the NCLEX in the new state and will probably need proof of clinical hours from the school that you took your nursing course in.

Each state is different and not all states currently honor the Nurses Compact Licensure. Also, in order to use a multistate license in a new state you must have recent work experience in the state that your original license is from.

Another place to check for help in getting your ducks in a row is the new state's League for Nursing.

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

It doesn't matter where you take it you can apply anywhere for the license. Be prepared with your transcripts etc...as you should know what they want in whichever state you take it.

The previous poster that suggested to take it where you are was a good suggestion.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Sunshine:

Found the following link that will give you some concrete information. But, as I stated before, contact the state you are moving to as all states are individual in their scope of nursing practice and their requirements.

https://www.ncsbn.org/2010_NLCA_factsheet_students_July_2010.pdf

Best of luck to you.

:heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.
One of my classmates asked this of our program director. She planned to move to another state immediately after graduation, and the director suggested she apply here, and after she gets licensed apply to her new state for reciprocity. The rationale was, we know our school is approved for our state, but there is a possibility that the school wouldn't meet the requirements for the new state, and she would have to take another class or two before being eligible to sit for NCLEX. And even if our school qualifies, it would take time and lots of paperwork to establish that.

Just food for thought, YMMV. Check with the BON in the new state.

~Simmy

That's what I did. Got licensed in the state where I graduated and took boards then transfered my license to new state. I agree checking with the BON in Colorado is a great idea. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all for the advice. I will definitely call COBON. Thank you Start for the link, I'm going to check it out right now.

I'm not sure if it will count as experience or not but I was a CNA for many years and I am currently a tech at a large magnet hospital. Most of my fear is worrying that CO hospitals will favor their own new grads over me. I will need a job asap as I will be supporting my family for at least 2 years alone. My husband is applying to 2 colleges there for his PA degree so he will be unable to work once he starts his program.

I wasn't sure if taking the NCLEX for CO license would look better to them(jobs) or if perhaps NY would look better. I know NYS teaching licenses look good to other states but I assume Nursing is a whole other ballgame.

I guess one issue is I was hoping to move as soon as I graduate and I think you have to wait something like 2 months to take the NCLEX after graduation, is that correct? So I wasn't sure if I should just move or stick it out a couple months here and take the NCLEX before moving. I am SO eager to get out of NY, I do not like it. I have moved away many times but I met my husband here and then was accepted to the RN program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion