Is NCLEX good country wide or just by state

[tagalognurse]

hi all, I am new to the board. I am a 1st year student and I am looking for info on the NCLEX. Does anyone know if you have to take the NCLEX for every state that you want to work in, or is it good for the whole country?

thanks for all the help.

Ken

[elkpark]

The NCLEX exam is "good country wide" -- once you've taken and passed it, you don't have to take it again. However, you do need to have a separate state license for each state in which you practice (that isn't necessarily true for states that have joined the Nursing Licensure Compact, but I'm too beat right now to try to explain the Compact :)). All states require a passing grade on the NCLEX to be eligible for licensure, but passing the NCLEX does not make you an RN; it just one piece of getting licensed, and it is the license that makes you an RN.

Best wishes for your studies! :balloons:

[suzanne4, RN]

NCLEX exam has reciprocity, meaning that it is accepted in all states. It is a national exam and does not vary by state or location where you take it.

NCLEX is only one part of the licensure process, it is not the only step in many states. You will need to endorse your license to any other state after you receive it; if you wish to work somewhere else.