Licensed out of state right after graduation? Or in two states?

[elle_RN]

I graduate this month with my BSN. I'm in southeast Michigan (enough said) and I'm actively looking for a position in Colorado so I can move out of state. I'm looking at other states too, but I would really like to move to CO. I'm concerned because many employers would need me to have my Colorado nursing license by mid-October. According to my nursing adviser, that's not enough time for me to get licensed here in Michigan first. Michigan isn't a compact state and I do have some small job leads here. I guess I'm worried that if I have my NCLEX results sent to Colorado, and get licensed there, then I will end up getting hired here in Michigan and not have my MI license. I've been trying to contact the boards of nursing to find out more but no one seems to know what to tell me.

Can I apply to two states at the same time? I thought you couldn't have more than one license pending at the same time, but I can't remember where I heard that. Ideally I would apply to MI and CO to cover both bases. Has anyone done this before?

[L&Dhopeful]

How long did it take for you to get your original FL license? I'm surprised - only 2 weeks to endorse? I'm really interested in the UCH residency program so I have a strict timeframe - I know it's really competetive, but I at least want the option and would hate to lose an opportunity b/c I don't have the license? Where are you working? Thanks for all the info!!!

[hgerun]

I want to say once i passed boards I has license in hand in 2 weeks and another two weeks till I had Co license in hand. But once you take the boards and pass you can get license number on line like a day or two after and send your paper work to get endorsed. Ya I heard that is a great residency but i didnt have my BSN so i couldnt Good luck!!! Are you in Fl now?

[L&Dhopeful]

That timeframe isn't too bad actually. Still I think I'll gamble and start with a CO license and endorse to FL if I have to. I'm finishing my BSN in FL now, graduate in December and hope to apply to UCH residency in February. They only accept like 10% of applicants so I'm applying to other jobs as well.