Moving to AZ in August..

[khy05]

I'm finishing up an accelerated BSN program in Philadelphia in May and will take my boards shortly after. My concern is whether to initially register for a NJ license, since that's originally where I'm from.. and then apply for an Arizona license.. since it's harder to transfer a license to a NJ one.

I'm only thinking of getting the NJ license for the future in case I need to move back. However, I won't be moving to Arizona until August, so I would have time between getting my NJ license and then applying for an AZ license.

Or should I just initially apply for an AZ license and the NJ one later?

Also, since I'll be a new graduate.. how have you other new graduates gone as far as applying for residencies vs. a regular job in the hospital? I'm debating about which one to pursue, although I could just apply for both..

[Asystole RN]

If your goal is to pursue nursing in Arizona then I would suggest getting an Arizona license, and then a NJ license. Unless for some reason it is more expedient just get a NJ license and then apply for Arizona. I know nothing about NJ licensing.

August...HA...good for you.

I would apply for EVERYTHING and see what sticks. You can always turn down offers.

[sfarn]

I'm from around the Allentown area in Pennsylvania! I applied straight for my AZ license. I'm planning on moving to the Phoenix area in a few months. I'm an RN and graduated with my BSN last year. I only have experience in a nursing home so I've found it very hard to come across a new grad position or just a position for an RN with little experience. but if I come across anything ill let you know!