Moving to a different state post-graduation

[stephOnezy]

So I am soon to start at Charity School of Nursing in the Fall as an advanced placement student. I will be in school for 3 semesters, basically. I was just curious if anyone had any information on applying for a license in another state after graduating. Should I take NCLEX here & then attempt to transfer my license? Should I work for a year here in New Orleans before trying to move? Would an out of state hospital be more likely to hire a graduate from an out-of-state school if they have some experience under their belt? I'm very on the fence; I don't want to make the move and then have a difficult time finding a job. I am under the impression that most student-nurses here in New Orleans have a job lined up prior to graduation. I'm not sure if i could apply to a job out-of-state before graduation. I know this is complicated. I'm honestly just looking for some honest advice/opinions on moving & obtaining licensure right after graduating. Has anyone ever immediately moved post-graduation?

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

If you are definitely moving to a particular state after graduation and do not intend to work in LA, then you can apply for a license in the state you intend to move to. You apply for License by Exam. If you are unsure of the state that you want to move to, then apply for License by exam in LA and when you decide on the state you want to move to, then apply for a license in that state by License by Endorsement.

[Semper_Gumby]

I'd wait and see what the job market looks like when you graduate, then make your decision. If new grads are still easily obtaining jobs when you finish, I would highly recommend getting your LA license and working at least a year, preferably two, in the local area before trying to move elsewhere (I would also highly recommend finishing your BSN during that time so that if you move to an area where there is a strong preference for BSN, you will have an easier time finding work). When I graduated, my local area was pretty impacted and I had a very hard time finding a job--took over 75 applications and moving 2.5 hours away to a different state to find work (though I didn't move until I had a job of course--been there, done that!).

If you're dead set on moving, make sure you research the job market where your interested in going as some places it's about impossible to find work as a new grad (there are plenty of posts of "new grad can't find job" on this very forum). Some parts of the country will only hire BSN new grads.

Side note: I'm pretty sure that's the nursing school a friend graduated from. She still lives and works in the area.