Moving directly after NCLEX/Licensure?

[Lanntis, BSN]

I'm starting my nursing program in the summer (accelerated 2nd degree BSN) and I have a general question about what I do after. I'm a long time Florida resident, going to nursing school in Florida. I have long, LONG wanted to leave Florida but financially that has not been possible.

Ideally I plan to restart life on the west coast, get some experience in bedside and then pursue my NP. My question though is what is the best way to go about this goal? Is it better to get licensed in Florida first and work for a year here? (sigh).

Or can I plan to move states to my first job and be looking for one out in California or Washington? I know that the first year in the hospital is basically like the teaching year where you actually learn how to be an RN. I'd hate to get stuck in Florida any longer than I have to though. If anyone has insight on this topic, I'd love the advice.

I'd have loved to move first, and attend nursing school in the state(s) I want to live in, but in state tuition made that a ludicrous decision. 17k vs 60k+

Thanks!

[Sour Lemon]

I moved to Southern California after I gained two years of acute care experience. It's a brutal market for new grads. I'm under the impression that the bay area is even worse, but I have no personal experience with that. I also know absolutely nothing about Washington.

Moving after graduation can work, it just depends on where you're moving to. Many say get a firm job offer before moving, and while that's good advice, it may be difficult for a new graduate without a state license ...especially in an employer's market.

***California takes 10-12 weeks to process a properly completed license application, so you'd either have to go through that process before applying (knowing that you might not be able to use it) ...or risk losing a job (if you're lucky enough to get an offer) because you can't scrape up a license in time.

[Lanntis, BSN]

So that's one vote leaning toward get licensed in FL first and work for a year ? Any other opinions on best strategy ? I have heard that the West coast is pretty good for nurses once you have that important first year and aren't a new grad anymore.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I attended nursing school in one state, moved after graduation and then took the NCLEX in my new state