Moving out of state after graduation

[MojoSpicolli]

Hello,

I am looking for any advice on moving out of state after receiving my BSN-RN by July 2022 in a Chicago area school.

I am not fond of staying in Illinois for economic and financial reasons. I currently work in a local hospital as a CNA. I am a single male with no family nor am I a homeowner, so I can hastily move out.

I am looking to move to other states, but I do not know where to start and so far I have no leads. I'm looking to the southern states such as TN, TX, FL, NC, or SC. Also neighboring midwest states such as WI, IA, MO.

Should I focus on picking a specific state soon and take their NCLEX (if possible) after I graduate, or should I hang back and take the Illinois NCLEX, get that on my resume portfolio, and see if any job offers from other states come around. I am aware I would likely have to take their NCLEX as well.

Based on any of your own experience, or thoughts, what would be a good approach? Would any other options I have not mentioned be of benefit to this scenario?  I look forward to hearing back from you.

Thank you for your time.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

First, let's clear something up about NCLEX. There is no "their" NCLEX or "Illinois" NCLEX. The test is exactly the same regardless of where you take it. It's a once and done, no taking it for another state once you pass. One could live in Colorado, attend school in Wyoming, apply to South Dakota for licensure, and take the NCLEX while on vacation in any state, territory, or other place where a testing center is.

Second, here's where the difference comes in: which state you choose to apply for licensure by examination. If you think there's absolutely no chance of you working in IL, it doesn't make sense to pay the state to license you only to turn around and endorse it to another state. You'd save money applying directly into the state where you want to work. So, you need to decide where you want to work to make this as easy as possible (and affordable) for yourself.

[GrumpyOldBastard, MSN, RN]

1. Rose_Queen is correct.

2. "I am looking to move to other states, but I do not know where to start and so far I have no leads. I'm looking to the southern states such as TN, TX, FL, NC, or SC. Also neighboring midwest states such as WI, IA, MO."

You have SO MANY options.  You might start by making a few decisions to help narrow your search... pick a specialty you are interested in OR pick a place you want to live. The decision does NOT need to be "forever" but simply a way to manage your hunt.  

Your geographic list is remarkably diverse... WI, IA, TX, and FL... apparently climate isn't a big factor for you!

3. The Nurse License Compact can take a lot of pressure off the decision about "which state should I license in first". https://www.NCSBN.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm