New Grad Needing Advice

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Specializes in med-surg/ortho for now.

Hi..I am graduating in May and currently living in N.J. I am moving to AZ after graduation. I am confused on whether or not it is easier to take the boards in AZ or NJ. I don't plan on working in NJ. Which way is faster?? Do you have to be a resident of AZ for a certain time period before taking the boards? How long would applying for reciprocity take?? Thanks for reading! :roll

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Specializes in CCU (Coronary Care); Clinical Research.

The NCLEX should be the same no matter which state you take it in. Personally, I would take it in the state in which I planned to work so I wouldn't have to pay the fee to apply/transfer my license to another state. If you have questions, I would call or email the state's board of nursing for specifics...each state can be a little bit different in their requirements.

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You just apply to either state for initial licensure. Doesn't matter where you take your exam, can be in Hawaii or even Hong Kong, if you want a vacation first. Arizona happens to be a walk-thru state if you do get licensed first in NJ. This means that you can just go to the AZ BON with your documents and you will get a temporary license within 2 days..............

Depends on how long that NJ takes to process your application, as to which would be better for you. It will be cheaper to go the route of AZ directly since you save the set of fees. :)

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Specializes in NICU.

Hi there, I replied in your other thread, not sure if you saw it. I agree with zambezi and suzanne in that you should just take the NCLEX in the state you plan on working in ..... it would save you a lot of money in fees. Good luck!

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