New Jersey or New York?

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I am graduating from a NJ school this December and I really don't know where I should take my NCLEX. I live accross the river from NYC and I have been told that it is easier to get jobs in the city and that the pay is better, also endorsing a rn license in NJ seems to be easier than doing it in NY. My current plan is to take my NCLEX in NY and then transfer it to NJ since my life straddles both states but I am afraid to make a costly mistake. What do u think? Can anyone share his experience or any info on these issues? Thanks

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

I have to disagree with you about endorsement in NJ is easier than in NY. I have found the exact opposite. NY was a relatively easy endorsement compared with what Jersey requires. I actually gavve up because of all the detailed requirements & the cost. NY does not require the fingerprinting, which saves a lot of time and money. If I were you, I would get the Jersey license as your primary and then endorse for a NY one.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

You can take the NCLEX anywhere, you just need to pick a state for your board results to be sent for licensure

You will still have a NJ license after applying for endorsement to NY. NY does required 2 CEU classes in child abuse and infection control for licensure. Just keep in mind that you will have 2 liceses to pay for, and 2 different sets of CEU requirements.

I was initially licensed in SC after taking the NCLEX in NJ. I then endorsed to NY, then NJ as well.

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SteveRN: I know that there is only one NCLEX, it is the endorsement process that's worrying me. How long did it take to endorse your license in NY and do u believe, as LORICATUS mentioned ,that the process in NJ is more cumbersome? Also, would it be wiser to apply in NY first for my first job, because NJ seems to become less attractive with all the hospitals closing and the pay seems to be lower??

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).
SteveRN: I know that there is only one NCLEX, it is the endorsement process that's worrying me. How long did it take to endorse your license in NY and do u believe, as LORICATUS mentioned ,that the process in NJ is more cumbersome? Also, would it be wiser to apply in NY first for my first job, because NJ seems to become less attractive with all the hospitals closing and the pay seems to be lower??

Sorry.... you stated you "didn't know where to take your NCLEX."

Endorsing my SC license to NY was easy, and took about a month, since SC uses an online verification system. Endorsing to NJ took longer (3 mos), since I had to get fingerprinted and mail several forms to SC and NY SBONs.

As far as employment is concerned, I am very glad I came to NYC to work. Lots of jobs, unionized facilities, etc..... New grads can start at around $75,000/yr here. I do have to pay income tax in NY and NJ, but ended up exempting from NJ income tax because of my deductions....

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Thank you SteveRN and Locaritus. You ve been really helpful. Much appreciated.

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