NJ to PA nursing licensure question

[thompsnj46]

Hello! I graduated in May with my BSN, and I am currently up for licensure in the state of New Jersey (taking the NCLEX in late June). At the time of submission of paperwork, I believed that New Jersey was the place I would have the most luck finding a job, which is why I opted for this route. However, in the past two weeks, I have interviewed for a job in PA, which I believe I have a good chance at getting. Throughout the interview process, I did not reveal that I was up for NJ licensure because I did not want to deter them from considering me (and they did not ask). However, I am wondering if someone could provide clarification on what my options are in terms of getting a TPP/endorsement in PA. I was under the impression that I can only apply for one state at a time, therefore I would have to wait to pass the NCLEX and get my NJ license number, and then apply for PA. I am interested to learn the quickest, most efficient way of being licensed in PA (whether by endorsement or TPP...not quite sure of the differences). I want to be fully prepared for any questions I may encounter by this prospective employer in PA, and I do not want this to be a reason I don't get a job! Thank you so much in advance for any help you may provide

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Correct. You cannot apply for initial licensing in more than one state. NJ takes at least 4-6 weeks post NCLEX to issue a license as all candidates must be approved by board committee. Once your license posts you can apply for TPP/endorsement.

Technically you could rescind your nj application, pay a fee to Pearson to change BoN (lose your current scheduled date as a result), apply to PA, wait for PA to assess your application and issue ATT/TPP, then reschedule NCLEX.

Even though NJ BoN is slow you will likely fare better keeping as is and endorsing once your license posts.