Which state to take the NCLEX? Endorsement from VA to FL?

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Hi everyone,

So I will be taking the NCLEX in May and I'm not sure which state to take it for. I am from Virginia (which is part of the compact), but I am planning on moving to Florida (not part of the compact) and trying to find a job there. I think I want to take it for the state of Virginia and then get it endorsed for Florida, but I am nervous that it will take too long to apply and get approved for Florida. Does anyone know how long this process takes for applying for a Florida license or if I can work with a Virginia license in Florida while I am applying for one? My boyfriend is in the military so I won't be working in Florida for more than 2 years (which is why I wouldn't just take it for Florida to begin with, and I think it will help to have a compact license in the long run). And I would like to apply for jobs/start working ASAP once I move so that's why I am nervous that it might take too long to get my license endorsed. Sorry if this is confusing, I am new to this process and have a tricky situation. Any advice would be great! Thanks so much!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Where you take the NCLEX is irrelevant, the state where you apply for a license by examination (or endorsement) is the key. However, you need to know that in order for a compact license (NLC) to be valid for other states you must have a primary residence in that state of the original license. So for example if you are living in VA and have a NLC license you can work in MD (an NLC state) without needing an endorsement. However if you move to MD, you have 30 days to get a MD license (just like a driver's license) and your VA license will become a single state license until expiration. Your new MD license will be then a NLC license, as your primary residence will be in MD.

If you have a NLC VA license and the subsequently move to FL, you cannot work in FL until issued a license by the FL BoN. Your VA license will become a single state license (Valid in VA only unless you move back to VA) and you will have a second license in FL once the endorsement is complete.

If you don't plan on working in VA, then apply directly to FL for your initial license. Having the VA license will be of no advantage at that point other than extra cost. With the current economic climate most employers are not even considering applications if you don't have a current license for the state in which you are applying (i.e. applying for FL Nursing Jobs with a VA license will be fruitless until you have a FL license number)

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So for example if you are living in VA and have a NLC license you can work in MD (an NLC state) without needing an endorsement. However if you move to MD, you have 30 days to get a MD license (just like a driver's license) and your VA license will become a single state license until expiration. Your new MD license will be then a NLC license, as your primary residence will be in MD.

(Actually, in this example, the VA license will become void after 30 days. One of the NLC rules is that you can only be licensed in one compact state (at a time). If you move to a new compact state, you have 30 days to apply for licensure in the new state, and then the old license just "evaporates" (I like to picture it disappearing in a puff of smoke, but that's just me :)). If you move to a non-compact state, you retain the previous license but it loses its compact privileges and becomes just a "regular," single-state license.)

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
(Actually, in this example, the VA license will become void after 30 days. One of the NLC rules is that you can only be licensed in one compact state (at a time). If you move to a new compact state, you have 30 days to apply for licensure in the new state, and then the old license just "evaporates" (I like to picture it disappearing in a puff of smoke, but that's just me :)). If you move to a non-compact state, you retain the previous license but it loses its compact privileges and becomes just a "regular," single-state license.)
Thank you for the clarification. I know that you must apply in your state of residence if it is a compact state so this makes a lot of sense. (I.e. if you live in VA you can't apply to MD instead of VA unless you are changing your primary residence )
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Thank you all so much for your feedback! This helps a lot! :) I am going to apply for the FL license since that is where I will be living and working!

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Specializes in ER.

I don't mean to rain on your parade but good luck finding a job in Florida ?. It is very tough here. What part are you moving to? I'm originally from So Cal, went to nursing school in Las Vegas, and moved to Miami after graduation. This was in May last year. I still haven't gotten even a single interview and I've applied all over this state. Good luck to you. Maybe you'll have better luck than me!

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I'm moving to the Pensacola area. I have also heard it is a really tough market for new grads. So frustrating! Thanks for the advice and good luck with your search!

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