Nursing Student Relocating

[OliviaU]

I am in my last year of nursing school and I currently live/attend school in Virginia. However, I would like to start my career in another part of the country (possibly Georgia or Oregon). Since I plan on relocating how do I go about getting a licenses in my intended state, or is my only option to get a Virginia license and then get it endorsed for another state? I would like to start working as soon as possible after graduation, so if I could get a licenses in another state and bypass the 30 day waiting period of endorsement I feel that would be best. Thanks in advance!

[samntrey]

Olivia as far as I can tell as long as you went to an accredited nursing school and take the NCLEX you can apply for a license anywhere. It may behoove you to just get a Virginia license as they are a part of the Nurse Compact which allows you to practice in 29 other states without having to jump through any additional hoops. Georgia is one of them, but Oregon is not. It is easier to get a license in some states when you are present. For example, California only takes digital fingerprints from inside the state, otherwise you have to send in a paper fingerprint card. Arizona only takes care payments made in person. Otherwise you have to mail a check (who uses checks anymore?). Good luck and congrats!