laurakb

Hi ED Nurse, Thanks for your comment. I do think that I will be able to pass as long as I keep studying and taking the refresher course as you suggested. My main concern is trying to understand where/what state/how/what's the best way to get the licensure. Seems like my situation is a little unusual that I cannot find relevant information in the state board websites. My understanding is, NC will allow me to sit for the test, but then I am not getting the license? So it's a little confusing.

I graduated almost 3 years ago from a college in California (non compact state). Due to some family situation, I had to move to South Carolina (compact state). I haven't taken my board exam since I graduated and I'd like to find out how I can finally get my RN license. I'm a resident of SC. Upon checking SC Nursing Board website, I found out that if someone didn't passed NCLEX 3 years after their graduation, they had to go back to nursing school. (I was shocked to hear this!) I heard that in North Carolina, you can take NCLEX as many times as possible without any time limit. However, in their website I found this sentence: "You are not eligible for licensure in North Carolina if your Primary State of Residence is currently another Compact State." I called NC board exam to ask about this. I was told that I could take/pass the NCLEX, but since I was a resident of SC, I wouldn't get any license. Then I was advised to get more info through their website. I still don't understand what it means... eligible to take NCLEX but not get a license?? I am very confused now. Can someone help me understand the different paths of getting RN license with my current status? In what state should (or can) I apply for NCLEX to get my license. What are the benefits/disadvantages of choosing that option? I'd really appreciate if anyone can shed some light on this issue. Thanks in advance.