Question re: moving, NCLEX, license, etc.

pghnurse527 · Apr 26, 2012

I would think it would be easier to take your NCLEX in the state you are going to live in. A good number of the students I graduated with are taking theirs in a state other than the state our program was in, so I can't imagine the paperwork is very difficult.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2012

You should check with the new state's BON and see what their requirements for license by reciprocity are. You can take NCLEX anywhere in the country for licensure in whatever state you choose though. So if you live in, say, Florida but want to be licensed in New York, you can still physically take the NCLEX in Florida, you just need to apply for NY licensure when you submit your application to sit for the NCLEX. If you have no intention of ever using your nursing license in state #1, I see no reason to pay the licensing fee for both states.

Also, look up "compact states". My state isn't one so I don't know all the regulations with that.

Cupcake89121 · Apr 26, 2012

Thank you both for the helpful advice!

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2012

No, it is not easier to take the NCLEX in the state you are now, and then transfer it. You should take the NCLEX in the state that you are going to be working.

If you take first get licensed in the state you are now, you will have to pay the licensing fee for that state and submit all the paperwork. Then you'll have to wait for approval, schedule the NCLEX and wait to receive your license. Then you'll have to submit all the paperwork to the new state, pay their fee, and wait for them to approve your endorsement. The whole process is going to take much longer than just applying in the new state.

I went to nursing school in Maine, and applied for licensure in New Jersey. New Jersey has a super-slow process, but it still ended up being faster than taking the NCLEX and Maine and then getting it endorsed in NJ.