Question

[nursecher]

Once you pass the NCLEX can you be a nurse in any state? I am in Pennsylvania and am currently taking pre-req's for school. What does NCLEX stand for? Is it the same thing as state boards? Thanks!!

[Nesher, BSN, RN]

Yes in theory you can then practice nursing in any state once you pass the boards - you need need to go through the states licensing requirements however. Every state is different in that area.

[christvs, DNP, RN, NP]

Yep, the NCLEX is another way of saying the state boards. It stands for National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN) or National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN). I didn't know that off the top of my head: it says that in one of my review books! I know that once you pass NCLEX in any state, you are done taking tests-but if you want to work in another state-you have to go through that state's board of nursing to find out how to transfer your license over. Hope that helps!