RN license in more than one state? NCLEX in New York applicable to any state?

[Laurenslovely]

I'm in a BSN program in New York. I would like to get my RN license in California as well (where I'm from). I don't want to sound novice, but can you have a RN license in more than one state at a time? Do I have to take the NCLEX in New York first since that is where I will have graduated from? A friend told me that New York is a state that if you have a license in, you can take it to other states without having to take the NCLEX again. Is that true? I just don't know where to find these answers. It's summer, so I don't really have anyone to ask at school... Also, Can I graduate in New York and get my first job in California? I'm n ot sure if they prefer experience in the state you graduate from first.

Thank you very much!!

Lauren

[dinaelisheva]

As a new grad, I am applying to programs in both CA and NV. My license was issued by CA. If I apply for licensure by endorsement for NV and they say yes, will I be licensed to work in both states until my license expires. I don't want to transfer my license to NV and then possibly get stuck if I get into a program in CA.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

You aren't "transferring" your license. You can have as many endorsements to work in as many States as you like (provided you meet each State's application criteria). You can choose to let an endorsement expire (in which case you'd need to reapply to gain the license to work in that State again). Or you can keep them all up. Travel nurses often have many such licenses active and ready to go :)

[anjushasasikumar25]

Hello Everyone ,

I was trying to find answers to my question and I stumbled upon this . But I was wondering , if one can proceed to transfer or endorse the license obtained , without working in the place you get your license from ? Example , I am currently in California , but looking at the rare possibilities to obtain a license here , I plan to apply for Texas . If I happen to clear my RN exam , will I have to stay and work in Texas before I apply for endorsement to California ?