RN License in Washington or Alabama?

[rcfj2290, BSN]

Hello. I'm currently finishing my prereq's for nursing in Alabama and plan on getting my ADN but I plan on getting my BSN in Washington state. My question is should I get my RN License in Alabama and try to transfer it to Washington when I move or should I just immediately apply for my licesure in Washington once I graduate and apply to a BSN program? Is Washington one of those states that recognizes RN licenses from other states? Thank for reading this. I appreciate any feedback anyone could give me.

[wsuRN09]

Washington is not a compact state, unfortunately. Depending on how soon you plan to move to WA for the BSN program would determine whether or not to get your license in your current state or WA. Hopefully you'll know for sure when you would be moving before it's time to apply for your license. I would only apply for the WA license first if you are 100% without a doubt moving here. Good luck :)

[katkonk, BSN, RN]

It is simple...get your license in the state where you will first WORK. Then, transfer after you are finished with school/work in that state.

[HiHoCherry-O]

I currently live in Washington but completed my BSN in another state. I took my NCLEX in Washington. I called the BON first to ask what would be better, take NCLEX and get licensed in prior state or just do everything in Washington. I already had a job lined up when I moved here. The BON said it would be easier to take NCLEX in WA since there would be less wait time for paperwork to transfer and I would have a better chance of starting my job on the specified date (instead of waiting for paperwork to be done).

It was a smooth transition and rather hassle free to just take the NCLEX here in WA.

[rcfj2290, BSN]

Thanks everyone I was leaning more towards getting my RN License in Washington because I plan on being there for a while even after I get my BSN.