thinking of moving....need help

[jillo1017]

Hi. I'm thinking of moving out of state after graduation in May. What are the rules of reciprocity and to which states do they apply? Should I take the WI boards and then move out West (not sure which state yet) or do I wait until I make the big move to take to boards? Of course, that would make job hunting more difficult. Please help if you have any suggestions. Thanks.

Moving from Madison.

[MQ Edna]

My recomendation, plain and simple, take the board while all your education is fresh in your mind! Goodluck to you!

[ratchit]

Hi Jill-

Congrats on surviving nursing school!

Things used to be more complicated before computerized boards, when every state wrote their own exam and decided what the passing score was. According to my mom, 30 years ago a license from some states were more impressive than others, and passing in one place wasn't recognized everywhere.

The way it works now is you take your boards anywhere (and I agree with the other poster- take them while school is still fresh in your mind.) The exam is on computer and I believe there is no difference between the states.

When you decide where you want to work, ask the board in the new state to send you a Licensure by Endorsement application. You will send a form from that package to the state you took your boards in, they will verify your score for the new state. The new state issues you a license that is the exact same as any nurse who took the boards there.

Sounds more difficult than it is. I'm a traveler, I do it 4 times a year- it's not that bad.

Good luck!

[jillo1017]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. Only 4 1/2 months left. Yippee!

Originally posted by ratchit:

Hi Jill-

Congrats on surviving nursing school!

Things used to be more complicated before computerized boards, when every state wrote their own exam and decided what the passing score was. According to my mom, 30 years ago a license from some states were more impressive than others, and passing in one place wasn't recognized everywhere.

The way it works now is you take your boards anywhere (and I agree with the other poster- take them while school is still fresh in your mind.) The exam is on computer and I believe there is no difference between the states.

When you decide where you want to work, ask the board in the new state to send you a Licensure by Endorsement application. You will send a form from that package to the state you took your boards in, they will verify your score for the new state. The new state issues you a license that is the exact same as any nurse who took the boards there.

Sounds more difficult than it is. I'm a traveler, I do it 4 times a year- it's not that bad.

Good luck!

[mustangsheba]

Why don't you contact the Nursing Board in the state to where you're moving and get their input. I would encourage taking the boards where you went to school and sooner rather than later; there is a possibility you might have to repeat them somewhere - heaven forbid! Congratulations!