When should I take my NCLEX?

[ASully4924]

Hi everyone, I've never used a discussion board like this before so bear with me. I graduate from nursing school in December (yayy!) and I was originally planning to take my NCLEX asap after graduation, however something occurred recently. I was offered a job as an aupair in Ireland, and I would be leaving shortly (1-3 months) after graduation from nursing school. The job could be up to 24 months, but I would probably only stay for 12 months. Anyways, my question is that assuming that I take the job, should I take my NCLEX before or after I leave? I'm worried that if I take it before and I pass that while I'm away if I decide to stay longer that my license would lapse because I need to do my continuing education credits for IL every 2 years, but I'm worried that if I wait to take it my NCLEX application will either expire, or I'll fail completely because it'll be so long since I've graduated nursing school. It's always been my dream to be an au pair in Ireland but I also don't want to compromise my nursing career.

Thanks for any an all help!

[Newbie_RN17]

I'd personally take it ASAP. You can always do continuing ed online from wherever, but be careful that when you come back you will likely be no longer considered a "new grad" and have a hard time finding a job depending on the area you live in. If you're willing to relocate to (or live in) an area where there is a large demand for nurses (rural generally) it'd be a plus after a year gap between graduation and a first job. Good luck to you!

[Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I would take it asap...if u fail, not a big deal as ur going to be out of country and u have seen the format of the exam..which should help calm u down when u re-take it down the road. And U can prob do the CE credits online. If ur away for awhile, you may want to reconsider a nurse refresher class when u get back. I was out of the USA for awhile and took 1 and it helped me get hired. Look on ur states BON for refresher classes..many community colleges offer them.