#nurse licensing

[secondyearnurse]

Friendly PSA for those trying to get licensed in California: GOOD LUCK.

[secondyearnurse]

Some things I’ve learned from trying to get my license in two states:

You can take your NCLEX anywhere in the United States and still get your license in the one state that you want it in. For example, if you are trying to get your license in Washington, but are in California and taking the NCLEX there you don’t have to fly back up to Washington to take it. You can take your NCLEX wherever you want.

Unless your state is part of the nurse licensure compact. About half of the States are part of the compact, but the other half are still on their own.

Non-compact states tend to have longer processing times. As soon as you decide where you want your license, get the paperwork through to the state’s board of nursing.

License by Endorsement is a gift from heaven. It means you only have to take your NCLEX once and be done with it. You’ll still pay a lot of money in fees and such, but it beats having to take that ridiculous test again.

Calling the board of nursing where you are applying is rarely helpful. There is no such thing as “putting a fire under their feet” with nursing boards. Processing times will take as long as they take and you just have to be patient, regardless of how long it’s taking.