I've been to visit my friend a few times, and the area she lives doesn't seem too bad. California would be culturally better, but I've only been there once. If I do write the exam and go, it will depend on job and pay where I end up.

It's been a few years since I wrote my licensure exam in NS, but I didn't find it too tricky. I think it is alot more general than the NCLEX, looking at critical thinking rather than looking for the so-called 'right' answer: one study guide I have said the NCLEX exam has nothing to do with testing one's nursing knowledge, but with finding the 'right' answer for the question asked.

I'll get you any info I can on the NS exam :)