CA-WA Nursing

Hello! I am graduating from my nursing program this May (Mount St. Mary's in Los Angeles), and I keep hearing about how long it takes and how competitive it is to get your license and become a nurse in southern California. Can any LA-SD area nurses tell me about how long it took to get your license and start working? My wife and I are considering moving out of state to the Seattle, WA area and I'd like to hear from some WA nurses too about the process up there and if it is recommended I go out of state. Please and thank you!