Qusetion from an army wife

Specialties Government

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg, Oncology.

Hey. My husband is in the guard but going full active when he gets commissioned next week. We got his orders in the other day and were going to be stationed in Fort Drum, NY. This whole thing is all very new to me, as this will be our first place to go and everything. I was wondering about my nursing licensing.. My friend just said that she had heard you could get a license that is good for all states - like for travel nurses and military spouses, etc. Do ya'll know anything about this or will I just have to get a NY license. I am licensed in Alabama and I'll keep my RN here up to date too, incase he gets deployed or whatever and I come home. Actually any information about the army and all that would be appreciated.. Im pretty nervous about all this!!

Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

I think you have to transfer it to NY. If you actually work for the military or VA, I think the license goes with you b/c it would be just a transfer. I would check NY BON webiste.

http://www.op.nysed.gov/nurse.htm

Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
I was wondering about my nursing licensing.. My friend just said that she had heard you could get a license that is good for all states - like for travel nurses and military spouses, etc. Do ya'll know anything about this or will I just have to get a NY license. I am licensed in Alabama and I'll keep my RN here up to date too, incase he gets deployed or whatever and I come home.

To my knowledge, unless you work as a nurse, either on a military base (clinic or hospital) or if you work in a VA hospital, you have to get licensed by endorsement/reciprocity in the state that you work in. You may check to see if there are exceptions for military spouses, but I have never seen any exceptions like that noted.

This means as a traveler, I have about 8 licenses. Annoying but true.

There are exceptions, in that nurses that are licensed in a "compact state" and WHO MAINTAIN LEGAL RESIDENCE, in that state, may practice in any other compact state without get licensure there. These are a group of states that have signed on and agreed to do this. There are about 10-15 "compact states" (my regrets as I do not know which ones - moot point as my state of legal residence is not a compact state) and while I hold a license or two in compact states, as I do not legally reside in them, I must get still get a new license each new state.

Specializes in Education, Administration, Magnet.

Here is the info about compact states.

http://www2.state.tn.us/health/Boards/Nursing/faq.htm

Hey JeepgirlRN,

I just finished a travel assignment from Bronx, NY. My agency set us up in White Plains, NY. Anyway, Like Caroladybelle conveyed about compact state, find out if

Alabama participate in the compact state (states that you reside in, yet can work under RN license in other compact state). If Alabama is not part of compact, contact New York department of nursing / education licensure division & start applying for endorsement license. I have to admit, I was scare of New York city because of everything I use to hear. Into the 2nd month, I was traveling by myself, back & forth. Plenty of things to do in the big Apple. The people are different but most of them have kind heart. Everybody is just in a hurry, they don't mean no harm, they just in a hurry. Central Station on Sunday is fascinating.

My adult children with my grandchildren came & visit for a weekend. My 9 year old grandaughter wanted to go to the city every day. You are a nurse, just think you are on a mission. Good Luck

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