MA resident with expired VA license...what to do?

U.S.A. Virginia

Published

Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.

Hi all,

I have a unique little situation that I was hoping someone could help me with. I'll try calling the VA BORN tomorrow, but until then I was hoping someone here could have some insight.

So, once upon a time (back in 2010 I think), I was getting ready to do travel nursing. I'm a MA resident but having been born in Virginia and planning to use my sister's house in Smithfield as home-base while I traveled, I got a VA license using her address as my permanent residence. I thought this was a good plan since VA is a compact state and it would make traveling all the easier. But the traveling fell through when I hurt my back and I let my VA license expire thinking I'd never be using it.

This past summer I took a job at a summer camp in NH. I reactivated my NH license (which I got as a new grad) which is currently still active. But, in the process, was told that in order to have a NH license, I couldn't be licensed in any other compact states.

So here's the thing. I'm also in a MSN program and am planning on staying with my parents (who also live in VA) to complete a cardiac preceptorship.

My problem is this. I was somehow under the impression that since I had an active NH license, I wouldn't have any trouble getting reciprocity to VA. BUT it turns out that that's only an option if your current state of residence is a compact state?

Does anyone know what to do since my permanent residence is in MA and I have a NH license, but I also need a VA license? Can I renew my VA license? I tried to look online and it said something about only allowing online renewal if it's within a certain window of expiration. If I do get a VA license, can I keep my NH license?

Also, can I just say, that I really wish we could have 1 big ol' license for the whole country? I've had licenses in 3 states already and VA will be my 4th. The process of application, reciprocity, etc can be so tedious, tiresome, and confusing when there isn't some kind of continuity between the application processes.

Thanks so much for any advice you can give.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Have you contacted the Virginia BON?

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Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.

@Pixie.RN and everyone else:

Just wanted to let you know that, yes, I called the VA board of nursing today and had all my questions answered. :) Thanks for reading.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
@Pixie.RN and everyone else:

Just wanted to let you know that, yes, I called the VA board of nursing today and had all my questions answered. :) Thanks for reading.

Great!! What was their solution? Your experience may help others down the road, so please share! :)

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