Advice on Licensure for Endorsement: Massachusetts to Maryland

[KyRN29]

Hi all,

This post is more just for advice. I am a recent graduate of nursing school and am planning to register for my NCLEX. I currently reside in Massachusetts, and have the goal of moving to Maryland after successful completion of the NCLEX. I am unsure how long I would be residing in Maryland (a couple years I would assume. Potentially longer.), as opposed to when I would potentially be coming back to my home state as a permanent resident.

I originally had planned to register for my license in Massachusetts (non-compact state), and then immediately after getting my number, I would apply for licensure for endorsement to Maryland (compact state). This way I would maintain my original license in my home state should I ever move back home. To me, this made more sense than upon registration having my results sent to the board in Maryland, and then down the line should I move back apply for licensure endorsement to Massachusetts. This considering how if I move from a compact state to a non-compact state, I would lose the multi-state privileges and gain a single-state license only. Whereas if I go with my original plan of registering under Mass, then after applying to Maryland, I will have an active license under Mass (should I keep up with CEUs, renewals etc.), and be issued that second license for Maryland, which I would think would allow for greater opportunities for places/areas I could work.

My concern is if I go with my original plan, would it be a lot longer of a process to wait for my approval from Maryland? If so, is there any way I could expedite that process such as contacting MBON prior to taking NCLEX? Would I still be able to apply to hospitals in Maryland while awaiting approval for endorsement, or do I need to have approval prior to hospital applications? Or would it just make most sense to register initially under Maryland?

I had the hope that I would be capable of registering for two states at once upon taking boards, but after research I don't think that is possible. Unfortunately, I am unsure which route is the best decision. I am curious if others have experienced a similar experience, and what decisions you had made along with the outcome of it all. I appreciate any feedback.

Thank you all!

[vince_reads, BSN, LVN, RN]

Just my own suggestion. Apply first in your home state. Why? As people would say, you will always go back to where you're from. Hehe, cheesy statement. But that is just fundamental. You will always have a fall back no matter what happens down the line. So apply first in Massachusetts, pass the NCLEX and get the license. After passing the NCLEX, you can actually apply hospitals in Maryland for new grad positions and if you're going to get hired, some of these hospitals can help you process your license endorsement too. Then that point if you have 2 licenses for both states, you will have the privileges from a non-compact state and a compact state.

[KyRN29]

That is great advice. A lot of accurate components in there that I hadn't thought of. Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the Nurse Career forum as nothing indicates you trained outside the USA and Nurse registration is aimed at nurses moving countries

[chare]

In my opinion, there really isn't any advantage to applying for initial licensure in a state you have no plans of staying in. If you are planning on moving to MD after graduation it makes the most sense to apply for initial licensure there. Applying for licensure is going to add both time and money to the licensure process, time which might cost you a position if you aren't licensed in time.

If you want to apply for licensure in MA, for whatever the reason, you can always do so later. As for your thought of applying for licensure in MA and contacting the MD BON to expedite your application there, there really isn't much that can be done until you receive a license to endorse.

Best wishes.