Alabama nursing programs

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I have been a RN for 10 years with my degree from an accredited program in Alabama. But, had I known that Alabama was not a compact state I would have gone to another state. As a non participating compact member any graduate from Alabama must apply for licensure in other states just as though he/she were a new grad. Under rules for compact states an RN need only pay for licensing in another compact state and receive their license. There is no wait or tedious paperwork to hassle with.

I have spoken with the ABON and have been told that they will not participate in the compact system, especially under the current director. Noone tells a potential student this which is very frustrating. I am a travel RN and in every state I have to complete an application, get fingerprints done etc. If I had graduated from a compact state it would be faster and less costly. I tell this so that any potential student will be able to make an educated decision with all information so that it is not a surprise like it was for myself and other nurses I've worked with.

If you plan on travelling after graduation then for the sake of time and money consider attending a program in a compact state. You can see a list of compact states at https://www.ncsbn.org/nlc.htm. Good luck in your careers

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Specializes in ICU.

My sister is a physical therapist and did travel therapy and went through the same thing. It's a pain but has to be done. Each state has different rules.

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So do you have to retake the NCLEX? What exactly is the licensing process?

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

Moved to the Alabama Nursing forum.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/MICU/SICU/CTICU.

I agree!!! I am about to start traveling and have to apply for a license in every state. I have been licensed in Alabama since 1994! All the paperwork is a huge pain. Also, Alabama doesn't participate in the online nursing verification either Nursys. I don't understand why the state doesn't participate.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/MICU/SICU/CTICU.
So do you have to retake the NCLEX? What exactly is the licensing process?

No, you don't have to retake the exam...but you have to complete all the other paperwork

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Specializes in Med/surg.

Oh my Lord, I didn't realize Mississippi (my birthplace) was a compact state! I currently live in Fl and we were going to move to AL so I applied to school there, not really giving consideration to the compact state thing. Now I wonder how much of a hassle that could be in the future... :/

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I don't think it matters where you go to school. Having a compact license means you have residency in a compact state and have applied and received a compact license. So if you move from a compact state to a non compact state, you would no longer have a compact license because you don't have residency there. You can go to school and take the NCLEX anywhere, but what matters is the state you apply for licensure in as your home state.

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By the way, I'm a traveler as well. While the ABN does not participate in nursys, they do have an online verification tab on their website. You click on it, fill out the info and what state you are applying for licensure to, and they send the verification to there. No paperwork. And they're pretty quick about it. Just wanted to share in case anyone needs this info later on.

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