Can I get liscensed in 2 states and only take one NCLEX?

Soon2BNurse · Nov 8, 2003

I hate answering since I'm new to everything and still learning, but what we were told earlier in the school year is this:

"A growing number of states have entered into a legal agreement, called an interstate compact, that allows multistate practice of nursing. The RN/LPN/LVN must be licensed in her or his home state and privileges are then granted to practice in other states that have signed the interstate compact."

I'm not saying that Ohio and Georgia are like that, but you might want to check with someone in GA.

And one of my teachers holds a license for both Texas and California at the same time, she said you can hold as many as you want, granted that you went through the right channels to get them, as long as you keep them renewed.

Hope some of that helps, but if someone else can give a better answer, feel free, just trying to help :)

Teshiee · Nov 8, 2003

You sure can! I have a best friend who has 4 licensure in 4 different states. What you have to do is simply notify their Board of nursing in that state they will send you the paperwork. Or for some who like traveling nursing some agencies will take care of that for you. :-)

EastCoast · Nov 8, 2003

What i did was apply for licensure in one state after the boards and then I applied in the second state at some point afterwards. I am sure you can apply at the same time but usually proof of licensure in one state allows a relatively easy process of licensure in another state...(ususally notarized document/passport photo/ $$). Look under the state board of nursing online. Most states have sites.

Erin RN · Nov 8, 2003

I took my NCLEX in WA and currently hold RN Lic in both WA and ID. I just had to apply for reciprocity over in Idaho...

rncopper · Nov 8, 2003

You can hold as many licenses as you want! As a traveling nurse, I hold 8.

But for your situation: IF you are NOT going to work in Ohio, when you take the NCLEX, just apply for the Georgia license. You can sit for your boards anywhere and apply for the license that you want in the state that you want.

But, if you are going to work in Ohio, you can sit for your boards and get your Ohio license, then apply for the Georgia license by reciprocity. Just be prepared to pay for both licenses!

As for the "compact" state issue: Ohio and Georgia are NOT part of the compact states. So you could not use that angle.

Good Luck to you!

USA987, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 8, 2003

As an LPN I was licensed in New Jersey & California. Then I graduated from RN school in California...took the NCLEX in Wisconsin and became licensed...then I applied for my license by endorsement for Illinois.

It can be done. Just a lot of paperwork and it seems like everyone wants a piece of the money in my wallet!!!

I just LOVE being a Navy Wife:p

unknown99, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2003

:) Thank you all for all your help!!! I will probably take boards in Ohio, then apply for Georgia.

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