Can RN license from one state to be used throughout US?

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Hi Guys:

I am a new member here and as of right now I am really concerned about my future career. As all of you out there, I am one of the people who wants to be a CRNA. But majority of the CRNA programs in US that in order to be accepted to the CRNA program of a particular state you have to have the RN license by that State's Board. I want to know how some of you guys applied to other states' CRNA programs while your RN license is only restricted to your state registered? THanks a lot.

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Specializes in ICU.

You apply for a license by endorsement for the state that you are going to practice in.

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Specializes in Only the O.R. and proud of it!.

I will probably get these terms wrong, but here it goes - everyone feel free to correct me where I am mistaken!!

There are a handful of states that have a program that recognizes each other's licenses for RN. I don't know which ones, or what the program is called.

A majority of states do not just accept another's license (for RN), but will reciprocate with proof of licensure and a clean record. Some states are easier to do this than others, and some take longer than others. I am not sure if there are any states that will not reciprocate, but require you to sit for the NCLEX and apply from scratch, or not.....

Some states require CEU's and some do not. Right now Illinois does not, but I think that they will start with 2010 renewels... (am I right, does anyone know?)

Again, I am only referring to RN license, not CRNA or another advance practice license....

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The short answer is yes. You get your first license then when you want to practice elsewhere you contact that state's Board of Nursing to get the procedure. Some states are "compact" which means you do not have to have a separate license for each one but you do have to claim one permanent address. For instance, if you live in Texas and work in Arkansas you can just use one license. But since Louisiana is not compact you would have to get a second license (Texas + LA) to work in both states. People who live near borders do this. The National Council for the State Board of Nurses can provide contact information on all the Boards in all the states and territories.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

And actually in the right upper hand of this page in the links pull-down, there are the websites to all the states' boards of nursing. Good luck.

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Specializes in SICU, CRNA.

once you are licenced in a state then you just have to pay all of the other states money grubbing boards around 50 bucks to get a piece of paper for their state as well. its not that expensive. once a CRNA, however, some states require more money for another piece of paper for a CRNA licence ie Utah, California, North Carolina.

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