Changing nursing license to another state/Compact States

chare · Jan 3, 2008

A list of current and future states participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact can be found at the following site: Participating States in the NLC.

It is important to remember that you can only use a license from a compact state to work in another compact state as long as you maintain residency in the state your license was issued in. If you change residency (even to another compact state) you must be licensed in that state.

Some compact states allow a grace period of varying length upon relocation from another compact state. If you are planning on relocating your best course of action would be to contact the board of nursing in the state you are relocating to.

Good luck.

Katnip, RN · Jan 3, 2008

Yes, VA is a compact state.

No, you do not have to retake the NCLEX to get another license. As long as you meet the requirements for a state's licensure you can apply for endorsement. You can hold multiple licenses as long as you kep up the requirements for each and pay your fee.

Katie82, RN · Jan 4, 2008

The Nursing Compact states make reciprocity much easier, in fact it is automatic. You can actually transfer to any state, but if it is not a Compact state, the application process takes a little longer. I recently transferred from Maryland to North Carolina, and it took me less than a week. Also, most non-Compact states will offer you a temporary license so you can work while your application is being processed. The Compact has made life so much easier if you live near the border. For example, with a Maryland license, I could have commuted to a job in DC, Virginia, Pa, or Delaware. I think all states will eventually join the Compact, it's just a matter of paperwork and legislation.

sharlynn · Jan 4, 2008

Yes, VA is a compact state.
No, you do not have to retake the NCLEX to get another license. As long as you meet the requirements for a state's licensure you can apply for endorsement. You can hold multiple licenses as long as you kep up the requirements for each and pay your fee.

This is true unless they become a Compact state. I kept my AR license after I moved to NE, but had to surrender it when AR became a Compact state. Likewise, when I moved back to AR fourteen years later and got my AR license again, NE notified me that my NE license was cancelled because my primary residence changed. Both are Compact states.

naomileaann · Dec 1, 2008

does anyone know about changing from texas to illinois??? (for RN)

Silverdragon102, BSN · Dec 1, 2008

does anyone know about changing from texas to illinois??? (for RN)

If you are moving to Illinois from Texas then you apply for endorsement and meet BON requirements

tigerwolf0524 · Mar 21, 2009

really, with the so called nurseing shortage, nurses should have a national liscense to practice in any state all with the same CEU requirements and costs to renew every 2 years. after all the NCLEX is a nation wide test that we are take and pass therefor are equally entitled to practice. We are the USA only divided by the 52 states of goverment. I guess the state woud loss too much money on liscense renewal, but come on there has to be an easier way.

elkpark · Mar 21, 2009

really, with the so called nurseing shortage, nurses should have a national liscense to practice in any state all with the same CEU requirements and costs to renew every 2 years. after all the NCLEX is a nation wide test that we are take and pass therefor are equally entitled to practice. We are the USA only divided by the 52 states of goverment. I guess the state woud loss too much money on liscense renewal, but come on there has to be an easier way.

Even with the NLC, each state retains the right to regulate the practice of nursing (and every other profession!) within its own borders, and I doubt that's going to change. Passing the NCLEX is only one requirement of several for licensure in any state. No one is "entitled" to practice as a nurse -- licensure is a privilege granted by the state at its discretion. Each state can choose to set whatever standards and requirements it sees fit, as long as it treats everyone equally/fairly.

Plus, look at all the venting and ranting on this board about how difficult it is to deal with (one's) state BON -- hard to get a straight answer, hard to get someone on the telephone, long delays in getting paperwork processed, etc. -- imagine what a nightmare it would be if there were only ONE BON for the entire nation!! :banghead:

(BTW, the "shortage" is little more than an urban myth -- check out the many threads on the subject on this board.)

AUS2USA · Sep 21, 2009

HI

can ony one tell me the difference between "MARYLAND ONLY " license and "COMPACT STATE" license. :banghead:

BTW,:heartbeatI am a foreign trained nurse.

elkpark · Sep 21, 2009

Compact states issue two different kinds of licenses. If you are a resident of the state and apply for licensure, you get a license with "compact privileges" (which means that the holder can work in other compact states with the original state license as long as s/he maintains her/his permanent residence there). If you are not a resident of the state, you can still apply for licensure, but you get a traditional-type license that is only good within the state and isn't recognized by other states. You have to be a permanent resident of a compact state to get a "compact" license.

So, if you apply for a Maryland license but are not a resident of Maryland, you can still get a license, but you will get a "Maryland only" license, that does not have compact privileges.

AUS2USA · Sep 22, 2009

Compact states issue two different kinds of licenses. If you are a resident of the state and apply for licensure, you get a license with "compact privileges" (which means that the holder can work in other compact states with the original state license as long as s/he maintains her/his permanent residence there). If you are not a resident of the state, you can still apply for licensure, but you get a traditional-type license that is only good within the state and isn't recognized by other states. You have to be a permanent resident of a compact state to get a "compact" license.
So, if you apply for a Maryland license but are not a resident of Maryland, you can still get a license, but you will get a "Maryland only" license, that does not have compact privileges.

Hi

Thank u for sharing info just one more Q:confused:.

Does "permanent resident " mean holding green card or citizenship???

Does it vary for foreign nurses?