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Discussion

Compact state question

I know there are many discussions on compact states, but I just have one question. I live in Arizona and I am considering working in Maryland. Both as I understand are compact states. So my question is .. I can work in Maryland without having to do anything extra, like take a state test or anything? Thanks.

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Yes, that is correct, based on my understanding of how it works.

  • Author

Great, thanks!

check it out on www.ncsbn.org

You have to declare one state as a primary residence. You will pay for one licensure (in the primary state).

You must maintain your primary residence in a compact state and pay taxes there. Then you can work in any of the other 22 compact states without getting an additional license.

I live in Maryland and worked for a month in Utah. Was like an agency assignment at home, do competencies and work.

Good Luck.

You also must maintain an RN license in your home state as well.

  • Author

Oh ok, well I already got my license in AZ, so I guess that will make it my primary state?

@ MERRYWIDOW46 do you know what the current status is of hospitals hiring new graduates in Maryland?

Thanks!

GoodLuck.....I have 34 years experience and took me 14 months to switch from PRN agency to staff, got hired Nov 2009 started looking Aug 2008.

Many places are not hiring at all, others only BSN with or without experience. New grads are having a tough time of it. Many places have cut the new grad programs.

Why are you moving here??????????

  • Expert
Oh ok, well I already got my license in AZ, so I guess that will make it my primary state?

@ MERRYWIDOW46 do you know what the current status is of hospitals hiring new graduates in Maryland?

Thanks!

It is only your "primary state" as long as you maintain a permanent residence there. If you move to Maryland and don't maintain a home, pay taxes, etc., in AZ, you will have to apply for MD licensure.

You don't just choose a state to be your primary state -- your primary state is where you live.

  • Author

Oh I see.. I'm still living at home with my dad.. so since I'm not paying for my own home, I'll need to pay for another state licensure if I wanted to work somewhere else.. (unless I get my own place here first). Well thanks for clarifying elkpark.

Merrywiddow46: I just have my Associates, so it looks like I wont make it there. And I was just looking up jobs on nurse.com, and I noticed there are a lot of openings in Maryland, so I was curious to see if they were hiring new grads.

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