Compact States

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Specializes in Alzheimer's Unit, Cardiac.

Hey everyone! I graduate next month from nursing school. :loveya: I plan to work in my home state SC for awhile but am considering moving to another state in the next 2 years. I know which states are considered compact states but what if I moved to one that is not a compact state? What exactly would I have to do to have a valid license? Also, could I upkeep my SC license or would I have to get my license back once I moved back to SC? Thanks for your time! It means a lot! :specs:

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Specializes in Emergency.

You can find your answers at your states board of nursing website, including whatever state you choose to move to.

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Hmmm...not sure what a compact state is, but at a guess, I'd say you would need to speak with someone from the Board of Nursing in whatever state you're looking to move to....then speak to the SC BON about whether you keep a SC license or not.

No matter what anyone here says....those are the two agencies who actually make the deicision.

Peace,

CuriousMe

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Specializes in SRNA.

Whenever your residency changes to a new state, you apply for a license in the new state, compact or not. This is done by endorsement, which means you get a license in the new state because you have one in the old state.

You may maintain multiple licenses as long as you maintain the renewal requirements for each state you hold a license in.

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Specializes in Alzheimer's Unit, Cardiac.

Thank you :)

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Specializes in Alzheimer's Unit, Cardiac.

I just found the answer to my own question... so in case any of you are interested in the answer or want to know more about compact states and what it means.. check out this website.. it explains it very well. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/551037_3

:)

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I attained my original license in California, which is NOT a compact state. I simply paid the fees and completed the application to obtain licensure by endorsement in Texas, which is the state where I now live. I also endorsed my California license into Oklahoma.

A person can maintain as many licenses as they wish, but this practice does not always make sense. You must pay fees, complete CEUs, and go through other hassles in order to keep a license active. If I'm not presently working in a particular state, I simply allow the license to become delinquent. Since I have not worked in California since 2004, I just let that license lapse.

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Specializes in Alzheimer's Unit, Cardiac.

Thank you!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Threads merged.

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Specializes in SRNA.
Since I have not worked in California since 2004, I just let that license lapse.

Just a tip, some states impose fees if you let your license lapse and you attempt to reactivate it later. For example, when I moved from NV to WA I asked the NV BON about letting my license lapse. They said that's fine, but they will charge a "late fee" if I ever reactivated it. Alternately, they suggested I place my NV license on an Inactive Status. So, if I ever have to move back to NV, I can reactivate it without additional fees.

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Specializes in med-surg 5 years geriatrics 12 years.

I took boards in Montana and have held licenses in other states over the years. I was told to always keep my original state of licensure current since the other licenses are endorsement and I have done so. I always have at least 2 licenses at any given time.

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