so confused about applying for license by endorsement ..please help!!

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Hello! I have a few questions about working in another state. Ok, so I live and work in Kentucky currently, a compact state. I will be moving to Florida this year, a non compact state. I am aware I have to apply for license by endorsement. My question is do I lose my ky nursing license since I am going from a compact to a non compact state? Is there anyway to keep my ky license active by doing ceus or not?

Next question, I am only staying in Florida for probably 5 years and then will be returning to Kentucky. So again, so I have to apply for license by endorsement to have a license back in Kentucky and pay all the fees and do the paperwork, even though that was my original license state?

Other questions. When I apply for my Florida license, do I have to wait to move and work until I get my license? Or can I go ahead and move and just not work? How does that work? Am I unable to apply for any jobs in Florida until I get my license approved?

So stressful and so much stuff to do! I hate the idea I have to pay to get my license back in Kentucky! I've emailed both boards and nothing! Please give me insight and I would greatly appreciate it!!!

Thanks!!!

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Specializes in NICU.

You can hold licenses in multiple states. I hold an Indiana (original state) and have a single state license by endorsement in North Carolina and Kentucky. I am moving to Ky. next week and updated my address with Ky BON and they switched my license to compact.

As long as you keep up the requirements for your license in Ky. you keep it. When you move to Fla. and update your address with the Ky BON, it will be converted to single state license (Ky only). When you move back to Ky. and update your address to a Ky. address, then it will convert to a compact license again. Obviously, if you will be in Fla. for 5 yrs, you will need to pay for renewal of your Ky. license while you are living in Fla.

You can apply for your Fla. license now. So when you apply for jobs, you will already have Fla. license.

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Thanks for your information! So as long as I pay my Kentucky license fees my ky license will be active?

Do I have to wait until I get my Florida license before applying for jobs?

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Will they give me a temporary license to work on?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I do not think FL has temporary licenses.

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You can apply for jobs at any time. If you've already done so, I would be sure to let potential employers know (I would mention it in my cover letter) that you've already applied for a FL licensure. Obviously, you can't start working in FL until you have a FL license, but there is nothing stopping you from applying for jobs and even being hired while you are waiting.

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Specializes in Pedi.
Thanks for your information! So as long as I pay my Kentucky license fees my ky license will be active?

Do I have to wait until I get my Florida license before applying for jobs?

As long as you pay Kentucky every renewal and complete any necessary CEUs, your license will remain active. You don't have to live in the state you hold a license in- that requirement only applies if you are working in a compact state with your home state's license.

In my opinion, you should apply for jobs before you move. Explain in your cover letter that you have applied for licensure by endorsement.

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I have licenses in 8 states all over the country. Costs a bloody fortune, but I need it for work.

The BoN of any state will be happy to take your money to maintain a license for as long as you wish and maintain proof of CE (whatever they want).

And don't bother to email any BoNs. Call them if you can't find out what you need to know on their websites.

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Specializes in OB.

I'd also advise you to apply for your Florida license now as they can take quite a long time to process them.

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Do you think it would take over 30 days? Does anyone know the average time it takes to receive their license by endorsement?

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If I apply for my Florida license now, I am still able to work in Kentucky currently? I am planning on moving down in May.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

If I *needed* to be working by a drop dead certain date, I would apply now. Definitely plan on the process taking longer than 30 days.

Yes, you can continue to work in Kentucky. As explained above, nothing about applying for licensure in a second state requires you to forfeit licensure in the first state.

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