Endorsement dummy

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Specializes in med surg ltc psych.

Hi all, I am in the early process of trying to endorse my current license to another state (CA) and the website to download the application and instructions are pretty clear as to what they want, but I couldn't find an answer to one of my questions. I should know this but I simply don't. Once you have applied and endorsed your license from your original licensing state, does the original license become null and void? or can you simply keep two licenses as long as you keep renewing the original from original licensing state? Can I work with my current license in my state until I move out west? Endorsement dummy.

Oh and let's all give a prayer up for Farah Fawcett, rest her soul.

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You can have as many licenses as you want. Licenses are good until they expire.

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Specializes in Pulmonary, MICU.
You can have as many licenses as you want. Licenses are good until they expire.

Unless they are compact states. You can only have a license in one compact state at a time. If you apply for a new compact license in a different compact state, your original compact license becomes void.

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Specializes in med-surg 5 years geriatrics 12 years.

I agree with the other posters but will add that I was told it was a good idea to keep my original state license current since that's where I tested. And to be on the safe side, I have.

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Specializes in med surg ltc psych.

Maybe this is confusing to me and others because as the compact states map indicates to me, Louisiana and California are NOT compact states. I am inquiring into endorsing my original Louisiana current license to Cal for a Cal nursing license. Since they are both not compact states, applying and finally recieving a Cal nursing license would void out my current existing license for Louisiana. Isn't the whole purpose of multi state licensure or compact to compact license states allows a nurse to work in not only her original licensing state but another state that accepts via the compact license states act? Sounds like I would give up or loose my license if I endorse to California. I would then only hold one license.. A Cal nursing license. Did I get it right yet? Is that true? I wanted to work here while I waited for the paperwork to be processed (8-12 wks) so I didn't know when the plug on my licensed would be pulled. It now seems scarry and serious to be switching out a license if you don't fully know the implications of doing so. I know they take or cut up a drivers license when you apply for a new one in another state, so eeeeeh is it similar to that?!!

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Like I said, licenses are good until they expire. You do not lose your original license when you obtain another by endorsement.

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Specializes in cardiac, ortho, med surg, oncology.

VORB is correct. I am currently licensed in WI (a compact state) and IN (non-compact state) Both my licenses are current and valid however since I do not currently live in WI, my WI license is now a single state rather than multi-state license.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Ok..very simple: compact status only comes into play if your place of residence and licensure is in a compact state. In your case, you will be licensed in CA and LA if your application is accepted. As long as you follow guidelines, you will be licensed in both states and will be able to practice in both states. No, it's not like your driver's license, as long as you follow the guidelines for the states you wish to practice in, you can easily maintain multi-state licensure. That's how travel nurses work. Don't sweat it, it's easy.

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Specializes in Assisted Living Nurse Manager.

I currently have a license in my state (compact state) and I also hold a license in our neighboring state (non compact state). I endorsed into the neighboring state so I did not lose my home state license. Hope this helps answer your question.

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