Endorsement headache

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Specializes in Oncology, Palliative/Hospice, Float Pool.

I am currently an RN in the state of WI. I have only practiced in the state of WI. I want to get my license in the state of IL as well as I am thinking of moving there next year. The reason why I want to have an early license is because I think employers will take me more seriously if I already have an IL license :) My question: Can you have two RN licenses in different states? I read something online that stated if I currently have a license in a compact state (which I do) and apply for a license in a state outside of the compact, my license will then only be valid in that single state. Is this accurate?!?!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

A nurse can hold as many different state licenses as s/he wishes (and can afford). That's how travelers can work in one state for 13 weeks and then move to another for the next contract if the states aren't compact. A license from a non-compact state will only be valid for that particular state. A PA license will only be accepted in PA, a FL license will only be accepted in FL, so on for non-compact states.

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

https://allnurses.com/nursing-news/attn-illinois-nurses-1039476.html

You might find the above thread helpful. IL has been working on becoming a compact state. Not sure if it is effective yet, but hopefully will be by next year when you need it.

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As long as you maintain residency in WI, your WI license will retain its multi-state privileges.

If you relocate from WI to a non-compact state, and change your residency to the new state, your WI license remains valid in WI only, and loses its multi-state privileges.

If you relocate to another compact state, and change your residency to the new state, your new license will grant you compact privileges, and your WI license becomes inactive as you can only possess one multi-state license at any given time.

ETA: Although many make a lot out of having a license with multi-state privileges, if you aren't travelling or don't live on the border between two or more compact states, it really doesn't provide much benefit.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Dialysis, Hospice.

I currently hold nursing licenses in eleven states because I need them for my job as a telephone triage nurse handling calls from around the country. You're allowed as many as you want or need, but keeping up with the renewals, fees, and continuing education requirements in more than one or two states can get tedious.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
I currently hold nursing licenses in eleven states because I need them for my job as a telephone triage nurse handling calls from around the country. You're allowed as many as you want or need, but keeping up with the renewals, fees, and continuing education requirements in more than one or two states can get tedious.

This^^. I have three as a faculty in an online university. Even three makes me crazy- cannot imagine eleven!

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