Okay so I'm venting a little but why in the world is it SO daunting to get an RN licensure in all 50 states? I mean I've been an RN for 12 years and am licensed in a compact state which already means that I'm good enough for 25 states by default. But Holy Cow, each additional state is a nightmare!
i am a telephone triage nurse and have to be licensed in all 50 states plus Washington DC and The Virgin Islands. Please don't get me wrong, I understand the money side of it and this isn't even about the money.
My my question is why does each state require fingerprints and background check through a different agency. I mean, no matter who I go through and pay for background checks, the fingerprints and information do not change! Don't get me wrong, it should be difficult to get licensed, but this is nonsense.
And it it seems each state adds one little caveat that is impossible. For example, Kansas requires that your out of state fingerprints be sent to them directly from the Sheriff's office. Hello, the Sheriff's offices DON'T DO THAT! My fingerprints don't change if I send them to you! Uggh! So frustrating! And don't even get me started on states that require a PAPER written application. It IS 2017!
Nobody asked me, but I think the whole compact state vs. other states thing is ridiculous. If someone is licensed in a US state, they ought to be ok in every other US state.
Imagine if we had to apply for a driver's license for every state we drive through.
The only reason we don't is because, back at the dawn of the automobile age, the states realized that wouldn't be practical (having to stop and apply for a new license at each state line) and all signed a compact agreeing to recognize each other's licenses for temporary travel purposes.
And it it seems each state adds one little caveat that is impossible. For example, Kansas requires that your out of state fingerprints be sent to them directly from the Sheriff's office. Hello, the Sheriff's offices DON'T DO THAT! My fingerprints don't change if I send them to you! Uggh! So frustrating! And don't even get me started on states that require a PAPER written application. It IS 2017!
As a nurse who had to go through the hassle of getting licensed in Kansas I feel for you. I was moving to Kansas from another state and had to navigate the process from miles away. The Kansas Board of Nursing continues to be a thorn in my side as they are my original state of licensure and they are one of the only states not to participate in the Nursys electronic license verification. I continue to cross my fingers they decide to join us in this century....
Nobody asked me, but I think the whole compact state vs. other states thing is ridiculous. If someone is licensed in a US state, they ought to be ok in every other US state.
Fun fact: If you work for a Federal medical facility (VA or Military Medical Center, etc) you can. The feds will accept an RN license from any US state, no matter where you are located. Why the states cant collectively do this? bottom line: Money.
The main reason is that different states have different laws and thus different requirements.
Also keep in mind that it is exceedingly difficult to investigate and prosecute a licensee that commits an infraction in your state but they hold a license out of state. This is the main reason why some states like California are not in the compact.
You are likely to never see a universal license in our lifetime.
How does making the process an expensive bureaucratic nightmare protect the public? And who are we protecting them from--Other great nurses with no complaints or restrictions?
JadedCPN, BSN, RN
1,476 Posts
The thought of having to apply and get licenses in all 50 states gives me a headache just thinking about what a headache it would be!