Help please, Nurse Compact

[chad75]

Okay, I am thoroughly confused by the nurse compact. I am relocating soon and need to figure out what licenses I need. My current home state is Arkansas, which is a compact state. I am moving to DC, which is not a compact state I plan on doing agency stuff at first etc and would need to be able to work in DC/VA and MD. (those 2 states are with in minutes of DC obviously)

So, I was thinking by keeping my Arkansas license, that would allow me to practice in VA and MD since theya re all compact states, I would have to get a DC license of course since they don't participate in the compact. I was reading the rules and regs though, and I am thinking that since my new states of residence DC, is not a compact state that I would not be able to practice in VA/MD with my Arkansas license once I change residence.

I'm thinking since Im going to be living in DC, Im going to have to get a license in VA and MD also, since my home state won't be a compact state... *sigh*. Are you all confused yet? I surely am.

If the rules permit I would like to only have two licenses, AR and DC and still be able to practice in VA and MD with my AR license. Can I do that if my residence is in DC?

If anyone has any answers I would greatly appreciate it.

[stidget99]

Yeah you have me confused! LOL

Contact your CURRENT board of nursing. They should be able to answer all of your questions.

[sjt9721, BSN, RN]

Chad,

I think I understand. Maintaining AR as your 'home' state allows you to practice in other compact states such as VA and MD while living in DC. If you move to VA or MD then change your 'home state' since your permanent residence would be different. You can only have ONE compact license. You will need a DC license since it is not part of the compact. Keep an eye on legislation though, because if/when DC joins the compact, you'll have to decided which state is your 'home'.

http://www.ncsbn.org/

The link has contact information for all the state boards of nursing. Get in touch with the specific boards just to be safe!

Good luck to you!

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

OK a compact state license is only good if you are working in another compact state and you remain a resident of the original state. In your example you say you are moving to DC if you become a "resident" there then your AR license is not good for the other states its only good for AR. You would need to get licenses for all three places. Now if you stay a "resident" of AR the your license would be good for the two compact states. Its not hard to do but you also dont want to inadvertantly make yourself a resident elsewhere. The best thing to do is go to the NCSBON web site and read up about the compact.

RJ