How does endorsing work?

[jmsrn16]

Hey everyone! Newly licensed nurse here looking for advice. I live in RI but applied/received my RN license in MA last week because I thought I had a job lined up. Well things didn't work out, and now I would like to apply for jobs closer to me in RI but I'm not sure how to go about this. Most of the application requirements I have seen list that I "must have current licensure in the state of RI." Should I endorse my license before applying or only endorse if I secure a job? If I do endorse my MA license to RI, does that mean I am licensed in both states (aka I can apply to jobs in MA and RI), or does that just mean I am switching from one license to another? Help?

[Sour Lemon]

Go here:

Nursing Licensing: Department of Health

Click on "requirements" under the blue "how to get licensed" heading and you will get instructions on how to apply for licensure by endorsement.

You will still have your initial license until it expires and you chose not to renew it. You are able to hold more than one license and apply for work in more than one state.

Good luck in your search.

[klone, MSN, RN]

If neither is a compact state, then you will indeed be licensed in both states. Yes, I would probably go ahead and start the process for licensure in RI if that is where you live.

Just checked - RI is a compact state. What that means is that with your RI license, you can apply for jobs in any other compact state, and you will be considered licensed in those other states. MA is not a compact state. So you do have separate licensure in MA, regardless of the status of your RI license.