How do I get an additional nursing license in another state (OR to WA)?

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I have my RN license in the state of Oregon, but would like to be licensed in the state of Washington, so that I have more job options. Has anyone done this? What was your experience? From looking on the Washington State Health Department webpage, I am unsure due to some terms such as "endorsement" as well as the fact that they speak of the NCLEX as if I haven't already taken it (I passed last year)?

Any experience/guidance would be much appreciated:)

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Specializes in Wound Care, LTC, Sub-Acute, Vents.

it is called endorsing your rn license to washington state. here is the link for the applications.

http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/professions/nursing/forms.htm

click, print, and read all the forms under registered nurse license by endorsement

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Specializes in OR, OB, EM, Flight, ICU, PACU.......

In most states that don't have reciprocity with the state you are in, all you usually have to do is apply. When I was a Traveller, at one time I had licences in 5 different states. Of course, some were easier than others;California was a royal pain in the *ss, while Texas, Nebraska and Missouri were a breeze.

Another thing to consider, if you do have multiple licences, is to never let them just expire. Check and see if you can inactivate it, and re-instate it if and when you need to. If I needed to re-activate my Texas license, all I have to do is pick-up any CME's and a nominal fee, rather than having to pay full price for a new license.

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Specializes in hospice, corrections.

It is basically fill out forms and send money. I am dual licensed in OR and WA too! Except I live in WA and got licensed in OR to find more jobs. Close to 150 applications in the Portland/Vancouver area and no interviews yet. Good Luck!

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I live in NY state, and was wondering whether anyone could tell me what I need to do to get a Washington State RN license? On the DOH website, there are 2 options applicable: Examination Application and Endorsement Application. I'm not sure if I need to do both?

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

Endorsement as I would assume you have sat for the test and passed in NY.

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Specializes in Pedi.
I live in NY state, and was wondering whether anyone could tell me what I need to do to get a Washington State RN license? On the DOH website, there are 2 options applicable: Examination Application and Endorsement Application. I'm not sure if I need to do both?

Examination is for people who need to take NCLEX. If you already have a NY license, you need to apply for licensure by endorsement. If you do not currently have a license and need to take NCLEX, take it for licensure in Washington.

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I have both OR and WA licenses too! WA was pretty easy to deal with. Actually they were very fast and I received my temporary license in just a few weeks and the permanent one automatically a few weeks later.

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On 8/25/2013 at 9:30 PM, alrighThen said:

I have both OR and WA licenses too! WA was pretty easy to deal with. Actually they were very fast and I received my temporary license in just a few weeks and the permanent one automatically a few weeks later.

I know this post is very old, but when you applied for endorsement you got a temporary license? Would you say it took about two weeks?

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Consider that stuff may take longer due to the effects of the pandemic.

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19 hours ago, Hope2banurse1 said:

I know this post is very old, but when you applied for endorsement you got a temporary license? Would you say it took about two weeks?

I am licensed in Oregon and working on getting my Washington endorsement - I received a "pending" license number for Washington in a day or two after initially applying.  After waiting for the fingerprint card to be mailed to me for over a week (which was actually an email, with slightly confusing instructions), I ended up making an appointment to get my fingerprints done in Vancouver.  It costs more to go in person but they digitally send them to the DOH and the results are faster.  Not sure where you are located, if that is even feasible, but it is what I opted to do.

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19 hours ago, caliotter3 said:

Consider that stuff may take longer due to the effects of the pandemic.

True. Thx 

7 minutes ago, StudentRN56 said:

I am licensed in Oregon and working on getting my Washington endorsement - I received a "pending" license number for Washington in a day or two after initially applying.  After waiting for the fingerprint card to be mailed to me for over a week (which was actually an email, with slightly confusing instructions), I ended up making an appointment to get my fingerprints done in Vancouver.  It costs more to go in person but they digitally send them to the DOH and the results are faster.  Not sure where you are located, if that is even feasible, but it is what I opted to do.

Oh I didn’t know you at least get a license number. I’m planning to go Washington after I take NCLEX, so maybe by the that time I’ll have the fingerprinting info. Did you need to get transcripts or anything even though you’re endorsing? Are you trying to get a job there or just in case? 

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