How does a license in a compact state works?

Nurses General Nursing

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I am an RN here in NC and about to move to Virginia. NC and VA both belong to compact state licensure, i just want to know if I can work in Va or any state within the compact state even without applying license by endorsement. I am an RN in the Philippines too and i had my credentials evaluated by IERF. Is there anyone here who knows if they accept IERF evaluation rather than CGFNS?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

If you plan to establish permanent residence in VA, you will need to obtain a Virginia nursing license by endorsement. Under the Nursing Licensure Compact, you can work in VA under your NC nursing license for a maximum of 30 days. Thereafter, you will need to obtain a VA nursing license in order to continue legally working in VA.

elkpark

14,633 Posts

A compact license works exactly the same as your driver's license. The only reason you can drive cross-country without having to stop and apply for a new driver's license at each state line is because many years ago, back in the dawn of the Automobile Age, all the states got together and signed a compact (like a treaty, but between states instead of between separate countries) agreeing to recognize each other's driver's licenses for travel purposes. So, you can use your NC driver's license to drive as far as you want, for as long as you want, anywhere in the US -- as long as you still live in NC. If you move to another state, you have 30 or 60 days (or whatever the state law ways) to apply for a driver's license in your new home state.

The NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact) works exactly the same way, except that not all states have chosen to sign the compact. Since VA is also a signatory of the compact, you can use your NC license to work in VA (or any other compact state) for as long as you want (the rest of your career, if you want) as long as you still live in NC. If you move to VA (or another compact state) and are no longer maintaining a permanent residence in NC, you will have 30 days to apply for a nursing license in your new home state.

I don't know what evaluation service the VA BON uses. Have you checked their website?

TalarossaRN

70 Posts

Specializes in ED, NICU, OB, PEDS.

Thanks to you both for a very brief and helpful reply..i emaild the licensing staff and ask about the cgfns vs. ierf. I am still waiting for a reply. :)

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