How does a license in a compact state works?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 23, 2015

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 · Jan 23, 2015

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 · Jan 23, 2015

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. :)