How Many Licenses do you Have?

NedRN · May 19, 2013

States with the most travelers are California, Florida, Arizona, and Texas. For compensation, the entire West coast and a good part of the Northeast including Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. Not coincidentally, none of those states are compact and are heavy union states.

I don't keep up any licenses (although that is not a good strategy if you plan on frequent returns to NJ or FL). Another factor to consider are states that require every license ever held to be veried on initial endorsement. If such states are of interest, it could be better if you start with those states. Cheaper earlier than later and much faster. California does not verify through Nursys so getting that license first will likely delay subsequent licenses by up to one month.

Some agencies will pay for more of initial licensure than others, but are less likely to do so in difficult states as the assignment is not going to still be open. One other thing to discuss with your early agencies is if they reimburse for licensure and how much (like the background check many boards require, CEUs, and license verification.

Malina9559 · May 21, 2013

I have 3 licenses, NJ, PA and KY I think KY is a compact state but I had to pay for each individually, NJ took the most money from me because I let the license lapse for a year and I had to pay a penalty. I think its big business that every year you have to pay for your license, why can't it be a one time deal?

NedRN · May 21, 2013

Not a one time deal because every state has ongoing expenses for regulation, investigation, and enforcement. You might as well argue for a one time driver's license or car tags. Or even better, a one time income tax!

I've never been licensed in NJ and I will try never to be licensed there. Crazy expensive. But the pay no doubt can compensate somewhat. KY is a compact state, but just as before compact licensure, if you don't live in a compact state, you will only get a single state license in compact states, not multi-state.

Luv2BAnurse · May 21, 2013

I live in and benefit from a compact state license. I hold a license in all other states due to my job requirements. The company pays for all my licenses except for my home state license.

cosmicmama, BSN, RN · May 21, 2013

I have a compact license (NC), and a California license.

NurseRies, BSN, RN · May 21, 2013

I have the compact licensure through SC. I then got CA, FL, WA, MA, and OH. All states I wanted to go to. If you get the licenses ahead of time, seems like a lot of agencies won't reimburse you, because you had them before hire. I think I got a little carried away at the beginning. Would make more sense to get a couple major ones like CA or TX where you can always get a job, then work on a new one every new contract. I haven't decided yet if I will renew all or not. But with all the effort I put into it, it's nice to know you have options and could go work a travel assignment at the drop of a hat if you ever unexpectedly lost a job. May be wise to get one in a neighboring state. I knew someone who was recently fired, along with many others due to budget cuts.(they followed people around for months writing down all petty mistakes to make it legit). She was able to travel same day to other states and make a living until she found a new job. Options are always worth the money!

AWanderingMinstral · May 22, 2013

I have seven licenses, including CA, FL, NM, NY, OH, PA, and WA. I decided to inactivate the OH license because, after two years, I never used it and, knowing how poorly they pay, I probably never will.

NedRN · May 22, 2013

As someone who lives in Ohio, I don't see the attraction of traveling here! Flyover country to be sure. Nice people, bad pay.

NurseRies, BSN, RN · May 22, 2013

As someone who lives in Ohio I don't see the attraction of traveling here! Flyover country to be sure. Nice people, bad pay.[/quote']
Haha, I got mine so that I had the option to potentially visit family. I have never worked there as a nurse, but I do know that there's not much to do there. Football, farms, strip malls, the most unpredictable weather in the country, and great people! cost of living isn't too bad.

abcnurse123 · May 23, 2013

Thanks everyone for the replies!!

jhayroe · May 28, 2013

I have AZ, CA and I am now working on getting IL. I sent in my application, but I'm waiting to hear back. I'm considering getting a MA license since I'm not sure if I would be able to get a job in IL. Anyone have any advice about Chicago travel or agency nursing? How long does it take to get an MA license?