Is this Ok just use a compact state license?

sjt9721, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2008

Even with a Compact license, you must apply for a TX license if you change your permanent residence to TX. You can only have one "home state". Here's a link with FAQs:

http://www.bon.state.tx.us/olv/faqs-msr.html

elkpark · Apr 14, 2008

"Compact privileges" are only good as long as you maintain your permanent residence in your original "home" state (in which you're licensed). The idea of the compact is that you can be licensed in your home state and the other compact member states will recognize your license so that you can work in the other states. However, if you move to another state, your license loses its compact privileges and you have to apply for licensure in the new state.

This seems to be very confusing to a lot of people, but it's exactly the same principle as our drivers' licenses -- you're licensed to drive in your home state, and you can use that license to drive in any of the other states, but if you move to another state, you have 30 (or 45, or whatever the law there is) days to get licensed in that state or you're breaking the state law. The compact nursing licenses work the same way.

And, BTW, employers probably will care, since they get in trouble for employing a nurse who's practicing without a valid license.

However much trouble you would have endorsing your license to TX would not be nearly as much trouble as you'd have if you got caught practicing without a license ...

suzanne4, RN · Apr 14, 2008

If you look at the license that you hold, it states that you need to notify the BON when you move from that state. The Compact License ceases to exist, only that license will be valid for that one state. So once you move, the compact part is null and void.

And employers must have a legal license for you to practice there and they do care about it.

sjt9721, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2008

drive[/i] in any of the other states, but if you move to another state, you have 30 (or 45, or whatever the law there is) days to get licensed in that state or you're breaking the state law. The compact nursing licenses work the same way.

Excellent analogy!

(and it's 30 days for the TX BON)

elkpark · Apr 14, 2008

Excellent analogy!
(and it's 30 days for the TX BON)

Well, the reason it's such a great analogy is because it is the same thing -- the only reason we are able to drive from state to state, legally, without having to stop at each state border and get a new license is because, many years ago, the states all signed a compact agreeing to recognize each other's licenses. The Nursing Licensure Compact is exactly the same thing, except not all states have chosen to sign on.