Is it possible to have 2 active RN license at the same time?

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I'm currently holding a NLC license. I was wondering if it's possible to have (2) active RN license at the same time? One is a NLC license while the other is a NON-compact license(California). I plan to work in Cali in the future so I want to process the paperwork as early as now. However, I do not want to lose my NLC license since I'm currently working. Hoping for someone to reply in my situation, thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Yes, you can have 2 nursing license's at the same time: one compact license and a license from non-compact state.  Additionally, you can hold multiple licenses in several states, but only ONE compact license @ a time. At renewal time, other states compact license would be converted to a single license

I've held as many as 3 licenses@ same time: PA/NJ/DE when doing home infusion since live in corner near all 3 states borders.  Just this year, placed other licenses on inactive status, mantaining just PA's as career winding down.

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@NRSKarenRN Hi! thank you for the quick reply! That's great to hear! But I can only have (1) active license though right? It doesn't matter to me as long as I can carry (2) license at the same time is fine with me. Do I apply for a license in Cali or endorse? ?

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

In the US, after one has passed NCLEX and obtained first nursing license, you request an endorsement of your license to the new state (when your own state or new state not part of the compact).. Upon  obtaining 2nd states license, both are active as long as you meet that states requirements and pay licensing fees every 2 years.

NCSBN has good flow chart regarding need to obtain new license when changing primary state of residence:

https://www.NCSBN.org/licensebyendorsementv2.pdf

 

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@NRSKarenRN I see, thank you very much! my case might be a little difficult since I graduated nursing outside the US. Your info has helped me a lot! thank you!?

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Since you have an NLC,  endorsement is still what you request to obtain California license. However, you are correct that since you were educated outside the US, California has more stringent requirements to obtain a license requiring concurrent classroom education and clinical experience triping up many applicants.

Note, this is the current list of 38 compact states: shttps://www.NCSBN.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm

Best wishes in your journey.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

The NLC license is only active as a compact license if your primary residence is the state it is from. If you move to another state, the compact license switches to a single state license.

But, overall you can have many nursing licenses. They just cost money for upkeep and you need to be able to keep track of when they need to be renewed (each is different). I have 3 (one compact), have only "used" 2 (never worked in the original state I was licensed). And I'm thinking of dropping that one after 10 years and the unlikelihood of return.

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@NRSKarenRN Thank you very much for your info! It answered my questions!?

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@CalicoKitty Hi! So is it possible to apply/endorse to a Non-Compact state even if I'm not residing there? (I'm currently residing and practicing in a Compact State)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

I believe you can apply to any state regardless of residency. That is how nurses can get travel contracts out of state or when they have jobs that require multiple areas of coverage.  Compact licenses are only in your state of residence. Be warned, some states require you send information from ALL states you are licensed (each may charge a fee), and each one will have it's own renewal stuff. 

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@CalicoKitty Oh, I see. Yes, I understand that there will be fees for that?. Thank you very much for the infos!

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Specializes in Nephrology.
On 8/24/2021 at 12:29 PM, troublesome said:

@CalicoKitty Hi! So is it possible to apply/endorse to a Non-Compact state even if I'm not residing there? (I'm currently residing and practicing in a Compact State)

Yes, this is what I did. I have 2 active licenses - One in a Compact state where I currently am living and the other in a non-Compact state (California).

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