License and Residency Issues of Relocating

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I thought I would be able to easily find information on this, but I haven't come across what I specifically need to know:

I am currently licensed only in Mississippi. I want to move to another state (either Georgia or Louisiana-- both non-compact states). Can I apply for licensure without first having a residency/address in the state? I wouldn't think so... but I cannot afford to move to obtain residency so I can apply with that state board of nursing and just sit around waiting to be processed... Of course I could look for jobs, but I would much rather do that AFTER I have licensure in the state and while still living in Mississippi and making money. I know this can't be as complicated as it seems, as there are many nurses who live on the border of non-compact states and work in both... do you have to declare one your primary state?

Thank you for any help! =)

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Whatever state you live in (your permanent residence) is the state you declare as your primary state. Maybe it's because Texas is a compact state, but I was able to be licensed in Texas without living there first. I was living in Ohio at the time and I had to declare Ohio as my primary state. I had a Texas license, but since my primary state was Ohio, I was not granted a compact license. That changed once I moved to Texas and submitted my change of address to the Texas BON.

Your best bet would be to call the state BON and ask them.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

You can get licenses in states you are not a resident of. I have 3 licenses (one is my residence state which is also a compact state). Each state will have it's own requirements for licensure and renewal (like CEUs). You can apply for licenses (as a non-resident) in the other state. When/if you move, you will need to inform each of your licensed states of your change of address/residency status.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.
You can get licenses in states you are not a resident of. I have 3 licenses (one is my residence state which is also a compact state). Each state will have it's own requirements for licensure and renewal (like CEUs). You can apply for licenses (as a non-resident) in the other state. When/if you move, you will need to inform each of your licensed states of your change of address/residency status.

I want to add that it is very important to inform each state of your change in address/residency status. I know in Texas you can face a penalty charge for not informing them.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

You can get licensed in any state you want as long as you meet that state's licensure requirements. I had my CA license for several months before I even set foot in that state.

To get a compact license, you have to have your primary residence in a compact state; otherwise you only get a single state license. I left a compact state (VA) for CA, so my compact license reverted to a single-state license. Since I no longer live in a compact state, if I were to apply to another compact state for licensure (let's say AZ, it's only a six hour commute) even with an active VA license, I'd end up with another single-state (AZ) license. Only way it'd become compact is if I moved to AZ or back to VA.

I also second the posters who state that you need to inform any involved BONs about changes in your address ASAP.

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Specializes in Pedi.

I live in New England where our states are small and close together. I have worked with nurses in Massachusetts who live in New Hampshire or Rhode Island. These nurses had Massachusetts licenses only- they were not licensed in their state of residence. This is very common up here... people live on the border of Vermont and work in New Hampshire, live in Rhode Island and work in Connecticut, live in Connecticut and work in NY, etc. You do not have to live in the state to obtain a nursing license there.

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Specializes in Public Health, L&D, NICU.

I got a Georgia license without living there. Same thing for Wyoming, California, and Minnesota. And I am in a non compact state. Travel nurses do it all the time.

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