Lisences in DC, MD or VA

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I was wondering if there anyway, I can take one NCLEX that will qualify me to work in DC, MD and VA? I live in Northern Virginia and I having a hard time deciding on which state to study nursing.

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Yes. Once you pass the NCLEX, you don't have to retake it to apply for licensure in another state.

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MD and VA are compact states, meaning if you have a license from VA you can practice in MD (there are many states in the compact--just google it : nursing compact states

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Specializes in SICU.

If you live in Virginia, get a Va license. You can then work in Va or Md. If you then find out you want to work in Dc you just need to file for a license by endorsment.

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If I get a VA license can I work in MD with the VA license? In other words can I work in VA on Monday and MD onTuesday?

Do you know if this applies to Excelsior grads? Maryland will accept Excelsior grads after 12.31.2007.

Thanks

Lisa

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
I was wondering if there anyway, I can take one NCLEX that will qualify me to work in DC, MD and VA? I live in Northern Virginia and I having a hard time deciding on which state to study nursing.

It does not matter where you study nursing. The NCLEX is a national test - once you pass it, you can apply to be licensed in any state if you are a legal US citizen.

There are a list of of compact states. IF you are a LEGAL RESIDENT of a compact state and hold a nursing license in that same state, you can work as a nurse in any other compact stae. If you cease to be a legal resident of that state, though, it negates that and you have to get a license by endorsement/reciprocity.

To my knowledge, there are no other set "multilicensure" deal with those states/districts. If, however, you work for a VA hospital or a federal agency (the NIH), I believe that you merely have to have just a state license (any state).

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i have recently found out this info about "compact states" if you are licensed in a compact state you can temporiarily work in another compact state, if you plan on working in the state permantently you need a primary license in that state,,,ex: you live in VA(compact state) and you want to work in MD, you have to keep your VA residence as your permanent residence and you can work in MD for up to a yr...i think the compact was started to help on a temp basis with the nsg shortage, your main license has to be in your permanent state of residence. i only found this info out as i am planning a move to SC and thought i did not have to get a SC licence as they are in the compact with VA, i contacted the BON in SC and was given the info.

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i have recently found out this info about "compact states" if you are licensed in a compact state you can temporiarily work in another compact state, if you plan on working in the state permantently you need a primary license in that state,,,ex: you live in VA(compact state) and you want to work in MD, you have to keep your VA residence as your permanent residence and you can work in MD for up to a yr...i think the compact was started to help on a temp basis with the nsg shortage, your main license has to be in your permanent state of residence. i only found this info out as i am planning a move to SC and thought i did not have to get a SC licence as they are in the compact with VA, i contacted the BON in SC and was given the info.

As caroladybelle noted, the issue with compact licenses is where you live, not where you work. You can live in VA, have a VA license, and work for the rest of your life in MD -- as long as you continue to live in VA. If you move to MD, then you have to get a MD license -- just like with drivers' licenses.

In your case, the issue is that you're moving to SC. When you move to SC and that becomes your permanent residence, you have to get a SC license. If you were simply commuting to work in SC and maintaining your current residence, you could do that indefinitely.

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thanks elkpark

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I am a Labor and Delivery Nurse in the Northern Virginia Area, are there any more people on this forum who are also Labor and Delivery experts around that area?

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I go to school in Virginia and I am hoping to either move to MD or the DC area. If I get licensed in VA how much does the endorsement cost? or will I have to get a new license. If I was to get licensed in MD or DC after I change my residence will I have to retake the exam or just pay a fine. AHHHH this is confusing. What should I do? HELP!

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Specializes in Tele, Ortho.

if you move to md you must be licensed in md. one note, md requires fbi and local fingerprints and background check for initial license plus the annual license fee. at least a va license (while living in va) is valid in md, and renewal is every 2 years. the first year is different in both states so that renewal is always in your birth month.

the cost is 100.00 plus the cost of background check plus the cost of the nclex. keep in mind you may have to renew in less than one year.

you can send and email to this [email protected] and request the application for nclex. this is by far the easiest way to get the correct info that you need. it doesn't take long.

your application process will be the same as any new grad nurse. i found the va process clear and easy. i went to school in md. i have residence in both states.

virginia has joined the nurse compact - the state of virginia has joined the compact as of january 1, 2005. if your primary state of residence is virginia, and you have an active virginia license, you will no longer need a maryland license. you will be able to work in maryland on your virginia license as of january 1, 2005. please do not renew your maryland license!

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