Living on the Ohio Border: NCLEX & Ohio BON

[NursingOnTheMove]

Hi,

I currently live on the Ohio border while technically in Ohio, I also am looking at nursing opportunities in nearby Kentucky.

Ohio has resiliently chose to forgo the innovative and bonding nurse network that is the Nurse Lincensure Compact, Kentucky has chose to accept such an agreement.

Does anyone else who lives on the border suggest to apply into the Ohio BON for the NCELX or do you recommend applying to the KY BON and then trying to get also approved in Ohio once approved by Kentucky?

I find the fact that new nurses who take the NCLEX have a singular choice where they MUST declare a single state rather limiting as I seek to be hired in either state within my region.

What do those who may have experience living near Ohio's borders recommend I apply to first so I am not limited by waiting extended amounts of time for designating a state to apply?

I aim to not have the BON intricacies slow down career and professional advancement through searching for opportunities upon graduation. Thank you!

[AssociateDegree]

It is my understanding that you'd have to declare Kentucky as your primary state of residence in order to be eligible for a multistate license through compact licensure.

[NursingOnTheMove]

I have found a helpful FAQ powerpoint below stating the following regarding Ohio.

My impression from this FAQ Question: I can apply first to the Ohio BON and then after clearing Ohio licensure, apply separately to the BON in Kentucky and hold dual license in both states. One of Non-Compact state licensure (Ohio) the other of Compact state licensure (Kentucky).

Am I off on this conclusion from the info below?

Question:

Myth 6: I will have to give up my license in the non-compact state when moving and declaring a compact state as my primary state of residence.

Answer (Fact): According to compact statute, you are only allowed to have one multistate compact license at a time. This law does not apply to licenses from states not in the compact. Therefore, you may keep any non-compact state licenses when issued a compact state license. There is no limit to the number of licenses you may hold from non-compact states.

cited here

[elkpark]

I have found a helpful FAQ powerpoint below stating the following regarding Ohio.

My impression from this FAQ Question: I can apply first to the Ohio BON and then after clearing Ohio licensure, apply separately to the BON in Kentucky and hold dual license in both states. One of Non-Compact state licensure (Ohio) the other of Compact state licensure (Kentucky).

Am I off on this conclusion from the info below?

Question:

Myth 6: I will have to give up my license in the non-compact state when moving and declaring a compact state as my primary state of residence.

Answer (Fact): According to compact statute, you are only allowed to have one multistate compact license at a time. This law does not apply to licenses from states not in the compact. Therefore, you may keep any non-compact state licenses when issued a compact state license. There is no limit to the number of licenses you may hold from non-compact states.

cited here

Your conclusion is correct, but be aware that, unless you are maintaining a residence in Kentucky, the Kentucky license you get will not have "compact privileges" and will not be able to be used to work in other compact states; it will be a "regular," traditional license that will only be good in Kentucky.