May Graduate - Multiple State Certification

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I currently live in Georgia and will be graduating in May, 2014. My boyfriend lives/works in North Carolina. I am looking at RN internships in Georgia at this time, but also interested in possibly moving to NC. Is it possible (or even less hectic) to become certified in both states at the same time? I know multiple certifications are the norm for travel nurses, but that is not my interest at this time. I also have relatives who live in Florida and would consider moving closer to the beach to work. I just don't want to pass the NCLEX, become certified in Georgia and then a few months later decide to move to NC or FL and then it be a huge headache, when/if I can do it all at one time.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

First, you are licensed as a nurse , not certified. If your primary legal residence is a compact state you can avail yourself of the nursing license compact.

Once you receive your initial nursing license ( you can only have an initial nursing license by examination application in one state) you can apply & pay the required fees to endorse you license to as many other states as you want or need. You just need to maintain the license & comply with whatever continuing education requirements imposed by each individual state.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Just to explain the NLC, here is a link:

https://m.ncsbn.org/13_NLCA_factsheet_students_Oct2013.pdf

GA & FL do not participate, NC does participate but you must legally reside in NC. So if GA is your residence, you would need a license in each state where you wish to practice, including NCL states like NC &VA. If NC was your state of residence your compact NC license would permit you to work in other compact state without another license (MD, VA, DE, TX, NE, etc)

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