Moving to a Compact State

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Specializes in rehab.

I hope this is in the right area.

I'm sure that this was the day I fell asleep in nursing school as I know they talked in detail about it. But my notes were part of the ceremonial burning of stuff for passing our NCLEX (yeah me and my friends were having fun that night) and so I'm coming to all of you for an answer.

Anyways I'm thinking about trying to move to another state- still unknown of what state for sure as I'm bouncing a couple- I do know it will be a recognized compact state though. But I was wondering, what do I need to do? Is my regular nursing license able to move to that state? Or do I just pay for the new state's license? Or am I just understanding it all wrong and have to take the NCLEX again?

I'd like to avoid taking the NCLEX again as I have horrible testing anxiety and I really don't know if I can stand another one but at the same time I just want to at least leave my state.

Thank you so much!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Once you have passed NCLEX, you will not have to retake it.

If you move to a new state, you must apply for a nursing license in your new state of residence. It does not matter if the old state or the new state of residence is part of the Nursing Licensure Compact.

A nursing license from a compact state is much like a driver's license. If I move to a new state, I can drive in the new state with my old driver's license from the former state for up to 30 days, but I will need a new driver's license issued by my new state of residence after that 30 days has elapsed. The same concept applies with a compact nursing license: I can work in my new state of residence while using my old nursing license from my former state of residence for 30 days, but once this time frame has passed I will need to be working under a nursing license issued by the new state where I have relocated.

In a nutshell, if you move to another state and plan to work there, you will need to submit an application to that state's board of nursing for a license by endorsement.

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Should answer any questions that you have - good luck♥

https://www.ncsbn.org/2010_NLCA_factsheet_students_licensees_FINAL.pdf

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