NP license in multiple states?

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I graduate NP school in August, and am planning to move soon after I graduate. I've learned (thanks to this forum!) that you can be licensed as an RN in multiple states, but I'm wondering if the same applies for an NP license? Do I need to first be licensed as an NP in the state I currently live and then apply for licensure by endorsement in the state I hope to move to, or is it possible to bypass that extra piece of bureaucracy since I'll be just then taking the exam? Thanks for any feedback!

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

It would depend on the state you wish to practice in......for RN and LVN/LPN, we can practice only in compact states, and if we physically to move to one of those states, ther is a time limit where one has to apply foe resiprosity...I honestly do not know about NP, but would assume it is similar, Google nursing compact states, and Google advanced practice nurse compact states....in order to be a np in a state, I understand you also need to be lis. In that state.....the only exception I know is working for VA hosp.systems....as a lis nurse in any of the 50 states...

best wishes

and congratulations

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Thanks for your comment -- after doing a bit more poking around on the Oregon Board of Nursing website (the state I plan to move to), it looks like I just have to be registered as an nurse there first (which I can do prior to moving there), and from there, once I'm licensed as an NP here in Virginia, the process is similar (but perhaps more involved) as applying for RN licensure by endorsement.

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You can be licensed as an NP in as many states as you wish. You do not need to be licensed as an NP in the state in which you currently reside. Especially if you know that you will be relocating shortly after graduation.

When you apply for your NP certification examination, you won't indicate which state you want the results sent. Rather, you will have the results sent to the State Board of Nursing later, when you apply for your NP license. Keep in mind that you will have to apply for, and obtain your RN licensure first. This process can be time consuming, depending upon state. For me, when I applied for licensure as an RN, then CRNP in Pennsylvania, it took slightly longer than three months. If you know which state(s) you are interested in, if you post in those state forums you might get better information regarding the timeline.

Congratulations, and best wishes as you begin this journey!

ETA: If you know that you will not be practicing as an NP in Virginia, there is no need for you to apply for licensure as an NP there.

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This is very useful -- thank you!! I will be sure to have my RN license in Oregon (state I'm moving too) well before I attempt my boards.

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