Nursing license and state residency

rumwynnieRN · Jan 4, 2013

I didn't take the time to read other responses, so forgive me if I'm repeating information.
I've a little experience with state hopping. I was initially licensed in Arkansas and immediately moved to Texas after nursing school. I was not eligible to work on my Arkansas "G.N." in Texas, so I had to wait until I passed the NCLEX and was licensed. THEN, since Texas and Arkansas are both compact states, I was able to work on my Arkansas license for 30 days before I was required to get a Texas license.
The problem is, Louisiana is not a compact state, so I think you'd have to be fully licensed there before practicing. The whole process is expensive and a pain in the butt. But, at least there is only one NCLEX to take. Endorsement from one state to another is generally just a matter of some paperwork and waiting.

Bwahaha, I'm in the exact situation you were in but in reverse. I thought I misunderstood something when I spoke to AR-BON. They told me to wait until I passed NCLEX in Texas before doing anything in Arkansas (which made me sad. There are a few hospitals in Little Rock where I really want to work).

Anyway, to the OP, it's always a good idea for your girlfriend to call the state's BON and ask them directly, and to be very specific to her situation. What everyone else said here is true. At this point, she should know what to ask.

Oh, and this answers my question about keeping my residency and all that stuff in Texas and getting a multistate licence so thanks for posting this:)

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jan 4, 2013

What area of LA are you in?

I am familiar with the loooooooonnnnnggggg wait time for NCLEX 'slots' in LA - much different than TX. I understand that this is primarily due to a lack of state resources (funding). There are a bazillion NCLEX testing sites in TX.... not so much in LA. However, I have not heard of any unusual delays in obtaining LA licenses for RNs who are moving from other states.

I haven't heard any news about LA becoming a compact state, so this situation is probably not going to change in the near future. OH well, LA is a "whole 'nother country", right? Y'all don't even have the same basic set of laws as the rest of the USA... based on the Napoleonic Code instead; have Parishes instead of counties... etc. But don't ever change - that's why we love ya!!!

Good luck - on the license issue & Best wishes on your marriage!!!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2013

Howdy Yall,
I am posting this on behalf of my fiance so please bear with me. She just graduated from nursing school in TX but has recently moved with me to Louisiana. She is still a TX resident for all intensive purposes (will start the process of obtaining LA residency soon) and is in the process of taking the NCLEX in TX. She is at the point of just waiting for authorization to test from Pearson.
In the mean time, she has interviewed with several places here in LA for jobs and has already been turned down by 1 because they need someone who can start working now and not have to wait for a license. As I understand, at least in TX, she would be eligible to start working now under a temporary license as long as she's registered to test. That is not the case across state lines.
Does anyone have any information on the best way to go about ultimately getting her LA license in the mean time? She found her dream job but we're both worried sick that they will tell her no due to not being a LA nurse yet and still waiting on TX.
Thanks yall!

Why doesn't she test in LA? Have her sign up for AN so we can help her.

jottRN · Jan 4, 2013

You should be able to take the NCLEX anywhere so long as you get the authorization to test from your state BON. But, per my understanding, you must be a resident of the state in which you seek licensure. For example, even though I planned to move to Texas, I still had to get the Arkansas license first since I was not yet a resident of Texas when I applied for my authorization to test and all of that.

If you could move to Louisiana first, you could get authorization to test from there and take the NCLEX anywhere (I THINK anyway). But if you plan to get your license prior to moving, you'll have to seek endorsement from Texas to LA.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Jan 7, 2013

LA has temp licenses, but they are for endorsements and she must be a resident at the time of request. She would have to already have hr Tx license. Why doesn't she just take the NCLEX in LA? She doesn't have to live in LA to get a LA license.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Jan 7, 2013

What area of LA are you in? I am familiar with the loooooooonnnnnggggg wait time for NCLEX 'slots' in LA - much different than TX. I understand that this is primarily due to a lack of state resources (funding). There are a bazillion NCLEX testing sites in TX.... not so much in LA. However, I have not heard of any unusual delays in obtaining LA licenses for RNs who are moving from other states. I haven't heard any news about LA becoming a compact state, so this situation is probably not going to change in the near future. OH well, LA is a "whole 'nother country", right? Y'all don't even have the same basic set of laws as the rest of the USA... based on the Napoleonic Code instead; have Parishes instead of counties... etc. But don't ever change - that's why we love ya!!! Good luck - on the license issue & Best wishes on your marriage!!!

I have friends who graduated and took the NCLEX within a month. Maybe things have changed from what you are familiar with. I'm trying to figure out your point for the rest of your comment. All states are unique. And are you personally speaking for all 49 other states or just everyone in Texas?

You forgot that French is an official language.