Obtaining License In More Than One State

Published

Specializes in CVICU.

I know this question has been asked before, but can someone tell me what steps to take if I graduate in Florida in a few weeks, and want to have a license in more than one state? It's possible I will move to WI (or not), and am not sure how to ensure I am ready to go if the opportunity presents itself to move on the fly. Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go to Wisconsin Board of Nursing and download the application for licnesure by endorsement and just follow the instructions. You can do that for any state.

Be aware that you cannot apply for endorsement until you already have a license, so there is noth9ing that you can do at the moment until you actually take and pass the NCLEX exam and have a license number.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

I'm interested in hearing about this too. I hope to only hold an RN in my current state for 2-3 years before moving. Would I have to take the NCLEX again?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.
Go to Wisconsin Board of Nursing and download the application for licnesure by endorsement and just follow the instructions. You can do that for any state.

Thank you, Suzanne. Do you know if you can do several states at once, or does each state require a separate form and separate fee?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Once you pass the NCLEX, each state now honors each others license since a national exam. Process is called reciprocity. Just apply to the state board of nursing in state you are interested in --see SBON website list under grey toolbar "links" above.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

You can apply for licensure as a new nurse at the same time in both states I would think.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.
Once you pass the NCLEX, each state now honors each others license since a national exam. Process is called reciprocity. Just apply to the state board of nursing in state you are interested in --see SBON website list under grey toolbar "links" above.

Wow, this sounds wonderful. I was hoping I wouldn't have to take the NCLEX twice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Usually, after you are licensed in one state, it is just a matter of paperwork and money to get licensed in another state. Some states will require a few special courses, ie in WA you need an 8 hour HIV course. Find out the requirements for each state by calling their Board of Nursing or looking at their web sites. Start soon, sometimes the process can take a few months. Usually there are verification letters from your school of nursing, your original state of licensure, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You can apply for licensure as a new nurse at the same time in both states I would think.

You definitely do not want to do that, you want to endorse after you have one license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Once you pass the NCLEX, each state now honors each others license since a national exam. Process is called reciprocity. Just apply to the state board of nursing in state you are interested in --see SBON website list under grey toolbar "links" above.

The NCLEX exam is accepted by each state, however the educational part may not be. Differences in curriculum may not make the nurse able to get a license in one state, though they were able to in another. Easiest example that I can give is with Excelsior College, it is not accepted all over, and even if the nurse were to get a license in another state, they are not able to endorse to all 50 states.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Depending upon which state you live in, your state may be included in the Nurse Licensure Compact that passed in several states a couple of years ago. Basically, if you are licensed in one of the states included in the compact, your license in one state is "good" in another state. I know Mississippi and Arizona allow this. There are about 15-20 compact states listed on the website of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

The catch is you have to actually be living in one of the states to have a multistate license. I'm from MS, and I have a license to practice there and here in LA, but since I don't live in MS, it's only good for MS....unless I move back or to one of the other associated states.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Here's a link to the map showing the states involved in the compact:

http://www.ncsbn.org/images/common/09_19_05Compact_Map.jpg

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion