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suzanne4, RN · Jun 20, 2005

It is only beneficial if you keep your legal residence in the other state, otherwise it is of no use to you. If you moved to NJ and it was a compact state, you would lose the use of your compact license there.

Just want to make sure that you are clear on how this works. Many are not.

JJRN · Jun 20, 2005

Interesting...did not know that...but don't really understand either. Isn't that the essence of a compact licensure, to move to new state and be permitted to practice without going thru the whole process. Either way, I am in graduate school and living in PA and need it for clinicals in Jersey.

Thanks

Jolie, BSN · Jun 20, 2005

Another consideration (although not a personal one) is that when a state joins the compact, the state loses the ability to regulate nursing practice within its own borders, and must adhere to the compact agreement. For example, IL which is considering joining the compact does not currently require continuing practice for RNs to renew their licenses. If IL joins the compact, it must uphold the continuing practice requirement that compact states require. In a time of nursing shortages, such requirements discourage non-practicing RNs from returning to the profession, and are counter-productive.

Compact licenses are meant to benefit nurses who live near state lines, and want to practice in more than one state, and traveling nurses who maintain a permanent home address. They are not particularly helpful in other circumstances.