question about license endorsement

[Ms.RN]

Hi

I'm in the process of endorsing my license to another state. My question is, once I endorse my license to another state does it mean my license in my current state is no longer valid and cant practice nursing at all?

[chloecatrn]

Nope. It means you carry licenses in both states.

[elkpark]

Nope. It means you carry licenses in both states.

Unless you are moving from one "compact state" (member of the NLC) to another compact state -- one is only allowed to hold one "compact license" at a time, in your home state. So, if that's the case (moving from one compact state to another), you apply for licensure by endorsement in your "new" home state and your previous license becomes invalid when the new one is issued.

[chloecatrn]

Unless you are moving from one "compact state" (member of the NLC) to another compact state -- one is only allowed to hold one "compact license" at a time, in your home state. So, if that's the case (moving from one compact state to another), you apply for licensure by endorsement in your "new" home state and your previous license becomes invalid when the new one is issued.

Wow. I did not know that, because my home state is not a compact state. I think I'm glad.

[elkpark]

Yes, licensure in compact states works a little differently than licensure in non-compact states -- but it's not a big deal.

[JenMSN11]

I was curious too. Thanks for the info!

[klone, MSN, RN]

Yep, in compact states you don't need to have separate licenses in each state - your compact license allows you to practice in the other states under your original license. If your permanent residence changes, though, your "home" license will be under the new state, and your previous license will be invalidated.

As Elkpark mentioned, it's not a big deal. I moved from AZ to CO, and my AZ license was invalidated. I could still go back to AZ and work at any time, though, under my CO license.