Question about Licensure

[nrsct]

Hi everyone,

I have a question I hope someone can answer. I am an LPN in the upward mobility program and I will be graduating in May...my question is I live in Louisiana, but go to school in Texas and am considering working in Texas b/c the pay is better, anyway can you hold a license in 2 different states? I was thinking about keeping my prn job in La and also working in TX, but not sure if that is possible. Thanks in advance!!

Christi

[jimthorp]

A far as I know you can hold a license in as many states as you wish.

[James Huffman]

Lots of nurses hold licenses in more than one state. It's not a problem, but you'd want to check with both states' nursing boards to make sure.

States which are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact:

http://www.ncsbn.org/nlc/rnlpvncompact_mutual_recognition_state.asp

can be licensed in any of the compact states, and practice in any of the compact states, without having to get a license in each state.

Unfortunately, while Texas is a member of the compact, Louisiana is not, so you'll probably still have to be licensed in both states.

As always, I encourage nurses with questions of this nature to call the board of nursing. The boards are there to license you, but they are also there to help you, and I've found most of my dealings to be helpful, and the people there good to deal with. (In your case, I would call both the Texas and Louisiana BONs; they may be able to offer you suggestions about your situation).

Jim Huffman, RN

[nrsct]

Thank ya'll very much!! I appreciate your help.

Christi