Question on practicing in a state that you are not licensed in

Murse901, MSN, RN · Oct 7, 2011

Since you're not in a compact state, I wouldn't risk it. You wouldn't work in a hospital without a license. While the risk is lower, the risk is still there.

mjmcca · Oct 7, 2011

Yeah that's what I thought. Thanks for confirming.

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Oct 7, 2011

Way to loose your license. And it could come back to haunt you at any time in the future if audits are done on their books. And you will be in deep dooodooo

elkpark · Oct 7, 2011

You're right to be leery. What your employer is asking you to do is illegal (not the first time, won't be the last, unfortunately). The employer doesn't really care -- if you got caught and got in trouble, the employer would just plead ignorance or misunderstanding, get another "warm body with a license," and move on. You, on the other hand, would be screwed.

You cannot practice as a nurse in any US state, even for one day, without a valid license to practice in that state (whether that's an actual license from that state, or under a "compact license").

Unfortunately, we can't depend on employers to protect our interests -- we have to be savvy enough to look out for ourselves.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Oct 7, 2011

tell them you would be happy to do the job if they will pay for licensure as you want to represent them in the best way and not have anyone question the ethics of the company. In other words, make it seem like you are protecting them

systoly · Oct 7, 2011

What was their response when you told them you're not licensed in those states?

Jolie, BSN · Oct 7, 2011

Depending on the state and whether or not the BON offers a temporary permit to an applicant by endorsement, flu shot season may be almost over by the time you get licensed in these states.

It may have been better to start working on this a few months ago.

But, no. Do not practice nursing in a state in which you are not licensed, ever. No reputable employer would ask you to do so.

mjmcca · Oct 8, 2011

What was their response when you told them you're not licensed in those states?

I can refuse any events I do not want to participate in, so I have been refusing them. They employ other health care professionals CNAs, LPNs, MAs ect. I worked with an MA who goes to other states and administers flu shots. I had thought that they had to be certified by state too but she said no.

If I agreed to go to another state I would increase my hours and revenue. The first time I said that I could not go out of state the person who responded to my email said that I could do fingersticks, however I have gone on 2 jobs within NYS so far and they have only been to give flu shots. On the job board I do not see any way of differentiating a solely flu shot event from one that has other types of health screening. I worry about accepting a job in CT getting there expecting to do Fingersticks or BPs and actually having to do injections.

Jolie, BSN · Oct 9, 2011

In terms of practicing in a state without a license, there is no difference between administering flu shots and doing fingersticks/health screenings.

Both involve skilled procedures, patient education, counseling, obtaining informed consent.

Both involve practicing nursing without a license.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 9, 2011

Agreed: you should never practice in any state that you are not licensed in. To do so is nursing career suicide.

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Oct 9, 2011

Is this company headquartered in Minnesota? I signed up with them in April, but I have yet to work a shift because they keep trying to send me to states where I'm not licensed. They've said it's okay, since "you won't actually use license skills."