Question about practicing out of state.

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Specializes in ICU step-down, Med/Surg Trauma ICU.

I graduate in under a year and plan on moving out of state shortly thereafter, what's needed for me to be allowed to work there as well? Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency, Education, Informatics.

You must have a license in each state you are working in or the state you live in and the state you are working in must be compact states.

http://www.ncsbn.org

This will give you the compact states as well as the state boards of nursing for each state in the US

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Specializes in ICU step-down, Med/Surg Trauma ICU.
You must have a license in each state you are working in or the state you live in and the state you are working in must be compact states.

www.ncsbn.org

This will give you the compact states as well as the state boards of nursing for each state in the US

I pretty much dissected that site and couldn't find what you speak of, perhaps I just missed it?

Do you happen to know if MI and OH are compact states off the top of your head?

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As long as you maintain residency in a compact state, you can work in any other compact state on your nursing license issued by that state. If you change residency, then you can no longer work using that license.

For example, I live in NC (compact state) and want to work in VA (another compact state). I can do this on my NC license as long as I maintain residency in NC. If I move to WV (non-compact state) I can no longer work in VA on my NC license. In addition, I will also need to obtain a WV license if I want to work as an RN in WV. If I move to VA, I will also need to obtain a VA nursing license as well.

Nursing compact information is available at the following website: http://www.ncsbn.org/nlc/rnlpvncompact.asp

If you are going to be leaving your current state after graduation, you have the option of testing in the state you are living, and having your licensed from the state that you will be moving to.

Links to state boards of nursing are available at the following website: http://www.ncsbn.org/

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Specializes in ICU step-down, Med/Surg Trauma ICU.
As long as you maintain residency in a compact state, you can work in any other compact state on your nursing license issued by that state. If you change residency, then you can no longer work using that license.

For example, I live in NC (compact state) and want to work in VA (another compact state). I can do this on my NC license as long as I maintain residency in NC. If I move to WV (non-compact state) I can no longer work in VA on my NC license. In addition, I will also need to obtain a WV license if I want to work as an RN in WV. If I move to VA, I will also need to obtain a VA nursing license as well.

Nursing compact information is available at the following website: http://www.ncsbn.org/nlc/rnlpvncompact.asp

If you are going to be leaving your current state after graduation, you have the option of testing in the state you are living, and having your licensed from the state that you will be moving to.

Links to state boards of nursing are available at the following website: http://www.ncsbn.org/

A lot of good information there, thanks so much.

What kind of a test does a traveling nurse take to be able to practice in a multitude of states? Is this a test that is only given that that agency or is this something offered to anybody?

Anybody know the answer to this?

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Specializes in ICU, CCU,Wound Care,LTC, Hospice, MDS.

When I moved in the past, I was able to get a temporary license to work immediately while the paper work was processed. They were good for three months and could be renewed if needed.

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A lot of good information there, thanks so much.

What kind of a test does a traveling nurse take to be able to practice in a multitude of states? Is this a test that is only given that that agency or is this something offered to anybody?

Anybody know the answer to this?

Travel nurses get a separate license in every state they travel to (unless their home state is a compact state - then their home license would allow them to practice in any compact state) but there is no special test or special license for travel nurses. If you are not travelling to a compact state, or if your license is not from a compact state, you will need a separate license for each state.

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each travel company is different. you normally are given a test in the area you want to work, med surg, icu etc. Then you normally send them your license or you submit your paper work for license in that state if not a compact state, application, references, immunizations, physical etc. Same as if you were applying locally for a job. some agencies will re-imburse you for what ever you paid for license. some states are walk through states like southcarolina and california. you can get a temporary license to practice when you arrive in the state. this way you can start your assignment right away. Most agencies stipulate how long you have to be an Rn before you can start traveling.

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Specializes in ICU step-down, Med/Surg Trauma ICU.

Wow, so you have to take a separate test foe every state you want to practice in unless it's a compact state. I wasn't aware of this. Well I don't plan on going the traveling RN route, I just plan on moving up into Michigan from Ohio right after I graduate. I suppose the smartent thing for me to do would be to take the MI liscensure test the day after I take boards, is the liscensure state tests pretty similiar to boards?

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The test gbcn2000 referred to is given by the travel agency to verify competency. If you attended an approved school, and it meets the requirements of the state you want to move to, you should not have to test for each state as most, if not all, states use the NCLEX for initial licensure.

When you sit for your boards, regardless of the state that you are in, you have the option of being licensed in any other state. If you know that you are moving to Michigan immediately after graduation, your best option might be to obtain Michigan licensure. If you opt to obtain initial licensure in Ohio, you will have to wait until you get your Ohio license and then apply to Michigan.

If you are not able to find the information that you need on the Michigan State Board of Nursing's website, one of your instructors should be able to assist you with your application to sit for the NCLEX.

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Wow, so you have to take a separate test foe every state you want to practice in unless it's a compact state. I wasn't aware of this. Well I don't plan on going the traveling RN route, I just plan on moving up into Michigan from Ohio right after I graduate. I suppose the smartent thing for me to do would be to take the MI liscensure test the day after I take boards, is the liscensure state tests pretty similiar to boards?

No, no, no. Everyone takes the same test. Licensure test = NCLEX = boards. You take the test ONCE, and then apply for reciprocity to work in another state. As long as you hold an active, valid license, you should never have to take the state board exam ever again, in any state.

Yes, if you don't plan to work in Ohio, then you should probably plan on taking your exam in Michigan. Otherwise you spend a lot of effort and $$ obtaining a license (in OH) that you won't be using. Michigan would then be your state of original licensure, and every other state would be by endorsement. Neither Ohio nor Michigan is a compact state, BTW.

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