Registered in Washington DC. Can I practice in Virginia and other states?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Currently,  the District of Columbia (D.C.)  is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you hold a single-state license and are only licensed to practice in D.C. 

To practice in Virginia or any other state, you must apply for licensure by endorsement.

Licensure by Endorsement: Most states, including Virginia, allow nurses licensed in one jurisdiction to apply for licensure by endorsement. This process typically involves submitting an application, verifying your current license, and sometimes completing additional requirements such as a background check or continuing education.

Steps to Practice in Virginia

• Application: Apply for licensure by endorsement through the Virginia Board of Nursing.
• Verification: Verify your current D.C. license with the Virginia BON.
• Background Check: Complete any required background checks or fingerprinting.
• Continuing Education: Ensure you meet any continuing education requirements set by Virginia.
• Fees: Pay the required application and licensure fees.

Steps for Other States

The process is similar for other states. You would need to:

• Check the specific requirements of the state's Board of Nursing.
• Submit an application for licensure by endorsement.
• Provide verification of your current license.
• Complete any additional state-specific requirements.
• Pay any associated fees.

Resources:

Virginia BON website

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides information on the NLC and licensure requirements for each state.

If you plan to practice in multiple states regularly, it may be worthwhile to look into obtaining licenses in those states.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[chare]

On your DC license?  No, as DC is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).  If you live in, and have established residency in one of the states surrounding the district (DE, MD, VA, or WV) you can apply for licensure with the respective BON, and the license should grant you multi-state privileges.

Best wishes.