RN license reciprocity

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Hi, I haven't yet looked carefully at this site but I would imagine this topic has been discussed already. I am an RN licensed in NY who is contemplating a move to either CA or DC.

Does anyone know how easy it would be to get licensed in another state? Also, if I get licensed in another state does that mean I am no longer licensed in NY?

Lastly, I have heard that CA has reciprocity with NY. Does that mean I could work in CA under my NY license?

Thanks for any information.

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Check the NY BON they will say whether they are a compact state. But you still need a license in the state where you live.

Example. I live in Maryland, a compact state. Virginia is a compact state and very close for me. I can work in VA under my MD license as long as I still live here. But if I move to VA I have to get a VA license.

And yes, you can hold multiple state licenses as long as you're willing to pay the fees and make sure you fulfill the CEU or work hours requirement.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

This has been discussed many times, There is not such thing as reciprocity with licenses but some states do participate in compact licenses but I think you are going to find it hard going to live in NY and work in CA. The best you can do is endorse your license, as long as you pay the fees to NY you can keep your license active as well as a license in CA. In fact as long as you meet requirements and keep licenses active you can have as many as you want. This is useful for travel nurses who like to move around a lot.

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Thanks to everyone, this was very helpful. After posting the thread I noticed how much discussion there has been on the issue on this site. Thanks again.

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Specializes in icu, er, transplant, case management, ps.

When I moved to Florida, in 1980, I was required to have a score of 350 for each section of my NYS boards. Since my scores were much higher, I didn't worry about it, and got my Florida license. In 2000 I reactivated my NYS license and allowed my Florida license to lapse. I planned never to return to Florida, except to see my grandchildren. As you can see, I am currently living in Florida. If I want to reactivate my Florida license, I have to send them more then two hundred dollars, a finger print card, contact NYS and have them send a copy of my board results, complete the twelve credit hours required within six months. I am still thinking about it.

Woody:balloons:

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i am new to this, so if i missed an answer somewhere and if this is a repeat question i am sorry. i am licensed to work in ny and i am moving to georgia in a few months. i was planning on doing travel nursing until i get settled there and buy a house. my question is...i was told by a rep at the georgia bon that i must complete and submit the licensure by endorsement form. i downloaded it and filled it out, but does anyone know about how long this process takes? i sent it out by express mail hoping that it would speed up the process. my husband already got a job there, so we need to move. thanks for listening (i mean reading).

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