Still in military overseas. New RN as of today! Need advice

[Mamacitamedic]

Hi! Took NCLEX-RN in London testing center for state of TN on Thursday 19 May 2011. Got Pearson Vue good pop up immediately after returning home later that day. Got passing quick result today and did a huge happy dance! I'm still military stationed overseas for a while. Because of this TN gave me a provisional license that is good in TN only until I move back to the states. Does anyone know if this will make it harder to move about the country if I decide not to settle in TN? There are no other restrictions on my license. I am assuming that i would just have to apply to what ever state I eventually move to and as long as my TN license is in good standing I won't have to take the NCLEX again. Any advice? Also, it will be hairy to keep up with my CEU's etc and be employed for money. I'm military medical and I can get all the free/volunteer shifts I want here in the large medical facility I work in. Will this count towards my hours working as an RN if I am not getting paid as an RN, but doing the duties? Any help would be appreciated.

[FLArn]

I am not able to answer your questions, however I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your service to this country and wish you all the best for your future as an R.N. May the Lord carry you safely in the palm of his hand now and always.

[Viper1104]

Congratulations on passing the NCLEX. As a military nurse myself with over 20 years in I can speak a little on your question.

1. The military recognizes nursing licenses from any state. You do not need a nursing license from a particular state if you are practicing nursing on a military reservation. You do need a current active nursing license. You do not need to get a new license with each state you move to (unless you choose to moonlight, but you need command permission prior to doing so).

2. If you decide not to settle in TN. Most states accept nursing licenses from other states. Its called license by reciprocity. Check with that states board of nursing for reciprocity rules and restrictions. There is an associated fee with obtaining a new license from another state.

3. You need to be employed as a RN. Military restrictions will apply to those personnel not currently serving as a nurse. Example: if you are a Navy Corpsman with a RN License you cannot serve as a nurse because your duties are limited to those of a corpsman. All military nurses must hold at least a BSN. If you have your BSN, I would recommend petitioning your branch of service for a commission if you are interested.

Please feel free to message me if you have additional questions.