Transferring a RN license

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello!

Excuse me as I have only been a member to this site today. This could as well even be placed in the wrong section. I've been a nurse for 1.5yrs. I'm illiterate to the process of transferring my license. I never heard of a license compact state. I'm from Indiana. We are not a compact state. I'm moving to Colorado July 15th. As mention that I'm illiterate, I've been wondering about the process of transferring my Indiana license to Colorado. I did the application for endorsement, paid the fee, did the nursys.com part, paid that fee. I submitted my application in 2.5 weeks ago. I received an email saying my application will go through several phases. My application has been "stuck" in the second phase for 1.5 weeks now. I'm a newer nurse, I passed my boards, I'm currently working, my license is in good standing, there's no criminal background. I have never even had a ticket. Should I be worried? When I call, I'm on hold waiting to talk to someone for a solid 15-20 mins before I give up. Before I submitted my app, I sent an email about the process, it took them 2 weeks before they replied. Any nurses that can help? Money wise, I'm self sufficient for probably 6 months, maybe less. This is just started to stress me out thinking that they will deny me. Help?

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Specializes in Critical care.

You aren't transferring your licence, the new state will examine your school records, nclex, any current licenses, etc. and grant you a license in their state if you meet all requirements. It's going to take time. 1.5 weeks in a single step is very little time, nothing to do at this time but respond to any inquiries they may make.

You will still have an active license in the state you are leaving until it reaches it's normal expiration date.

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I'm not transferring my license? If I meet all requirements, do they issue a new license number?

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You'll have two licenses: one in IN and one in CO. I just received my MI license (I'm also from IN) and now possess a IN and MI license. The endorsement process varies across states, so you might have to do some research to find the usual length of time. Good luck!

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I'm not transferring my license? If I meet all requirements, do they issue a new license number?

Yes, you will be issued a new license for Colorado. Your existing license in Indiana will remain active, as well. You could apply for and maintain a license in every state if you wanted to.

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You'll have two licenses: one in IN and one in CO. I just received my MI license (I'm also from IN) and now possess a IN and MI license. The endorsement process varies across states, so you might have to do some research to find the usual length of time. Good luck!

Is your new MI license a compact? I understand the purpose of a compact license, I just don't know if that holds any affect of time to transfer your license since Indiana isn't compact? How long till you received yours? Did you also receive a different license number for your new license? Ha! So many questions. :)

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Is your new MI license a compact? I understand the purpose of a compact license, I just don't know if that holds any affect of time to transfer your license since Indiana isn't compact? How long till you received yours? Did you also receive a different license number for your new license? Ha! So many questions. :)

No worries. I had to do thorough research while going through the endorsement process. Unfortunately, MI is not a compact state. I actually received my license within a week after submitting my fingerprints, which is extremely rapid by MI standards, as it can take 6-8 weeks to receive your license. I received a separate license number and card for MI.

If you have any other questions, feel free to shoot me a PM.

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Yes, you will be issued a new license for Colorado. Your existing license in Indiana will remain active, as well. You could apply for and maintain a license in every state if you wanted to.

How cool! I just assumed that my Indiana license number would follow me as I go! Now, if only they could give me an idea of when I will possibly receive this new license (if I do)

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Specializes in Critical care.

Nurse Licensure Compact | NCSBN

The licence (and it's number) will be entirely separate for each state licence issued. If you satisfy the conditions, a license from any compact state will suffice in any other compact state.

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No worries. I had to do thorough research while going through the endorsement process. Unfortunately, MI is not a compact state. I actually received my license within a week after submitting my fingerprints, which is extremely rapid by MI standards, as it can take 6-8 weeks to receive your license. I received a separate license number and card for MI.

If you have any other questions, feel free to shoot me a PM.

I wonder if fingerprints are a thing for every state. Of course, I know Indiana is. Colorado failed to mention that if that's the case. Then I assume, I couldn't get a new license until I move out there? I have applied for jobs and I have a phone interview next week. Maybe I jumped the gun to quick? I lived in IN for my entire 25 years. These new stressors are getting the best of me. Thank you for the kindness!

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I wonder if fingerprints are a thing for every state. Of course, I know Indiana is. Colorado failed to mention that if that's the case. Then I assume, I couldn't get a new license until I move out there? I have applied for jobs and I have a phone interview next week. Maybe I jumped the gun to quick? I lived in IN for my entire 25 years. These new stressors are getting the best of me. Thank you for the kindness!

Same here! Born and raised in IN and hoping to move to MI soon. I'm waiting to hear back from an interview I had on Monday, and if I receive an offer, I'll be moving within the next few weeks.

MI actually required me to submit a new set of fingerprints, even though I just had them done for my IN license. Each state has different requirements for endorsing your license and license renewal.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

For some reason, it is always impossible to actually speak to a real person at any board of nursing. Are we SURE that real humans even work there, because I can never seem to find any. Don't give up, OP.....the process can just be really s.l.o.w. And yeah, hold times on the phone can be eternity.

Do you already have a job lined up? If so, you should keep in touch with HR so that they know your situation as far as getting your new license. Colorado, I think, issues temporary RN licenses that you can work on for a short time while the permanent license is processed. HR might have some ideas to help you speed up the process.

Once you move, if you want, you can travel to the location of the board of nursing and walk in yourself to try to expedite things. Might work!

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