U.S.A. Pennsylvania
Published Nov 9, 2022
pamalamadingdong, ASN, RN
10 Posts
Just searching for some advice - I currently have a PA RN license but I need to start applying for jobs around DC as my husband and I are moving to there in a few months! I really don't know if I should go through the trouble/time/money to get a MD license when I know PA is about to be a compact state but it just seems like it's impossible to know exactly when that will happen. Would a hospital in MD would hire me with a PA license, knowing it will soon be compact?
thanks so much!
chare
4,315 Posts
While MD facilities would hire you based on your single state PA license, you would be expected to have either an active multi-state NLC or MD license to start.
Even if PA were to implement the NLC and you applied for and were granted multi-state privileges, you will still have to apply for MD licensure when you relocate.
CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN
1,007 Posts
If you move to Maryland, you will not be a Pennsylvania resident, so it will be a Pennsylvania license. Maryland has a compact license, so you could also work in Virginia if you have a compact Maryland license. DC is not a compact, so if you chose to work in DC, you will need a separate license.
Epidural, BSN, RN
170 Posts
The Pennsylvania Board Of Nursing is slowly moving towards implementing the Nurse Licensure Compact. Because the state has not required criminal background checks in the past, the FBI must set up this program for Pennsylvania. Apparently this process can take some time; no one expects it to happen before 2023.
If you know where you will be moving to in Maryland, use that address when you apply for a Maryland license. Then you can apply for a compact Maryland license. As others have stated, a compact Maryland license will allow you to work in Virginia as well as Maryland. If you work in DC, you will definitely need a separate DC license. DC traffic can be difficult for commuters, but the Metro Blue Line "Foggy Bottom" stop is directly under GW Hospital.
Best of luck to you on your upcoming move.
Marsha Chesbro
4 Posts
This state is a hoot. I have a NC Compact license and I want to work in Pennsylvania but can't because Pennsylvania is dragging their feet. It's all about money and money.
guest1135744, ADN
24 Posts
It's driving me a little crazy because I've been picking up PRN shifts here and there and I could have a lot more opportunities with a compact license, but PA seems to be in no rush to get this done.
Not really sure why it is taking Pennsylvania so long to implement the NLC. Do know that it took New Jersey just as long; they did, however, partially implement the Compact so that out of state nurses could easily come to New Jersey to practice.
Still waiting for Pennsylvania to implement the NLC. In the past two years (since the Pennsylvania compact legislation was passed) Vermont and Ohio have both fully implemented the Compact. Washington State just joined and will allow nurses with compact licenses to start working there on July 24, 2023. Rhode Island also just passed compact legislation. The bill suggests that Rhode Island nurses will be able to get compact licenses as early as next January.
Pennsylvania is partially implementing the Nurse Licensure Compact on 9/5/23. All nurses with Compact licenses will be able to practice in Pennsylvania, as long as they don't officially move to this state. Hopefully the state will fully implement the Compact soon.
Still no information about when Pennsylvania will fully implement the NLC. It has been 2.5 years since the governor signed this legislation. Washington State will fully implement the Compact in six weeks. Rhode Island will fully implement the Compact in two weeks.Both of these states passed NLC bills last Summer. Seven other states and Washington DC all have active Compact legislation. It would be helpful if the Pennsylvania Board Of Nursing put some updates on their website.
Thecuriousnurse
If you live in Pennsylvania, it should be clear that action - any action, including legislation moves at the speed of molasses. Snail's pace would be an overestimation. As far as I can tell the current plan is that nurses from other states can come to PA, but PA nurses would not be able to go to other states under a compact license. SEEMS LIKE A HOSTAGE SITUATION. Welcome to the Keystone state.
I retired from NCDOPS in January 2018. Moved back to Pennsylvania since my family lives here. Kept my NC RN license active since it was a compact license. My address changed so NC at renewal gave me a single state license only. Been waiting for Pennsylvania to get its act together for compact implementation and it has not happened as of January 2024.In my opinion its all about money.