Changing nursing license to another state/Compact States

Hey everyone. I'm currently a nursing student with about 1 year left, and just had a question about my license when I get it. I plan to get my license in the state of Virginia, and was wondering if anyone knows if VA has a compact with other states? (So my license would be good in another state without getting another license)
Another question I have is, if I do switch to another state that doesn't have a compact with VA, how hard is it to apply for a license there? Do you have to retake the NCLEX or pay a fee? Sorry if these questions are stupid, I'm just trying to figure things out. Where I live, PN's start about 40k a year, and the cost of living is just SO HIGH ($1500 rent on a 1br apartment) and I do NOT plan to stay in this area or state when I graduate!
A list of current and future states participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact can be found at the following site: Participating States in the NLC.It is important to remember that you can only use a license from a compact state to work in another compact state as long as you maintain residency in the state your license was issued in. If you change residency (even to another compact state) you must be licensed in that state.Some compact states allow a grace period of varying length upon relocation from another compact state. If you are planning on relocating your best course of action would be to contact the board of nursing in the state you are relocating to.Good luck.

Yes, VA is a compact state.No, you do not have to retake the NCLEX to get another license. As long as you meet the requirements for a state's licensure you can apply for endorsement. You can hold multiple licenses as long as you kep up the requirements for each and pay your fee.

The Nursing Compact states make reciprocity much easier, in fact it is automatic. You can actually transfer to any state, but if it is not a Compact state, the application process takes a little longer. I recently transferred from Maryland to North Carolina, and it took me less than a week. Also, most non-Compact states will offer you a temporary license so you can work while your application is being processed. The Compact has made life so much easier if you live near the border. For example, with a Maryland license, I could have commuted to a job in DC, Virginia, Pa, or Delaware. I think all states will eventually join the Compact, it's just a matter of paperwork and legislation.

Quote from KatnipYes, VA is a compact state.No, you do not have to retake the NCLEX to get another license. As long as you meet the requirements for a state's licensure you can apply for endorsement. You can hold multiple licenses as long as you kep up the requirements for each and pay your fee.

does anyone know about changing from texas to illinois??? (for RN)

Quote from naomileaanndoes anyone know about changing from texas to illinois??? (for RN)

really, with the so called nurseing shortage, nurses should have a national liscense to practice in any state all with the same CEU requirements and costs to renew every 2 years. after all the NCLEX is a nation wide test that we are take and pass therefor are equally entitled to practice. We are the USA only divided by the 52 states of goverment. I guess the state woud loss too much money on liscense renewal, but come on there has to be an easier way.

Quote from tigerwolf0524really, with the so called nurseing shortage, nurses should have a national liscense to practice in any state all with the same CEU requirements and costs to renew every 2 years. after all the NCLEX is a nation wide test that we are take and pass therefor are equally entitled to practice. We are the USA only divided by the 52 states of goverment. I guess the state woud loss too much money on liscense renewal, but come on there has to be an easier way.

HI can ony one tell me the difference between "MARYLAND ONLY " license and "COMPACT STATE" license.BTW,:heartbeatI am a foreign trained nurse.

Compact states issue two different kinds of licenses. If you are a resident of the state and apply for licensure, you get a license with "compact privileges" (which means that the holder can work in other compact states with the original state license as long as s/he maintains her/his permanent residence there). If you are not a resident of the state, you can still apply for licensure, but you get a traditional-type license that is only good within the state and isn't recognized by other states. You have to be a permanent resident of a compact state to get a "compact" license.So, if you apply for a Maryland license but are not a resident of Maryland, you can still get a license, but you will get a "Maryland only" license, that does not have compact privileges.

Quote from elkparkCompact states issue two different kinds of licenses. If you are a resident of the state and apply for licensure, you get a license with "compact privileges" (which means that the holder can work in other compact states with the original state license as long as s/he maintains her/his permanent residence there). If you are not a resident of the state, you can still apply for licensure, but you get a traditional-type license that is only good within the state and isn't recognized by other states. You have to be a permanent resident of a compact state to get a "compact" license.So, if you apply for a Maryland license but are not a resident of Maryland, you can still get a license, but you will get a "Maryland only" license, that does not have compact privileges.

Quote from AUS2USAHi Thank u for sharing info just one more Q.Does "permanent resident " mean holding green card or citizenship???Does it vary for foreign nurses?