Question on practicing in a state that you are not licensed in

I work for a company that does health fairs and gives flu shots. I live in NYC within reasonable commuting distance to CT, NJ and Penn. The company has been asking me to go give shots in NJ and Ct where I am not licensed. I am leery of doing this. Are my fears unfounded or am I right to be concerned?
Since you're not in a compact state, I wouldn't risk it. You wouldn't work in a hospital without a license. While the risk is lower, the risk is still there.

Yeah that's what I thought. Thanks for confirming.

Way to loose your license. And it could come back to haunt you at any time in the future if audits are done on their books. And you will be in deep dooodooo

You're right to be leery. What your employer is asking you to do is illegal (not the first time, won't be the last, unfortunately). The employer doesn't really care -- if you got caught and got in trouble, the employer would just plead ignorance or misunderstanding, get another "warm body with a license," and move on. You, on the other hand, would be screwed. You cannot practice as a nurse in any US state, even for one day, without a valid license to practice in that state (whether that's an actual license from that state, or under a "compact license"). Unfortunately, we can't depend on employers to protect our interests -- we have to be savvy enough to look out for ourselves.

tell them you would be happy to do the job if they will pay for licensure as you want to represent them in the best way and not have anyone question the ethics of the company. In other words, make it seem like you are protecting them

What was their response when you told them you're not licensed in those states?

Depending on the state and whether or not the BON offers a temporary permit to an applicant by endorsement, flu shot season may be almost over by the time you get licensed in these states.It may have been better to start working on this a few months ago.But, no. Do not practice nursing in a state in which you are not licensed, ever. No reputable employer would ask you to do so.

Quote from systolyWhat was their response when you told them you're not licensed in those states?

In terms of practicing in a state without a license, there is no difference between administering flu shots and doing fingersticks/health screenings.Both involve skilled procedures, patient education, counseling, obtaining informed consent.Both involve practicing nursing without a license.

Agreed: you should never practice in any state that you are not licensed in. To do so is nursing career suicide.

Is this company headquartered in Minnesota? I signed up with them in April, but I have yet to work a shift because they keep trying to send me to states where I'm not licensed. They've said it's okay, since "you won't actually use license skills."

Quote from Not_A_Hat_PersonIs this company headquartered in Minnesota? I signed up with them in April, but I have yet to work a shift because they keep trying to send me to states where I'm not licensed. They've said it's okay, since "you won't actually use license skills."