License in 2 states at same time?

Hi,

I am going to school in one state but will be moving after I graduate and pass the NCLEX here. I will be moving somewhere that I will be right on a state line between 2 states. Is it possible to have 2 or 3 licenses at the same time? The state I am currently in and then get one in each of the other 2 since its on a state boarder? or will I have to choose just 1? What exactly is a "multi-state license" and how do I go about getting one? The state I am going to get my license in and the state I will be moving to are not compact states, but the 3rd one, just a walk over the state line is a compact state.

Thanks Last edit by Rnstudent2011 on Aug 1, '10
You can have as many licenses as you wish to pay for. These States are in the "Nurse Licensure Compact" or "Multi State Licensure"Holding a license in one of these States allows you to practice in any of them. ArizonaArkansasColoradoDelawareIdahoIowaKentuckyMaineMarylandMississippiMissouriNebraskaNew HampshireNew MexicoNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVirginiaWisconsin

Think of it like a drivers license. If you live in a compact state listed above, you can go work in any other compact state on your home license, but you're subject to the laws of the state in which you practice. **With non compact states you need a license in the state in which you work.** All 50 states use the same license exam, so once you pass the NCLEX exam, you can work in any state. Some are just going to make you pay more for it. Hope that helps clarify it.

So what the deal with california? If I get my license here, since it is not on the compact list then I just have to pay a fee to use it in another state right? I wont have to sit for the nclex again.. right? Thank you for this post I was wondering the same thing.

No, you won't have to sit the NCLEX as long as you keep a valid license. If your home state-say California- isn't on the compact list then yes, you will need another license to work in another state. If you are going back to CA soon you might want to keep it up, if not, then see if they will let you be inactive for a year or so and not pay.Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

Quote from TtechnogeekytSo what the deal with California? If I get my license here, since it is not on the compact list then I just have to pay a fee to use it in another state right? I wont have to sit for the nclex again.. right? Thank you for this post I was wondering the same thing.

thank you so much for the california information. sorry to rnstudent2011 for kinda hijacking your thread... :hugs:

As a former travel nurse, I held 5 different state licenses at once. You have to pay for it some states charge different fees. Aditionally, most have different CEU requirements that must be met.

Just out of curiosity, if you live in a non-compact state and get a second license in a compact state, are you then allowed to practice in other compact states without getting further licenses?

I think it has something to do with the state you are originally licensed in. but to answer your question, i don't know. Check with your BON.

Quote from GM2RNJust out of curiosity, if you live in a non-compact state and get a second license in a compact state, are you then allowed to practice in other compact states without getting further licenses?

Quote from BackfromRetirementI think it has something to do with the state you are originally licensed in. but to answer your question, i don't know. Check with your BON.

Quote from Asystole RNDoesn't matter where you live or where you were originally licensed, only matters where you are currently working. Only NLC States will accept other NLC State licenses. You can have several NLC licenses and several non NLC licenses.