You’re a working nurse. You have already jumped through the many licensure requirements. Your credentials are beyond doubt.
You are a rockstar in the hospital where you currently work. And yet a new opportunity has emerged. It’s an out-of-state job that feels exciting. Will this new state recognize your credentials? That’s the question. In this article, we provide the answer.
The Benefits of Multi-state Licensure
Maybe you don’t have a new job lined up. Maybe you are reading this article because you just want to know if it makes sense to get licensed in multiple states. In subsequent headings, we will take a look at what it takes to get out-of-state licensure.
For now, it is worth mentioning that there are good reasons to become certified, even if you have no immediate plans of leaving your area.
For example, let’s say that you live on the state line. In this case, multi-state licensure will allow you to work at all of the hospitals that are within driving distance of your home.
A nurse working in St. Louis can double their options by acquiring an Illinois license in addition to their Missouri license.
This is also a good thing to have if you are considering working as a travel nurse. Travel nurses make above-average pay by moving from high-need hospitals to high-need hospitals. Naturally, these placements often require nurses to cross the state lines. Multi-state licensure makes this process easier.
Usually, it is not terribly difficult to become licensed out of state. In many cases, the benefits will far outweigh the cons. Greater flexibility. More employment opportunities. The chance to pivot into different types of healthcare settings later on in your career.
The Easy Way
The easiest way to achieve multi-state licensure is to apply for a compact nursing license. Compact nursing licenses, allow you to work in any state that recognizes the program. Currently, 41 states participate in the program.
This license is relatively easy to apply for. To receive a compact nursing license you need to have completed a bachelor’s in nursing from an accredited school. You also needed to have passed the NCLEX.
Depending on where you apply, there may be certain additional requirements, including continuing education or requisite test scores on the NCLEX.
You may also need to pay fees.
Unfortunately, not every state recognizes the compact nursing program. Those that do not require you to apply individually for a license to work in that state. In the next section, we will take a look at what that means for you.
How Do You Apply for Licensure in a Different State?
The good news is that if you are a licensed nurse, you’ve already done the hard part. All 50 states will recognize your bachelor’s degree and your NCLEX pass results.
Any additional requirements were usually minor. You will need to go through the application process, which may take time and require fees.
Some states may also require a continuing education component. This means that you might have to take some online courses, or even sit down in a physical classroom for a few hours. California is often cited as being the hardest state to apply for licensure in. They do not participate in the compact nursing license program. They have longer than usual processing times, and they may also require further education.
Of course, most people still ultimately obtain their California nursing license provided their original license was in good standing. That said, it is important to be prepared to jump through hoops.
Should I be Nervous?
No. As long as your license is in good standing in your home state there is little to no reason to worry about having your application denied. That said careful planning will be to your benefit. Be sure to allow yourself several months to apply and be approved before you need to start your job. In many cases, this window will be needlessly large, but it will insulate you from harmful variables.
Is There Anything Else I Need to Know?
Yes! If you already have a job lined up, you may benefit from talking this over with your future employer. They may be able to walk you through the steps of applying for an out-of-state nursing license. They may even help with fees.
Depending on the state, you may even be able to begin working on a provisional basis before your application is fully processed. This can be a big help because government agencies aren’t always quick when it comes to dealing with paperwork. In all cases, good nurses have no reason to be intimidated by applying for an out-of-state nursing license.
Conclusion
Requirements to start working as a nurse in a new state may be frustrating. They are not difficult. Do your research. Communicate with any future employer. Allow yourself ample time for the process to unfold.
Remember: the world needs more nurses. Tedious though the process of relocating may be, it is ultimately designed to help talented nurses like you find work in communities that need them.
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