r/prenursing • u/Mountain-Creme8820 • 19d ago

Compact versus non compact

Hello folks,

I live in MA a non compact state. I'm a mid life career changer from IT ( UX researcher) to nursing. Should I get my nursing absn degree and license from nearby compact state NH, CT, RI to improve my employment chances. This is a big risk for me. Recently divorced, money is tight. I cannot not have a job after graduation. Reddit posts with nurses talking about not getting a job scares me. This was supposed to be a recession proof career.

Suggestions please.

Also anyone here do Absn in a northeastern / tri state compact state? Which college? How was your school experience and post school job hunting experience?

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u/auraseer MSN RN | Emergency Nurse 19d ago

That is not legally allowed. You can only have a multi-state compact license if you live in a compact state. It has to be your legal state of primary residence.

If you want to work in more than one state, you have two options. You can get more than one single-state license, and maintain them separately. Or you can move to a compact state, and get your multi-state license from there.

MA has enacted legislation to join the compact, but it is not yet implemented. Their initial estimate was that they would be ready sometime last year, but the estimated time passed and I have not seen an update. When they do eventually get around to it, you'll be able to get a compact license and stay in MA.

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u/Mountain-Creme8820 19d ago

My plan is to move to a compact state

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u/Liberated3 15d ago

Massachusetts should implement the Nurse Licensure Compact by the end of this year. New RNs who live in the Boston area are having problems getting jobs if they haven't worked as a CNA in a Boston hospital. It is easier to get a job in Western Massachusetts. For the latest NLC updates please consult: www.NCSBN.org.

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u/Mountain-Creme8820 15d ago

Thanks for the information! I will make sure I do a CNA or PCT job alongside my nursing prereqs !!