The Benefits of Nursing Compact States for Travel Nurses
If you’re a nurse, or are interested in becoming one, you likely already know you have to be licensed in the state in which you practice. But did you know you can get a multistate license?
The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to practice in various states across the country where the license is accepted—making it a particularly helpful license for travel nurses to have. Here are a few benefits that nursing compact states and the NLC can offer to travel nurses.
Nursing Compact State License Benefits
- You Have More Opportunities – As of December 2021, 39 states have enacted the NLC or are pending implementation. Not only do you have the potential to practice across the majority of the United States, including some territories like Guam and the Virgin Islands, but you can also open the door to experiencing an adventure in a place you’ve always wanted to visit. The following states have NLC legislation:
| Alabama | Missouri |
| Arizona | Montana |
| Arkansas | Nebraska |
| Colorado | New Hampshire |
| Delaware | New Mexico |
| Florida | North Carolina |
| Georgia | North Dakota |
| Idaho | Oklahoma |
| Indiana | South Carolina |
| Iowa | South Dakota |
| Kansas | Tennessee |
| Kentucky | Texas |
| Louisiana (RN & LPN) | Utah |
| Maine | Virginia |
| Maryland | West Virginia |
| Mississippi | Wisconsin |
| Wyoming |
- Nursing Compact States Save You Stress – One of the more stressful parts about travel nursing is ensuring you have work lined up after your current contract ends, which is typically after 13 weeks. Once you find an assignment you want to commit to, the process of getting there may take longer than is convenient. If you’re looking to move quickly from one assignment to another, an NLC license allows you to work seamlessly between the states the license is accepted.
- Save Time and Money – Depending on where you claim residency as a nurse, you typically need to renew your license according to the requirements of your home state or apply for licensure in each state you work. However, with an NLC, you won’t have to worry about multiple renewal requirements, licensures, and fees. All you have to do is keep track of one license.
How to Get Your Multistate Nursing License
Eligibility for a multistate license starts with residing in one of the 39 compact states noted above. However, since there are some exceptions on how to get your multistate license depending on where you live, having help can make the process much easier.
A national staffing resource for the healthcare industry, HealthCare Support helps talented, passionate healthcare professionals, like you, find a job or assignment they’ll love. Our dedicated team is ready to help you get what you need to make your role easier and succeed in your travel nursing career .
To learn more about our open jobs or how we can help you obtain your multistate license, please give us a call at 888-219-6285.