By RNnetwork

March 27, 2024

2739 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

8 Commonly Asked Questions About the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

RNnetwork provided this article.

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) simplifies the licensing process for nurses, allowing them to work in multiple states across the U.S. under one license. While the basics of the NLC may be well-known, many nurses often have lingering questions or aren’t up to date on the latest changes.

Here are answers to eight of the most frequently asked questions about the Nurse Licensure Compact.

nlc

1. How does the NLC work?

The NLC is a mutual recognition agreement among participating states, and a majority of U.S. states are now NLC members. Under the NLC, nurses holding a multistate NLC license can practice in any other compact state without the need for additional licenses. This streamlined process removes the hassle of obtaining multiple licenses for nurses who wish to work across state lines.

2. What does the primary state of residence mean?

For compact purposes, the primary state of residence (PSOR) isn’t related to property ownership in a given state. It’s about your legal residency status. If your PSOR is a compact state, then you’re eligible for a multistate license. You aren’t eligible for a compact license if you can’t declare a compact state as your PSOR.

3. Can I get a compact multistate license if I live in a noncompact state?

Only nurses who declare a compact state as their primary state of residence are eligible for a multistate license. If you are a resident of a noncompact state, you can still apply for a license in a compact state. However, your eligibility will be limited to a single-state license valid only in that state. Of course, you can have as many single-state licenses as you wish.

4. How do I know if I have a multistate license?

If you live in a compact state and declare that as your primary state of residence and meet the state’s licensure requirements, your license should already be a multistate license. A good way to check is to use the Quick Confirm tool at www.nursys.com. If your license isn’t designated as multistate and you live in a compact state, you must contact your PSOR’s board of nursing.

5. What if I move to another state?

nlc

If you relocate to a new state, you’ll need to update your PSOR and apply for licensure in your new home state, but don’t delay applying for a license in your new state of residence. You may start the process before your move if you already have a home in your new state of residence, get a driver’s license, or are registered to vote there.

NEW in 2024. As of January 2, 2024, a significant update to the NLC mandates that nurses who change their primary state of residence to another party state must apply for a multistate license in the new state within 60 days. This rule ensures compliance with licensing requirements and reinforces the integrity of the NLC across state borders.

6. What if I want to work in a noncompact state?

If you don’t already have a license in that state, you’ll need to apply for one. You’ll also be responsible for maintaining that state’s requirements in addition to the requirements to maintain your compact license.

7. What are the benefits of the NLC for travel nurses?

For travel nurses, the NLC offers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. With a single multistate license, nurses can easily accept assignments in various states, expanding their career prospects and earning potential. The NLC simplifies the licensing process, reduces administrative burdens, and speeds up time to placement.

8. How can I stay informed about updates and changes to the NLC?

The best way to stay updated is to enroll in Nursys e-Notify to receive automated license and discipline notifications and updates on licensure status and regulatory changes. Enrolling will also help to ensure compliance with NLC requirements and proactively manage your licensure responsibilities.

Explore more FAQs on NLC’s website.

Ready to find adventure in a new state? Explore travel nursing jobs with RNnetwork!

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By The Gypsy Nurse

June 25, 2019

111607 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

Streamlined Nursing License: Your Guide to States, Application, and Processing Times

The Nurse Compact License

Requirements for a nurse compact license are similar across states. However, each state may determine and vary its own licensure requirements.  The states that participate in the compact have agreed that the licensing requirements in the individual states are compliant with their own licensing requirements. Therefore, these states allow you to work in their state without any additional licensing.

Nurse Compact License Requirements

Who’s Eligible?

Currently, the Compact license is available for LPNs and RNs.  Additionally, there is current legislation attempting to provide a compact for Advance Practice Nurses.

According to NCSBN, The following are necessary in order to qualify for a Compact License.

  • Legally reside in an NLC state.
  • Hold an active RN or LPN/VN nursing license in good standing. (APRNs are not included in this compact.)
  • Declare an NLC state as your primary state of residency.
  • Meet the licensure requirements in your home state.

Additionally, some states have additional requirements in order to qualify. Check each state board’s website for details.

Which States Participate in the Compact?

Over the years, the nurse compact license has evolved. Now referred to as the eNLC. There are currently 42 states that have passed legislation as of June 10, 2024.
nurse compact license
Screenshot

NLC States

  1. Alabama
  2. Arizona
  3. Arkansas
  4. Colorado
  5. Connecticut
  6. Delaware
  7. Florida
  8. Georgia
  9. Guam (Allows nurses who hold active, unencumbered, multi-state licenses issued by Nurse Licensure Compact member states to practice in Guam under their multi-state licenses.) 
  10. Idaho
  11. Indiana
  12. Iowa
  13. Kansas
  14. Kentucky
  15. Louisiana (RN & LPN)
  16. Maine
  17. Maryland
  18. Mississippi
  19. Missouri
  20. Montana
  21. Nebraska
  22. New Hampshire
  23. New Jersey
  24. New Mexico
  25. North Carolina
  26. North Dakota
  27. Ohio
  28. Oklahoma
  29. Pennsylvania- (Partial Implementation)
  30. Rhode Island
  31. South Carolina
  32. South Dakota
  33. Tennessee
  34. Texas
  35. Utah
  36. Vermont
  37. Virginia
  38. Washington
  39. West Virginia (RN & LPN)
  40. Wisconsin
  41. Wyoming

Pending States

  • Guam: Pending tentative implementation in 2023. Nurses holding a multistate license in other NLC states may now practice in Guam. Guam residents cannot obtain a multistate license until implementation is complete.
  • Virgin Islands: NLC enacted Dec. 6, 2021. Pending tentative implementation in 2023. Criminal background checks must also be implemented. VI residents cannot obtain a multistate license until implementation is completed. Nurses in other NLC states with a multistate license may not practice in the Virgin Islands until implementation is complete.

Additional Reading


All information on this page was obtained via nurse.org. Please check back often for updates.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By The Gypsy Nurse

June 8, 2019

13760 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask A Travel Nurse: What are the best states for Travel Nurse to License in?

Gypsy,

What are the best states for travel nurse to license in? Where would you recommend I obtain licensing? I will be looking to start my Travel Nurse career after the 1st of the year and I want to be prepared.

What are the best states for Travel Nurse to License

There are many variable when it comes to the best states for travel nurses to obtain a license. Some states like California, always have openings. Others are somewhat seasonal – bringing in travelers during high seasons. Here are 2019 Nursing Trends that might be helpful in determining where to go this year.

Personally, I recommend only obtaining a license for those states in which you have a job offer for.  If you are licensed in a compact state and eligible for compact licensure, your choices are much more vast. There are also seasonal shifts in high-demand locations like Arizona, and Florida. If you are interested in working seasonally in these locations, you might consider obtaining a license in advance for these states.

Licensing timeframes can vary from state to state. Keep this cheat-sheet close as you look at job possibilities and states for travel nurses to license in.

If you are a new travel nurse, read over our Travel Nurse Guide for additional guidance and industry specific information. You can also connect with our Travel Nurse Network and find out where the Hot Locations are right now.


Find your Next Travel Nurse Job 


By The Gypsy Nurse

May 12, 2019

20463 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

The Pitfalls of Maintaining RN Licensure in Multiple States

Maintain multiple RN licenses – The Easy Way.  If you have been a traveling nurse for a few years you likely have several RN State licenses.  Knowing what to do when it’s time to renew these licenses can be daunting.  Do you simply let it expire? Keeping all of your licenses active as a Travel Nurse can become expensive.

Understanding Inactive Status for RN License

The best option to maintain multiple RN licenses is to place your license on an inactive status. This should be done with each state before it expires. Each state has specific requirements for reinstating a license.  Placing your license in inactive status can forego financial and paperwork headaches down the road.

Let it expire or Place on Inactive Status

Here are a few state examples of the difference between placing a license on inactive status vs. allowing the license to expire.

Oregon

If you allow your license to expire, you may have it reinstated by submitting a renewal form to the OSBN office with the appropriate late fees. If you do not renew your license within 60 days of its expiration date; it will need to be reactivated (with additional fees) and undergo a national criminal background check.

The process of reactivating an Oregon nursing license that has been expired more than 60 days.

Generally, you are eligible for reactivation if your Oregon nursing license has been expired for more than 60 days. Provided you are otherwise qualified. Specifically, you must meet the OSBN’s education, practice and legal requirements: You must have worked as a nurse, at the level for which you are seeking license or above, for at least 960 hours during the last five years.

Please note: Continuing education cannot be used to meet the practice requirement.

  • All licensure and renewal applications are run through the Oregon Law Enforcement Data System and may be run through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Information Systems and Disciplinary Databank. 
  • Complete a national criminal background check.  Fee $52.00
  • Reactivation (licenses that has expired 61+ days) $265.00

Washington

  • Expired license more than one year, but less than three years.  Send in application with fees.
  • Expired license for more than three (3) years Send in application with fees, and include a copy of a current/active license from another state.  Fingerprints are also required for and additional fee.
  • RN expired license re-issuance (this fee plus renewal and late renewal fees) $70.00
  • RN license renewal (annually on birthdate) $97.00 **
  • **RN late renewal penalty (this fee plus the renewal fee if late) $50.00
  • RN verification of licensure/education $25.00

Texas

Texas is one of the more difficult states to renew an expired license. Texas not only requires late fees, but an exam and ethics course.

If your nursing license has expired, submit copies of continuing education certificates, any application for renewal received after the expiration date shall be charged a late fee.

  • THERE IS NO GRACE PERIOD.
  • Fees can be up to $190.00
  • If your Texas RN license has been expired for more than four years, and you have practiced as a registered nurse in another state within the last four (4) years, then you must comply with Rule 217.6 (d) which includes:
    • completion of the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (NJE)
    • Online Texas Board of Nursing Jurisprudence Prep Course,
    • Texas Board of Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics Workshop, or a Texas Board of Nursing approved Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics course.

It is your responsibility to submit both of the completion certificates (NJE and choice of prep course/workshop/course). All requirements must be met before re-instatement of license. 

Arizona

You must submit a written request for a paper application AND submit a self-addressed stamped business size envelope. Include a paper application. This takes an average of 29 days from the time the application is received until the license is issued. Total amount due if not requesting a temporary license ~ $200.

  • VERIFICATION OF YOUR ORIGINAL STATE OF LICENSURE 
  • Submit documentation regarding citizenship/nationality/alien status
  • Fingerprints required

In conclusion, some states have a lot of requirements and fees while other states are much easier to get reinstated.  Additionally, many states also have specific CEU’s that must be maintained.  It’s recommended to contact the BON and request that your license be placed on ‘Inactive’ status. Generally a license on inactive status simply requires a standard renewal fee and compliance with the state CEU requirements.

Most importantly, its good to note that Licensing timeframes can vary from state to state. Keep this cheat-sheet close as you look at job possibilities and states for travel nurses to license in.

If you are a new travel nurse, read over our Travel Nurse Guide for additional guidance and industry specific information.


Find your Next Travel Nurse Job 


By The Gypsy Nurse

April 19, 2017

9560 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask A Travel Nurse: Compact RN Licensure

The Gypsy Nurse strives to be your #1 source for Travel Nursing Answers. For new and experienced travelers alike. CHECK HERE or Search our articles to see if your travel nurse question has already been answered.

How long do I have to live in a compact state to obtain compact state RN licensure?

A nurse is eligible for a compact state license in their state of residence once state residency is established.  The amount of time required for this varies state to state. You must be a state resident in order to qualify for a compact license. The amount of time required for this varies state to state.

If I hold a valid compact license, what do I need to do to work in another of the compact states?

If you hold a valid compact RN license, you don’t need to do anything. Essentially, you hold license in all of the compact states. Just show any potential employer proof of your valid compact license.

How long do I have to live in a compact state to obtain compact RN licensure?

You are eligible for a compact state license in your state of residence once state residency is established. You must be a state resident in order to qualify for a compact license. The amount of time required for this varies state to state. Usually this requires auto registration, drivers license, banking and voter registration.  Check with each state on residency to determine their specific requirements.

Ask A Travel Nurse: Compact RN Licensure
Effective: 4/1/19 Source: https://ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm

Steps to Establishing Residency for Compact RN Licensure

The list below isn’t all-inclusive. Check with each state’s residency requirements. They vary greatly from State to State. In most states, the requirements for obtaining a drivers license meet the proof of residency that would be needed for Compact RN licensure.

  • Change your mailing address.
  • Get a driver’s license in the new state and register your car there.
  • Register to vote in the new state. (You can probably do this in conjunction with getting a driver’s license.)
  • Open and use bank accounts in the new state. Close accounts in the old state.
  • File a resident income tax return in the new state, if it’s required. File a nonresident return or no return (whichever is appropriate) in the old state.
  • Buy or lease a residence in the new state, and sell your residence in the old state or rent it out at market rates to an unrelated party.
  • Change the address on important documents, such as passports, insurance policies, and wills or living trusts.

Recent Changes in Compact RN Licensure

The traditional ‘compact license’ has been recently updated to the ENLC. Furthermore, there are several pertinent changes to the licensure status due to these changes. If your residence is part of the ENLC states, please check how these updates may affect you.

Further reading on the Compact RN Licensure


By The Gypsy Nurse

June 12, 2015

17660 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

CA License Delays: Continues To Be A Hurdle For Travel Nurses

CA License delay update:

CA is still experiencing extreme delays in licensing for RN’s. I’ve attempted contact with them to no avail to obtain additional information for you – the potential CA RN candidate – to move this process forward in a more expedient manner. If/When I receive any additional information, I will update you.

In the meantime, some of our Facebook Network Group members have suggested some of the following to help those experiencing issues or with questions on how to proceed with CA license delays.

Cali License Tips:

Kristen Bowles @ TaleMed gives some tips on “How to get a CA license in 7-8 weeks”:

1. Print out the application

2. Do NURSYS verification online

3. Have colleges send official transcripts directly to CA BON

4. Have 2 sets of hard fingerprints done at local police station (they have the same that CA requires and sends out) . Send in 2 sets because California BON sometimes reject a set.

5. Have a passport picture taken at CVS

6. Send in application , passport picture , both sets of fingerprints and check all together

7. Register for Breeze

Anonymous Member From post dated 01/09/2015:

Temporary license received in 2 weeks total time following these steps:

1. Print out California licensure by endorsement pages and fill it out.

2. Order All sealed Student Transcripts to yourself (overnighted) or to the BON at the following address:

BON 1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 150

Sacremento, Ca 95834

3. Go to verify licensure ($30) at https://www.nursys.com/NLV/NLVTerms.aspx (it does not have to be your original state of licensure, if they do not participate in Nursys)

4. Obtain 2 by 2 photo for application. Attach to application where indicated on all 4 sides with clear tape. (Costco, Walmart, Sams club)

5. We called to inform them we were on our way. 1-800-838-6828

6. We arrived and turned in the application, (and transcripts if you have them) paid the fees for temporary and whole licensure ($150). Obtained the fingerprint card (FD258)

7. Go to the UPS store the BON indicated (1 mile away) and have prints scanned ($75)

8. Return the fingerprint card to BON office retrieve email address from person at window for a reference. 

If you want some personal assistance, Steven Swan @ Valley Healthcare Staffing offers the following:

“We are happy to walk your application to the window and through the process. Our office is two blocks away and the license will take 2-3 weeks TOPS. We go to the window 2+ times per week and check status in person. You don’t have to work for us – it’s a service we offer and are happy to help.”
Steve Swan
Valley Healthcare
steve@valleyrocks.com
(916) 505-7744


Contact the CA Board of Nursing

Physical Address

Board of Registered Nursing
1747 North Market Boulevard, Suite 150
Sacramento, CA 95834

Mailing Address

Board of Registered Nursing
P.O. Box 944210
Sacramento, CA 94244-2100

Phone Numbers

Main Phone: (916) 322-3350

Hearing impaired individuals can call our TDD number: (800) 326-2297


 If you have any additional tips for our CA applicants, please let us know in the comments!


By Bree Parker

June 25, 2013

41735 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

The How-To Guide for Australia Travel Nurse

Getting Registered in Australia.

Are you considering Australian travel nursing?  Below you will find information on the process to begin Australian travel nursing to help you on your way.

The process of getting registered is a bit cumbersome, but once the applications are filled out, it’s just a matter of following the Agency’s instructions.

In Australia, Registered Nurses are registered through the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA). There are offices in the capital city of each state. Although it’s a similar process to applying for licensure from state to state in the United States, the Agency has several additional requirements and fees for overseas applicants.

Firstly, the process is long. If you are considering traveling abroad in the next year, I’d recommend you start on the application immediately. When I sent my application to AHPRA, I was on assignment in Miami, Florida. I mailed it in early August knowing I had a flight scheduled to leave the United States in late October. By the time I had left, I hadn’t received any feedback from the Agency.

It was several months before AHPRA contacted me via email with a list of necessary documents Mine had not been specific enough for their requirements.

AHPRA requests verification of employment from your current job and certification of work experience for the past five years, plus a certification of your licenses from all states the nurse has been licensed in the past five years. Their requirements for letters from an employer are very specific: the length of time the nurse worked for the organization, whether it was full time or part-time, and it must be on company letterhead. A resume or CV is required as well with your signature on each page.

My waiting process was long due to the fact that I was in Australia when I received notification requesting more specific letters. All but one of my letters had left out “full or part-time”. AHPRA only accepts the original letters and mailing anything to Australia takes time.

I made several trips to the AHPRA office in Sydney over a few months. After I’d turned in all the required paperwork to what I’d hoped would be their satisfaction, I’d received another email asking for a letter from my high school stating my education was in English and requesting details of my clinical time.

My frustration peaked. I’d given the Agency transcripts of my undergraduate and graduate education, all in English and I’d graduated from high school over 19 years ago. It is my luck that my parents still live near my high school and were able to fetch such a letter.

When traveling abroad as a nurse, you are often required to take the IELTS or International English Language Testing System exam to provide evidence of education in English.

Australia allows exemption from such a test if you are from Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, or the United States of America. If you are a citizen of one of the above countries, you need to provide evidence of your education being taught in English.

I took the exam about two weeks prior to received my registration. My reason for taking it was to help with my visa process. I was warned the exam was difficult, but if your education was in English; the test was akin to an eighth-grade test.

The fees associated with the application for Australia are $576 AU. It’s difficult to find an exact fee for an applicant from overseas on the AHPRA’s website, they will contact you prior to charging your credit card.

I mailed my registration application in early August and I was granted registration in March. When I spoke to my recruiter, I was told that this is a typical timeframe.

Lessons learned

  • International mail is slow and expensive; keep that in mind when filing your application.
  • All letters must be specific as to when you worked for an organization. The letter must be on company letterhead, including the dates you worked, and your status: full time or part-time.
  • Include a letter from your high school or take the IELTS, academic module. You’ll need to score a minimum of 7 in all three categories.
  • Any paperwork forwarded to AHPRA must be certified. All forms can be found online.
    • What does this mean?
    • Along with the application, you are required to send a photocopy of your licenses from the past five years, passport, and transcripts. Each page needs to be certified as a copy of the original. You’ll have to see a notary and the seal must be on each page submitted. If you happened to be in Australia when you submit the application, the employees at AHPRA will certify your documents.
  • Understand that the process is long and frustrating. Read any communication from the Agency carefully. The Registration Agents will give you instruction. For example, when I submitted the letter from my University with my clinical hours detailed, the administrator writing my letter used the course title similar to this: Care of the Young Adult, theory hours 75, clinical hours 125, but the Registration Agent wasn’t able to determine what this meant. She stated I didn’t have Medical/Surgical clinical in Nursing school although I clearly had. The terminology isn’t the same in Australia. Makes communication in any form is as specific as possible.

After you have been registered, you can now apply for jobs.

You must be sponsored by an organization that is allowed to sponsor employees from overseas. Many positions are listed in forums such as this: http://nswhealth.erecruit.com.au/ or you can contact companies that will find jobs for you, like Plexus Medical or Geneva Health. The application process is very simple. You send in your resume and they’ll contact you for an interview.

  • When I was interviewed, it was just a few questions. The recruiter wanted to know where I was currently; in Australia or outside Australia. She asked after my experience and what I was looking for. Within a few days, I had an interview at a Private hospital near Sydney.
  • If you are out of the country, they will do a phone interview or a skype interview. Most recruiters are privy to job postings that have not been offered to the general public. If you chose not to go through an agency, the process is similar but more time-consuming. It takes much longer to hear back from these postings.
  • The process for applying for a job through the recruiting sites is very much the same as applying for travel positions.
  • When you have been offered a position, a migration specialist from your new employer will contact you to assist with applying for your work visa. They’ll be able to direct you to the correct visa application.
  • If for some reason, your organization doesn’t have a migration specialist, you can use the Visa Wizard on Australia’s Immigration website.
  • Visas have online applications and aren’t too difficult to fill out. If you are outside Australia, the processing time is currently three months.

One other interesting tidbit about Australian registration. Being registered as a nurse in Australia allows for registration to be transferred to New Zealand. Again, it’s similar to transferring your licenses from state to state.

Good luck if you chose Australian Travel Nursing. The process might be frustrating, but it will lead to the adventure of a lifetime!


Want to learn more about Australian Travel Nursing….