A travel nurse seeking to work in multiple regions during her career may wish to consider practicing in states included under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The compact allows registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses to have licenses in their home states and practice in other states included under the agreement without having to obtain additional licenses, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
A nurse must legally reside in an NLC state to be eligible for a multi-state license. A travel RN must of course meet the license requirements in her home state. However, while on assignment in another state she will be subject to the Nurse Practice Act of that State.
Claiming an NLC state as her primary residence is a benefit to a travel nurse. It allows her to practice in another state that is party to the compact without having to complete any new applications or pay additional fees – making the onboarding process faster and easier.
For a complete list of the states included in the NLC agreement, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website. Contact the nursing board for an individual state for further verification if necessary.
If a complaint has been brought against a nurse, the compact authorizes the nurse licensing board of any NLC state to investigate the allegations or unsafe practices for which she is being accused. Based on the discretion of that state, a nurse may be denied the privilege to practice in that state. In addition, only the home state licensing board may take action against a nurse’s license for a more permanent solution.
If a travel nurse decides to transition from a contract position to a permanent one, she will be required to apply for licensure and endorsement, pay any fees and complete a new declaration of primary state residency. The nurse can practice on her former residency license for up to 30 days before these steps need to be completed.
As of January 2012, there are 24 states taking part in the NLC agreement. Due to the ease of this inclusive licensing agreement, a travel nurse may find it beneficial to seek opportunities in NLC states.