All registered nurses know that licensing requirements are different across the U.S. This presents certain challenges in travel nursing, as you may receive assignments in multiple states. It's important, though, not to be intimidated by the variations in the licensure processes. With the help of a quality recruiter, you'll have the right tools and knowledge to move forward in your career as a healthcare professional.
According to Ashley Lovell, branch manager with healthcare staffing agency Aureus Medical, Washington state is an especially tricky locale to navigate when it comes to RN licensing. Use her expertise to learn more about gaining licensure in Washington:
The challenges of licensing in Washington
The Nurse Licensure Compact is a strategy that allows RNs to have one license that applies to multiple states, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. While this is great for a travel nurse aiming to explore all the geographic beauty America has to offer, it doesn't apply to every state. Unfortunately, those hoping to work in the Evergreen State are out of luck with this tactic, as Washington is not one of the 25 locales that supports the NLC.
That's not the only challenge a travel nurse faces in Washington. It's also not a walk-through state, which would typically allow a nurse to approach the state's board of nursing in person, then apply and receive his or her license within 48 hours. Admittedly, this would result in only a temporary license, but it's still a convenient option for travel nurses taking short-term assignments.
According to Ashley, the absence of an online submission process for the license, something which many states have, serves as another pain point for travel nurses aiming to work in Washington.
"It is a PDF form that is required to be printed out, filled out in its entirety, and mailed to the board, which can be a timely process," she said.
Of course, this submission process also includes a background check, which involves fingerprinting. According to Ashley, the nurses will receive a fingerprinting card from the Washington State Department of Health. They then must take the card to their local police station to be fingerprinted and mail the document in.
How nurses can expedite the process
While obtaining a nursing license in Washington has its obstacles, there are steps a travel nurse can take to move the application along. Make sure you have all necessary components of your application before sending. To learn more about the process, visit the Washington State Department of Health – Nursing Licensing site. Additionally, verify your license with NURSY.com.
Once you have all necessary materials, send in your application.
"You do want to pay the extra few dollars to overnight your application packet to the board, ensuring it is delivered in the quickest way possible for immediate review," Ashley said.
Ashley stressed the importance of doing everything by the book, so to speak. That is, don't skimp on details and perform every task the state requires. For example, neglecting to use the designated fingerprinting card or going to an unauthorized location to get obtain fingerprints may keep a travel nurse from obtaining his or her Washington state license or set back the licensure process.
Ashley also advised that Washington-bound nurses should check the state's provider credential search system. You simply follow this link and click on "health care provider." Here, you can see if your name and application are listed. If they aren't posted seven days after submission, Ashley said to call the board and check up on the status of your license.
As a travel nurse, you can be your own advocate in obtaining an application and license, but don't forget that your recruiter is there to help. Use this person as a resource before, during and after the application process.
"Our primary job is to help navigate the applicant through the process of application and ultimately issuance of license," Ashley stated.
The perks of working in Washington
Even with its challenges, travel nursing in Washington has some serious advantages. First, nurses are in high demand in this space, especially the following types of RNs:
- Emergency room.
- Intensive care.
- Operating room.
- Labor and delivery.
- Medical surgical.
- Telemetry.
While there's a higher need for those specialties, just about any healthcare professional, from those working in occupational travel therapy to nurse practitioner jobs, can find assignments in Washington. As Ashley explained, the combination of a growing population and medical facilities converting medical records to electronic formats drives the demand for more nurses. Because of this, there are tons of job opportunities and chances to lengthen assignments.
"So if a nurse feels like 3 months is simply not enough time to explore an area, many times we can extend that time a little longer!" Ashley said.
Plus, Washington has tons of exciting activities and outdoor attractions to offer. Ashley said nurses enjoy the best of everything. A bustling Seattle provides fast-paced fun, while more natural locales like Port Angeles, home to Olympic National Park, and San Juan Island give folks the chance to hike, whale watch and kayak. Simply put, it's a great place for work and play.
I am planning on returning to Washington State within the next year. I had a RN license in WA state that I didn’t renew after 2009. I am in the process of obtaining my license again for WA state. How do I go about this?