Compact Travel Nursing License: What It Is and Why You Want One
Your passport to accessing travel assignments in states around the country
What is a compact nursing license?
The National Council of the State Boards of Nursing (NCBSN) created the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in 2000 to allow RNs, LPNs, and LVNs to practice across state lines without getting an additional license.
What states offer a compact nursing license?
Utah, Maryland, Texas, and Wisconsin were the first compact states to participate and that number has expanded to include half the states in the country.
The current states are:
- Arizona
- Maryland
- North Dakota
- Wisconsin
- Arkansas
- Mississippi
- Rhode Island
- Colorado
- Missouri
- South Carolina
- Delaware
- Montana
- South Dakota
- Idaho
- Nebraska
- Tennessee
- Iowa
- New Hampshire
- Texas
- Kentucky
- New Mexico
- Utah
- Maine
- North Carolina
- Virginia
What are the benefits of a compact nursing license?
If you’re like most travel nurses, one thing you could use less of in your life is paperwork. With the compact nursing license, you cut back on the amount of paperwork and administrative duties you need to shoulder to get into a new state. You also will save money because you don’t have to get a new license for every state you visit.
How do I get a compact nursing license?
If are already living and licensed in a compact state, you automatically qualify to work in other compact states on the list. You do need to reapply for new state license if you relocate permanently to a different state, even if it’s in the compact. But, as long as you claim residence in a compact state, your license is valid.
If you move between compact states, you’ll have a grace period before you need to apply for a new license. But, the application and approval process can take a couple months after you first show proof of residence -- so best not to wait. Click here for further information on the NLC or check with your state board.
So, now that you know about compact licenses and the benefits of having one, check out some of our current travel nursing positions and see where you can head next.