As a travel nurse, one of the most important things to understand is the concept of compact states. Essentially, a compact state is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to practice in multiple states without having to obtain separate licenses in each individual state.
What is the Nurse Licensure Compact?
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between participating states that allows nurses to have one license to practice in multiple states. Essentially, if you hold a nursing license in a compact state, you can work in any other compact state without having to obtain a separate license. This makes it much easier for travel nurses to work in multiple states without having to go through the hassle of obtaining new licenses each time.
Which States are Compact States?
As of 2021, there are currently 35 states that are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. These states include:
Arizona | Arkansas | Colorado | Delaware | Florida |
---|---|---|---|---|
Georgia | Idaho | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas |
Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Mississippi |
Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | New Hampshire | New Mexico |
North Carolina | North Dakota | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania |
South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah |
Virginia | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
What are the Benefits of Working in Compact States?
There are several benefits to working as a travel nurse in compact states:
- You only need one license to practice in multiple states, which saves time and money on licensing fees.
- You have greater flexibility in where you can work.
- You can easily move between states without having to go through the hassle of obtaining new licenses.
- You can take advantage of higher pay rates and better benefits in certain states.
What Should You Know Before Working in Compact States?
Before working in compact states, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- You need to hold a nursing license in a compact state in order to practice in other compact states. If you are not licensed in a compact state, you will need to obtain a license in each individual state where you want to work.
- Each compact state has its own rules and regulations, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws in each state where you plan to work.
- If you have any disciplinary actions on your nursing license, you may not be eligible to practice in compact states. It’s important to check with each state’s Board of Nursing to determine your eligibility.
Conclusion
Working in compact states can be a great option for travel nurses who want to work in multiple states without having to go through the hassle of obtaining new licenses each time. By understanding the concept of compact states and the rules and regulations in each state where you plan to work, you can navigate the world of nursing licensure with confidence.