Travel Nursing: Licensing Requirements And How To Get Started

Travel nursing is a unique and rewarding career path that offers nurses the opportunity to explore new places and gain experience in various healthcare settings. Before embarking on this journey, it is crucial to understand the licensing requirements, which can vary depending on the locations and states where a travel nurse works. Travel nurses must have a valid nursing license in the state where they intend to practice, and this may involve obtaining multiple licenses or a multistate license, such as the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). The process of obtaining these licenses can be complex and time-consuming, but travel nursing agencies provide valuable support and resources to streamline the process.

Travel nurses must have a licence in the state they are contracted

Travel nursing is a unique and rewarding career path that offers numerous benefits and challenges. Travel nurses need to be flexible and adaptable, with solid nursing foundations and exceptional communication skills. They must also hold a current and valid RN license within the state of their assignment.

There are three types of licensure accepted for travel nurses: a state-specific license, a compact license, or a temporary license. A state-specific license is required for travel nurses whose home state is not part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC). The eNLC allows nurses to practice in their home state and other participating compact states without obtaining additional licenses. However, if the destination state is not an eNLC member, travel nurses must apply for a state-specific license before starting their contract. Obtaining this license can be expensive and time-consuming, so it's important to plan ahead.

Some states, known as "walk-through states," offer temporary nurse licenses, allowing nurses to start working immediately while pursuing a permanent license. A great travel nursing agency will assist nurses in obtaining this license with little to no cost. Additionally, travel nurses must possess the same certifications as other nurses, such as Basic Life Support (BLS), and may require additional certifications depending on their specialty.

Overall, travel nurses must be proactive in ensuring they meet the necessary licensure and certification requirements for their desired destinations. They should also be prepared to adapt to new environments, procedures, and teams with each new assignment.

Nurses with a compact licence don't need a separate licence to work in other compact states

Nurses with a compact license, or a multistate license, can practice in other compact states without needing a separate license for each state. This is thanks to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one compact state nursing license that gives them the ability to practice in other states that are part of the agreement.

The NLC was originally developed in 2000, and by 2015, the license had grown to include 25 states. The Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) was implemented in 2018 and included standards for licensure, which the original compact license lacked. As of June 2024, there are 42 jurisdictions that are part of the eNLC. Nurses who live in a compact state can apply for a multistate license if they meet the licensure requirements.

The NLC increases access to care by allowing nurses to practice seamlessly in other NLC states, without obtaining additional licenses. The NLC helps protect patients by maintaining high standards of care and facilitating communication between member states. It is important to note that you must claim residency in an eNLC state to apply for a compact license. Nurses can hold multiple single-state licenses.

While the eNLC continues to grow, there are still states that do not want to be included in the license. Some major concerns from states unwilling to join the eNLC include disciplinary actions under the compact, the growth of telemedicine and telenursing, and the loss of state revenue for new single-state licensees.

Nurses without a compact licence must apply for a separate licence for each state they work in

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate agreement that allows nurses to have a single multistate license to practice in multiple states. As of October 2023, 41 jurisdictions have enacted or are in the process of implementing the NLC.

However, not all states are members of the compact. If a travel nurse's destination is not a member of the NLC, they must apply for a separate license for that specific state before starting their job. This can be a costly and time-consuming process, and it may impede landing an assignment. Some states offer expedited processes for temporary licenses, and certain staffing agencies can assist nurses with the application process and cover associated costs.

To be eligible for a multistate license under the NLC, nurses must meet certain criteria:

• Reside in and declare an NLC state as their primary state of residence.
• Meet the licensure requirements for their primary state of residence.
• Be in good standing as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed professional nurse (LPN)/licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in their primary state of residence.

It is important to note that nurses who are moving to another state must update their primary state of residence, even if their license status will not be affected by the move. Additionally, when practicing outside of their home state, nurses are held to the standards of the state where the patient or practice is located.

Nurses must renew their licence periodically to continue working

Travel nurses must have a valid nursing license in the state where they intend to practise. If a travel nurse is working in a state that is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), they do not need to apply for another licence to work in any other NLC state. However, not all states are members of the NLC. If a travel nurse is working in a non-NLC state, they must apply for a licence in that specific state before starting their contract.

All registered nurses must renew their RN licence periodically, meeting the specific requirements for contact hours and continuing education units in their home state. If a travel nurse is working in a non-NLC state, they must meet the renewal requirements for that jurisdiction.

The renewal period and requirements for renewal vary by state. Nurses should know the dates their nursing licence must be renewed, the renewal rules in their state, the fees, and any required continuing education hours. Nurses who practise without an active licence face possible suspension or probation on their licence, a fine, a misdemeanour criminal charge, or a felony charge in states with enhanced penalties.

Nurses can usually renew their nursing licence online. They will need to access the portal using a computer and provide legal information such as their social security number, legal address, nursing licence number, and date of birth. They will also need to pay an application fee, which varies by state but is usually less than $100.

Travel nurses may need to apply for licences in multiple states

Travel nursing can be a complicated career path to embark on, and one of the most important aspects to consider is the licensing requirements. Travel nurses must be prepared to navigate the licensing process in multiple states, as requirements can vary depending on the location and nature of their assignments. Here are some key points to understand about travel nurse licensing:

Understanding the Basics of Travel Nursing

Travel nursing involves accepting short-term assignments, usually lasting around 13 weeks, at different healthcare facilities and hospitals across the country. Travel nurses often work for staffing agencies rather than a single hospital, and they have the flexibility to choose when and where they work. This career path offers benefits such as higher pay rates, the opportunity to travel, and the chance to build diverse skill sets by working in diverse healthcare settings.

Multi-State Licensure Requirements

One of the biggest challenges for travel nurses is managing state nursing licenses. Each state has its own licensing requirements and regulations that nurses must fulfill to practice legally. To simplify this process, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) or the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) was introduced. The eNLC allows nurses to hold a multistate license, enabling them to practice in any member compact state without obtaining additional licenses.

Applying for State-Specific Licenses

However, it's important to note that not all states are part of the eNLC. If a travel nurse's assignment includes non-compact states, they must obtain a state-specific license for each of those locations. This process can be time-consuming and expensive, and it's crucial to be aware of the varying requirements, such as background checks, fingerprinting, proof of education, and other documentation. Some states may offer expedited processes for temporary licenses, which can be useful while pursuing a permanent license.

The Role of Travel Nursing Agencies

Travel nursing agencies play a crucial role in helping nurses navigate the complex world of multi-state licensure. These agencies often have specialists dedicated to nurse licensure, staying updated on eNLC requirements and pending legislation in different states. They can assist nurses in obtaining the necessary licenses, covering costs like fingerprinting and application fees, and providing valuable resources and guidance.

Planning and Flexibility

Travel nurses need to plan ahead when it comes to licensing, especially if their desired destinations include states with longer processing times, such as California. Creating a "Travel Road Map" and discussing it with their recruiter can help nurses stay organized and proactive. Flexibility is also essential, as some states may have specific requirements or longer licensing processes, potentially impacting a nurse's ability to land an assignment in that state.

In conclusion, travel nurses need to be well-informed about the licensing requirements in the states they wish to work in. By understanding the intricacies of multi-state licensure, working closely with travel nursing agencies, and staying adaptable, travel nurses can successfully navigate the licensing process and focus on delivering quality patient care in their exciting assignments across the country.

Frequently asked questions