Taking the Worry Out of the Nurse Licensing Process

You are at a point in your career where you are ready to check out why Travel Nursing has become such a hot nursing trend, but worrying about licensing issues has you afraid to make the move.  Worry no more, because getting a nursing license in another state doesn’t have to keep you from a great career move.  Here are five things to keep in mind when you are working as a nurse in a new state.

1. Find out the licensing requirements in your destination state.  Anytime you are planning a travel assignment in a new state, you will need to find out what the licensing requirements are in the destination state.  By now, you are already aware of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows member states to recognize nursing licenses from other member states.  Currently, there are a total of 25 states participating in the NLC meaning that nurses with a license from a compact state can practice in any of the other compact states without re-licensing. NOTE: In early 2018, a revised compact is going into effect, called Enhanced NLC, which creates uniform licensing requirements to attract more states to participate.
2. Nurses who hold a license from a compact state.  If you are already working and licensed in a state that participates in NLC, and you want to take a travel assignment in another NLC participating state, there are no licensing procedures to undertake.  If you are looking at a travel assignment in a non-NLC state, you will be required to apply and pay for licensing in that state.
3. Travel nursing from a non-compact state. If you are currently licensed and practicing in a state that is not part of the NLC, your licensing requirement will depend on your destination state.  If your travel destination is in a compact state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement from the state board of nursing.  If you are traveling to a non-compact state, you will be required to apply for licensure in the destination state.
4. Don’t procrastinate.  We’re all guilty of it at times.  Especially, when it involves things that sometimes seem intimidating or may involve red tape.  Nurse licensure doesn’t have to be that way, but if you wait until the last minute, you will be putting your dream assignment in jeopardy.  When considering new travel assignments, it is often best to plan a few assignments ahead.  For example, if you have a compact state license, maybe taking an assignment in another compact state is a good idea.  Then, during that 13-week assignment, plan for the assignment in a non-compact location and get the licensing process started early.  Then, when your dream assignment opens up, you will be ready for it.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  If you ask any travel nursing veteran, they will tell you that the key to success is having a great working relationship with your recruiter.  At Supplemental Health Care, our recruitment and placement teams are there to support you every step of the way.  They are seasoned professionals who have dealt with every licensing situation you can imagine and can answer your questions and help find solutions for you.

Licensing should never be a reason to hold you back from all of the adventures that await you as a “working tourist.”  Travel nursing is a great career option that helps you experience new methods, gain new skills, meet new friends for life, all while traveling the country.  Contact one of our recruiting professionals today and get started.