Nursing Compact States

What are the Nursing Licensure Compact States?

The Nursing Licensure Compact is designed by the National Council of the State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to streamline nursing licensure across multiple states. It aims to remove regulatory obstacles for nurses, increase access to safe nursing care, eliminate the need to obtain additional licenses to provide care in NLC member states, and provide public protections at the state level. New applicants will need to meet several uniform licensure requirements.

Nurses holding a compact nursing license can practice in any of the member NLC states. Additionally, nurses may also practice in Pennsylvania, however, residents of Pennsylvania cannot obtain a compact license until NLC implementation is complete. Information from the NCSBN and your state board of nursing will supersede any information on this site.

Benefits of Working in the Nursing Compact States

If you hold a compact nursing license, you have wonderful career flexibility; it gives you the power to practice in all member states with just one license with no extra application or fees. Check your licensure status with the NCSBN.

Who is Eligible for a Compact Nursing License?

To obtain a compact or multi-state license, registered nurses need to:
    • Live in a Nurse Licensure Compact state (NLC): See list of compact nursing states above.
    • Meet the licensure requirements in your home state.
    • Graduate from a board-approved education program or an international education program approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credentials review agency.

Quick Facts about Travel Assignments in Nursing Compact License States

If you’re a travel nurse declaring an NLC state as your primary residence, you’ll be issued a compact nursing license by that state. No need for additional licenses to practice in other NLC states. Registered nurses without permanent residency in an NLC state who wish to practice in one should apply for a single-state license in the state in which they wish to practice. Nurses working in NLC states will be held accountable to the Nurse Practice Act of the state where the patient is located or where practice occurs. Visit the NCSBN for complete information.

Over half the U.S. states are members of the NLC, and the membership continues to grow. So if you're an RN with a primary residence in one of these states, you'll have quick access to travel nursing jobs in other member states without the usual licensing hassle.

If you need a guide through the process, your recruiter is always here to help! Explore travel nursing jobs in compact states, Start Your Search Here!