The primary distinction of a  “traveling healthcare professional” is in the name. However, providing care across the nation can complicate the licensing requirements you may need. Compact Nursing States makes it easy for you to travel without constantly adding new licenses to your portfolio. 

Defining Compact Nursing States and What It All Means

A Compact Nursing State participates in the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). This is an agreement between states to allow Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVNs) to obtain one license that covers multiple states. 

With an NLC, you can practice in your hometown, your next stop, or anywhere that accepts this level of licensing. From Alabama to Wyoming and even Guam, there are 41 states across the greater U.S. where your skills can easily be used. 

For the compact license to be held in all states within the NCL, the nurse’s driver’s license must be held in the same state that holds their license! If their driver’s license is held within a different state from their NCL license, that license converts to a single-state license.

Online Nursing Programs & Training You Can Take While On Assignment

• AMN Healthcare Education Service – http://www.rn.com/ 
• CNA CEUs – http://www.cnaceus.co/CourseCatalog.php 
• CNA Continuing Education – https://cnazone.com/CourseList 
• My Free CE – http://www.myfreece.com 
• Virtual Lecture Hall – http://www.vlh.com 
• Chamberlain University: https://www.chamberlain.edu/lp/rn-bsn 
• Western Governors University: https://www.wgu.edu/online-nursing-health-degrees/bachelors-programs.html 

Current Compact Nursing States List 2023

Nurse.org has the latest list of states that participate in the NLC.[1] 

Where Will You Explore Next?

With 41 locations to choose from, the possibilities are endless and exciting! Trade one coast for another or explore a new hotspot when you accept your next travel nursing position with IDR Healthcare. Learn more about how you can #TravelFarWithIDR here.

Sources:

[1]https://nurse.org/articles/enhanced-compact-multi-state-license-eNLC/?utm_source=email&bid=166421&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NORG-092523-Newsletter-ALL-CTV4