After graduation, nurses take one more exam to obtain their nursing license. This licensure gives them the ability to work only in the state they took the test in. Unless you reside in a state that is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
The Nursing Licensure Compact was designed to give nurses the ability to practice in any NLC state without having to obtain a new license. This agreement between states applies to Registered Nurses (RNs), and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/ VNs). For example, if you received your nursing license in Ohio (not an NLC state) but decided to move to Florida, you would have to apply for another nursing license to work in Florida. Fortunately for nurses, the Nurse Licensure Compact alliance is always being updated and more states are being added.
New Jersey and Vermont Join the NLC
The most recent update to the NLC is Vermont. As of February 1, 2022, Vermont became the 36th state to implement the Nursing Licensure Compact. This allows nurses who hold a Vermont nursing license to apply for a multistate license. Nurses who currently hold a license in other NLC states can start working in Vermont without applying for a new license.
“We are thrilled to partner with the other compact states in our shared mission to protect public safety while providing mobility to Vermont nurses, as well as nurses across the nation, who are seeking the lifestyle and collaborative practice environment that Vermont offers,” said Shiela Boni, MSN, RN, executive officer, Vermont State Board of Nursing.
Preceding Vermont’s implementation to the NLC was New Jersey. On November 15, 2021, New Jersey completed the process of implementing the NLC.
In March 2020, the New Jersey Board of Nursing began the process of adding the state to the growing list of states in the NLC through a partial implementation, allowing nurses who resided in other compact states and held an active multistate license in their state of residence to practice in New Jersey.
NLC Opportunities
The current pandemic has changed the world of nursing. Travel Nurses have been greatly needed across the country due to staffing issues and increased patient load. The number of patients being treated in hospitals has skyrocketed over the last two years. The ability for nurses to hold licenses in multiple states has helped hospitals during these challenging times.
States that participate in the Nursing Licensure Compact have given nurses the power to provide the best possible care. Nurses have the ability to move from state to state or even provide telehealth services.
Guidelines and legislation are always evolving. Adding more Nursing Licensure Compact states will be extremely beneficial to hospitals and patients all over the country. Patient safety is key and that is the main focus for these states. Travel nurses who hold a compact license have the ability to obtain jobs in other Nursing Licensure Compact states more easily. These nurses do not have to wait for their applications and paperwork to process when applying to work in another state.
We’re Hiring Travel Nurses
If you have an active nursing license and are looking for your next opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. Hospitals and facilities all over the country are in need of nurses.
At CareerStaff we value the devotion and commitment nurses give every day. We are committed to helping facilities provide the best patient care possible and would love to have you join our team. We have tons of travel assignments available. Let us help you find the job of your dreams and start your traveling career today.