Multi State Licensing

Multi State Licensing Have you ever considered being a travel nurse, or just practicing in another state? If so, maybe it’s time you act on it, and the first step is getting a multistate license.

NLC Nurse Licensure Compact or NLC states allow you to use a multi-state nursing license, and practice nursing in that state without obtaining a new license within the state. There are some rules and regulations you must go by to obtain multi state licensing.

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You must legally reside within one of the states that is an NLC state.

Currently there are 25 NLC states, with more possibly added in the future.

You must have a current and active registered nursing license, or licensed practical nursing license. The license you have must be in good standing with no limitations.

You will need to declare a NLC state as your primary residency state.

You will need to meet the requirements for licensing within your state.

You will need to meet the licensure requirements within your state.

You must continue to renew your license as usual, never let your license go without renewing it.

Nurses are required to notify the state they are practicing in as soon as they are actually residing in the state. Above and beyond meeting the licensure requirements within your home state, when working in a remote state you should familiarize yourself with that states laws.

Related: All the Things You can do with a Nursing Degree Reasons for Multi State Licensing There are some advantages to having a multi-state license. Travel nurses are in demand, and working as a travel nurse has some great financial benefits. A travel nurse is paid to travel to a location other than their home.

You are paid while you travel there, and transportation costs are all covered.

Once you arrive at the new location, you will have a furnished apartment ready for you. The apartments are overall nice apartments with good amenities. You do sometimes have to live with one or two other people, but roommates are not bad, especially if it’s not your apartment. The roommates you have will also be working as traveling nurses, so you will be in similar situations.

All rents are paid, all utilities are pad, so there is no cost for living in the residence. Work days and hours are similar to any hospital, so you would most likely have several off days during a week to visit the new area and enjoy your surroundings. Working as a travel nurse will take you to areas that are in need of nurses, so you will be helping to answer a need. In addition, you may gain experience that you otherwise would not obtain, a different environment can have its benefits.

Another reason to have multi state licensing is in case of a disaster. It would be great to be able to go to another state and assist in an event such as 9 1 1 or hurricane Sandy. With 25 states allowing nurses to practice with NLC licenses, there is a good chance you could assist during a disaster.

Having a multi-state license opens up doors that may offer advancements in your nursing career. When travels take you to different locations, it affords you the opportunity of networking, and meeting new people.

Related: The top 10 Qualities of the best Nurses One nurse that had been practicing for 5 years decided to sign up for one year as a travel nurse just for a change of pace. She went to several sites, most are from 6 weeks to 3 months. On her third placement, she was placed in the ICU of a large hospital. She realized immediately that this is exactly where she wanted to be working. She enjoyed the one on one patient care of ICU, and the intensity of the work. Before it was time for her to return home, she was offered a full-time job in the department she had become so fond of. She accepted and was very happy with her decision, and for having had the opportunity to work as a travel nurse and experience a variety of nursing departments.

If you are unsure what area of nursing you are drawn to, consider a multistate license that will allow you to find the area you are most drawn to. For many, this is the answer to finding the exact career path in their nursing career.

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