Crossing state lines: a guide to state nursing licensure

One type of nursing license you may have heard of is temporary licenses. A temporary nursing license is a temporary authorization granted to a nurse like you by a state licensing board of nursing, allowing you to practice nursing within that state for a limited period.

Typically, temporary nursing licenses are issued to nurses who are in the process of obtaining a permanent license in that state and need to start working before the permanent license is granted. Temporary licenses are commonly used by travel nurses who need to quickly obtain authorization to practice in a new state.

However, the availability of temporary licenses varies from state to state, and not all states offer them. To learn more about temporary licenses in specific states, check out each individual state guide.

A compact nursing license, also known as a multistate license, is a type of nursing license that allows registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses to practice in multiple states without obtaining a separate license in each state. It is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), an agreement among participating states that enables nurses to have one license that is recognized across all compact states.

To be eligible for a compact license, a nurse must meet certain requirements, including having a primary state of residence in a compact state, having a valid Social Security Number, passing a criminal background check, and meeting other criteria set by the NLC. If a nurse meets these requirements and holds a license in a compact state, they can practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses.

It's important to note that the NLC does not replace individual state licenses. Instead, it provides a mechanism for nurses to practice across state lines more easily. However, nurses must still comply with the nursing practice laws and regulations of each state in which they practice.

Continuing education units (CEUs) are educational credits or courses that licensed professionals, like nurses, are required to complete periodically to maintain their licensure. These courses are designed to help professionals stay current with the latest developments, best practices, and regulations in their field.

The CEU requirements for nurses vary by state, both in terms of the number of hours required and the specific topics that must be covered. Common CEU topics include patient safety, infection control, pharmacology, ethics, and specialized nursing topics. CEU activities can include workshops, seminars, online courses, conferences, and self-study modules.

To stay compliant with CEU requirements, nurses need to keep track of the specific requirements in each state where they practice. This can be particularly challenging for travel nurses who work in multiple states. Our state-by-state license guides provide details on CEU requirements, including the number of hours needed, approved topics, and the renewal cycle for each state.

Plan in advance

Getting licensed in a new state can take time, depending on the state's processing times and requirements. Planning ahead gives you the best chance of starting your assignment on time.

Here are some suggestions:

• Talk to your recruiter about which states have strong demand for nurses and get licensed in those states proactively
• Keep a list of your preferred travel destinations so you can prioritize license applications
• Maintain two or three active state licenses for more assignment flexibility
• Check if your state participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for a multistate license

Stay organized

License applications require various documents — NCLEX scores, school transcripts, verification from other state boards, and background check results. Gather and organize these documents in advance so you can quickly submit applications when new opportunities arise.

Since requirements differ by state, double-check each state's specific requirements using our guides before starting your application.

Be prepared

Some states require a jurisprudence exam covering state-specific nursing laws and regulations. If your target state requires one, review the state's Nurse Practice Act and board rules before taking the exam.

Also stay on top of renewal requirements — most states require a combination of CEUs and a renewal fee. It's up to you to decide which licenses to renew versus which ones to let lapse based on where you plan to travel next.