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RN - Louisiana Board of Nursing
LPN - Louisiana Board of Nursing
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Temporary licenses are usually issued within 2–4 weeks
Fees
License: $100
Renewal: $61.08
Temporary permit: $100
Compact state
Yes
Application links
RN application
LPN application
RN
Biennially, every two years prior to January 31st
For the first licensed year applicants must renew on January 31st regardless of when they are issued initial license
LPN
Annually, every year prior to January 31st
Yes
Valid for a period of 12 weeks
Louisiana also offers a Temporary Endorsement Permit valid for a period of 90 days
▪ Information found here
License holders are required to complete one of the following options within a 2-year licensure period:
30 hours of continuing education required within a 2-year renewal period OR
At least 900 practice hours during the 2-year licensure period as verified by the employer on a form provided by the board OR
Current certification in a specialty nursing area by a certifying body approved by the board as equal to or exceeding the above requirements
Fulfilling one of the continuing education options is NOT required for those renewing an initial license
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information in our Nursing Licensing Guide, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Regulations, requirements, and processes can change frequently. Healthcare travelers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult directly with the respective state board's official website to ensure they have the most accurate and up-to-date information. Fusion Medical Staffing is not liable for any outdated information or errors in the guide.
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$100
Renewal: $61 · Temp license available
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
30 hours
Every 2 years
Louisiana participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC); applicants holding multistate compact licenses from other NLC states can practice in Louisiana without Louisiana-specific licensure if they maintain their home state as their primary state of residence, enabling faster access. However, if applicant declares Louisiana as primary residence, they must apply for Louisiana compact privilege (6-8 week timeline) rather than relying on another state's compact license.
For travelers, this means you can begin a Louisiana assignment immediately if your home state is also a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member and your license is set to multistate status. However, if you establish Louisiana residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for a Louisiana license through endorsement.
Louisiana uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for registered nurses already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $100 application fee.
License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Louisiana requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a registered nurse license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Louisiana State Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $100 |
| Renewal | $61 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $155–$205 |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Louisiana issues temporary nursing licenses, allowing registered nurses to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
Issuance timeline:
Denial risks:
Important for travelers: Temporary permit expires at 90 days with no extension; continued practice after expiration without full license constitutes illegal practice. If full endorsement is denied during the 90-day window, temporary permit automatically becomes void. Any criminal charges filed during temporary permit validity period can trigger immediate revocation pending full background investigation.
Louisiana registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 4-8 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3-4 weeks if applicant walks in for temporary permit with on-site LiveScan fingerprinting and home state immediately verifies license via Nursys.
Common sources of delay:
Louisiana does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Louisiana requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (225) 755-7500
Email: [email protected]
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Louisiana State Board of Nursing's official website.
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