Your location isn’t what makes you a nurse; it’s what’s in your heart. Those who work in nursing display a distinct type of compassion and work ethic that is unique to them. That compassion and drive stay with you, even if you move five states away in either direction.
Many nurses relocate for work, family, and personal reasons. It is a big step, but it’s nowhere near as stressful as it sounds. Each state has a nursing board that is more than happy to help you out during your transition. Follow along as we explore everything you must know about pursuing nursing licensure in a new state.
A Change of Scenery Can Make a World of Difference
It takes a lot of courage to uproot and move to a different state for work. However, it can pay off with dividends if you find the perfect new home and nursing staff to work with. Granted, you must adequately prepare and get your affairs in order.
This requires getting new licensure to ensure you comply with the state’s nursing board. That is half the battle, but it isn’t nearly as hard as it seems if you follow a few simple steps, such as:
1. Research Local Requirements
Nursing regulations and requirements don’t typically differ too much between states. However, small details are typically what trip people up the most, and that can hold you back from getting the proper licensure. Luckily, nursing licensure requirements for different states are readily available online, and all it takes is a quick search.
“The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to practice in multiple states without obtaining additional licenses, making relocation easier for many healthcare professionals.” – National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Otherwise, you can contact the local nursing board, and they will clarify everything you want to know. This is the best option if you’re on a tight timeline and want to avoid any confusion. They may email you some resources or direct you to a page on their website.
However, it’s worth checking to see if the state you plan to move to is a nursing licensure compact (NLC) state. NLC states have licensure reciprocity, so you can work as a nurse in them if you get your license in a compliant state. Otherwise, you’ll have to apply for a new non-compact license if you plan to move to a non-compact state.
2. Apply for Licensure
Once you understand the requirements, you can apply for licensure in a non-compact state. Gather the documents required by the nursing licensure board in the state you’re moving to. They’ll likely require you to provide professional and academic transcripts and a valid ID.
You must undergo a background check, which can take a few weeks to process. Provide your existing license to receive endorsement to work in another state. You won’t have to retake the NCLEX exam, because it’s a national nursing licensure exam.
*”Endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process, but some states offer temporary permits for nurses relocating for work.”* – American Nurses Association (ANA)
Be patient, as the process may take a while if you’re getting licensure in a non-compact state. That’s why it’s important to apply as early as possible to avoid problems. Otherwise, you may move to another state and be stuck without a job until you receive your new license.
3. Apply for a Compact License
Getting a compact nursing license is much easier than you may think. You’re already halfway there if you already hold a license as a registered nurse. However, the catch is that you must currently live in a compact state and have it set as your primary residence.
Next, contact your local nursing board to start the process and apply for a compact nursing license. Keep in mind that you may need to provide proof of residency, which sometimes includes several forms of verification. This can include documents and pieces of mail, such as bills, showing your name and address.
Follow the steps, submit all the necessary documents, and pay the application fee. You can expect to spend $150 on applying, on average, or as little as $100. Be patient, as it takes up to 6 weeks to receive a multi-state license, provided you pass the background check.
4. Pick a New Destination
Some people apply for compact nursing licenses because they want to be able to work in any compliant state. In that case, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the many compact nursing states and picking the best one for you. You can choose between 42 states spread throughout the whole country, so your options aren’t limited.
Today, states like Illinois, Alaska, Michigan, and California are among the non-NLC states, but this may change over time. Look through the list of compact nursing states and see if any of the destinations pique your interest, such as North Carolina. You don’t need to worry about how to become an RN in NC, as it’s been a compact state since 2018.
“Travel nursing opportunities have surged, with demand increasing in rural and underserved areas.” – Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Some people simply apply for compact licenses to give themselves the option to travel as needed. Travel nurses enjoy lucrative, adventurous careers and get to travel the country.
5. Team with a Reputable Staffing Agency
It’s a great idea to team up with a reputable staffing agency if you want to work as a travel nurse or move to a new state. That’s especially true if you have limited nursing experience and aren’t sure where to start. Today, you can easily find out lots of information about staffing agencies to see if they’re a great fit for you.
Ideally, you should search for the top nursing staffing agencies and read reviews for them. Pay attention to Google Business Profile reviews if they’re available. It’s also worth reaching out to experienced nurses and seeing if they have any recommendations.
“Staffing agencies help streamline the hiring process, offering benefits like housing stipends and competitive pay packages.” – American Staffing Association (ASA).
The agency will help you get a job at a hospital or clinic, and the hospital will pay you. Keep in mind that the staffing agency will take a percentage of your income. It’s a small price to pay for the many benefits that come along with working with a staffing agency.
Enjoy Your Next Chapter in Nursing and Life
A multi-state nursing license can open the door to countless opportunities. The ability to work in any compact state can add plenty of variety to your life and career. However, you may simply want to move to a new state and make it your primary residence.
Whether it be North Carolina, Virginia, Utah, or Missouri, you can find nursing jobs all over the country. Contact the nursing board in the state you want to move to and figure out the requirements. Simply follow the guidelines, get a new license, and enjoy your next chapter.
This article was written for WHN by Rakshya Pant, a public health professional and physician from Nepal with an MPH from Johns Hopkins. With over six years of experience in health education and policy, she focuses on health equity and evidence-based strategies to improve public health.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything else. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
