Navigating the Licensing Requirements for Travel Nurse Jobs

As a travel nurse, you will need to have many documents at hand. It includes a variety of state nursing licenses and certificates. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to become a travel nurse thanks to the Nursing Licensure Compact. The eNLC recognizes your primary state of licensure as you travel for your assignments.

Licensing Requirements

When you are ready to take the first step to becoming a travel nurse, get your nursing license. It is a prerequisite for most travel nurse jobs, and you should also consider getting specialized training in your area of interest. It is a great way to improve your job prospects and find travel nurse jobs in the areas that interest you. Once you are licensed, finding a staffing agency that works with nurses for their assignments is a good idea. A great agency will help you obtain a temporary nurse license in the states where your assignment will be. It will allow you to start work while pursuing your permanent license in the state.

The logistics of travel nurse licensure have been streamlined recently with the creation of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC). Are 39 states currently part of this agreement, and more are expected to join soon? There should be experts at your travel nursing agency who are familiar with this contract and can inform you of any updates as they happen. In addition to licensing, you should familiarize yourself with the requirements for maintaining certifications like Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. These are often required to be a travel nurse, and your staffing agency should help you meet these requirements before you begin working.

Compact Licensing

The eNLC opens up more opportunities for travel nurses by eliminating the need to secure a license for each state they plan to work in. It is a huge time saver for travel nurses and the hospitals they work at. However, to be eligible for the eNLC, your primary home or tax home state must be a compact member. As of now, 37 states are eNLC members. Using the eNLC allows travel nurses to jump right into an assignment and start working while they wait for single-state licensure to become effective. Making a difference in patients’ lives in novel and exciting ways will allow you to acquire invaluable experience. If you want to become a travel nurse, talk with your recruiter today to get started on your next adventure!

Travel nursing provides excellent pay, world-class assignments in top-notch hospitals, and various experiences to help you grow as a healthcare professional. Don’t let the complexities of licensing dissuade you from taking advantage of all this career opportunity has to offer! Questions about getting started? Contact a recruiter today! They are here to guide you every step of the way. Some can even set you up with a temporary license in a walk-thru state so you can begin working immediately.

Multi-State Licensing

If you’re an RN or LPN/LVN seeking to travel across states, consider pursuing multi-state licensure. Under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), nurses from participating states can work in other states without paying for a new state license. This effort has eased staffing logistics and increased patient care access during pandemics and natural disasters, making it a vital tool in travel nursing. RNs and LPNs/LVNs must claim their primary state of residence, or PSOR when applying for a compact license, which can be proven through tax documents, voter registration, and driver’s licenses. 

Your travel nursing agency can help you obtain a license in a walk-through state. Some agencies even offer valet programs that cover the cost of applying for your license and fingerprinting so you can start your assignment on time. Ask your recruiter if your agency provides this option and the requirements to qualify.

Endorsements

Travel nurses fill temporary staffing gaps in hospitals and healthcare facilities and often enjoy higher pay than staff nurses. They also gain valuable work experience, build their resume, and have the flexibility to choose assignments that align with their professional goals. Hospitals often have a high demand for travel nursing jobs in specialized units like the NICU, ER, kidney dialysis, etc. If you have a specialty in mind, do extensive research to understand the licensing requirements for each state where you would like to work.

Once you find a job that interests you, work with a travel nurse agency to secure the contract. They’ll handle all your assignment details, including compensation, housing, and onboarding requirements. Read your contract carefully to ensure that it includes everything you expect, such as whether you’ll qualify for bonuses and the anticipated length of your assignment. The best travel nurse agencies are well-versed in the state-by-state licensure requirements for their travel nurses, so it’s helpful to know your options as you plan for a new healthcare career. Familiarity with multi-state licensure and compact states will help you navigate the process more quickly and smoothly. The recruiter is there to support you as you launch your travel nurse career, so please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions.