Compact States
States that have implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC is an interstate agreement that allows an RN with a multi-state license to practice in any state that has implemented the Compact.
Primary State of Residence
This is your home state, or the state where you declare a primary residence for legal purposes. Only one state can be identified as the primary state of residence for NLC purposes.
Multi-State License
Nurses with a primary state of residence in a NLC state can obtain a multi-state license to practice nursing in all NLC states. Multi-state licenses allow nurses to practice across state borders easily and temporarily in other NLC states.
Timing Guidance
The timing to obtain a nursing license can vary greatly by state or personal situation. We recommend starting the licensure process as early as possible to ensure you receive your license in time to start your assignment.
Not sure which license you need?
Use the guide and map below to determine what type of license you may need for your next assignment.
Current Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) States
State License FAQs
Yes, we prioritize matching you to your perfect position and destination, so we offer positions with top facilities in all 50 States. From travel nursing jobs in New York to Alaska, or anywhere else within the United States, Host Healthcare is here to help you find the perfect travel nursing assignment. Click here to view our current open positions.
License regulations vary by state, so before you begin your travel assignment, we'll help you verify which licenses or certifications you will need and will also provide you with personalized assistance for credentialing and licensing.
Only one state can be identified as your Primary State of Residence for Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) purposes. Documents to verify your Primary State of Residence can include, but are not limited to:
- Driver's license with home address
- Voter's registration card with home address
- Federal income tax return declaring state of residence
- W2 from a federal agency, bureau, or division, indicating the declared state of residence
Upon moving to the new Primary State of Residence (PSOR), visit the board of nursing website and complete the application for license by endorsement. You may practice in the new state under the former state multi-state license until the multi-state license in the new Primary State of Residence is issued. Once it is issued, the former state license will be made inactive.
You may not wait until the former license is about to expire before you apply for the license in the new Primary State of Residence.
- Notify the board of nursing in your former state of your new address in the noncompact state. This changes your multi-state license to a single state license.
- If you need a license in the noncompact state, visit the board of nursing website and complete the application for license by endorsement. You may do this prior to moving to the noncompact state.
You’ll Love Our Recruiters
Here’s what our travelers have to say about working with us
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Great communication, fast and easy process and super helpful with the application. My recruiter Lisa is amazing and just extremely helpful. She listens to me and what I am looking for. Super lucky to have her by my side. She always has answers to my questions and makes me feel super comfortable. Thank you!
It has been a pleasure working with my recruiter, Brittany Blake. She has been incredibly helpful and responds quickly. She was able to get the location I wanted and was willing to go above and beyond to ensure I did! I would recommend her and Host to any nurse interested in traveling!
Have you ever heard other travelers rant and rave about their recruiter? Yet, you haven't been able to share that same experience with your own recruiter? Well, I've finally been able to experience what it feels like to have a beyond amazing recruiter thanks to Lindsay Jackson. Just want to encourage you to take the leap and let Lindsay take care of you. Lindsay far exceeds any other recruiter that I've worked with and she is the reason why I have a job! She consistently works hard for you and is very responsive, communicates promptly, and intuitive to your wants and needs as a traveler. 10/10 recommend! I'm happy to have an amazing recruiter and to work for an awesome company!
My recruiter Jason Kong l is amazing and always goes above and beyond for me! Host has been so great!
My recruiter Lauren Redig is the bomb. She really goes to bat and gets every extra you can't even consider!! My first time as a traveler and she had really sold me!! Love my first assignment. She is always there to answer my questions.
My recruiter Elyse Himmelstein was AMAZING!! She made the process so easy. From applying to my first assignment. The whole process took maybe a week and she helped through the whole process. I would definitely recommend her and the company!
