Compact States
States that have implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC is an interstate agreement that allows a registered nurse 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 legislation 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 travel nurses to practice across state borders easily and temporarily in other NLC states.
Timing
Because the licensing procedure can be a bit unpredictable from state to state, we recommend getting a jump on the process ASAP to make sure you’re all set in time for the start of your travel nursing assignment.
Not sure which license you need?
Use the nursing licensure guide and map below to determine what type of license you may need for your next assignment.
Current Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) States
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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Check out these reviews from real Host Healthcare travelers.
Host Healthcare is amazing! Best travel co out there! Amanda is the recruiter I have & she is wonderful. She is there from the beginning. From searching for the perfect assignment throughout completion of a contract - Amanda is there for me! Host Healthcare treats their nurses so well
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Needed to move across country to be next to my partner, but blindly jumping into a full time job for a hospital system I was not familiar with was out of the question. Host Healthcare (Natalie G specifically) stood by me and helped me fulfill my absurdly specific requests. I was a first time time traveler and I couldn't have made it without the support I received!
Just finished my first contract with Host Healthcare (fifth overall) and they were amazing! Specifically my recruiter Jenny Berroth. Jenny was so helpful and easy to communicate with. I had a couple issues come up and Jenny was all over them and took care of everything so I could just concentrate on being a nurse, while she handled the rest. I can’t recommend Host and Jenny enough! You have to give Host and Jenny a try, you’ll be glad you did!
