Let’s Talk Nursing License

At Host Healthcare, we’re all about ensuring your travel nursing journey is seamless, and that includes state licensing. Our dedicated team of specialists will support you throughout the licensure process.

Ready to get started? Just follow the handy guide below.

Nursing State License Guide

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.

Non-Compact States

States that have not yet implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). To practice within these states, a registered nurse must first obtain a single state license from the state they wish to practice in.

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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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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Host healthcare has been a great agency to work for so far! I’m a new travel nurse and they’ve helped make it easy for me to get my first assignment. They’re very attentive, especially Vee Jones, my recruiter. She has been kind and very helpful to me during this process.
Rachel Spires Feb 26, 2024
Highly recommend - especially for new travelers. Kristen has been so helpful throughout the beginning of my travel nurse experience! She is quick to respond and very personable. I am now on my third contract with her and Host and have no desire to change companies anytime soon.
Dawn Broer Feb 14, 2024
Host and my recruiter Rachel K. have helped me make a smooth transition into travel nursing into the States from Canada. They helped me get all my documents together and got me my first contract in no time. They have been a pleasure to work with!
Vic Arca Feb 27, 2024
I did 4 assignments through Host and my recruiter Allison was amazing! Easy to contact at all hours of the day and always did a great job finding me assignments In places I wanted to experience. She was also checking in on me frequently to make sure I was always doing good at new hospitals. Definitely recommend Host Healthcare and Allison!
Cheyenne Lujan Feb 23, 2024

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