5 Common Myths About the NLC: Debunks!

The majority of states in the US are nursing compact states, allowing nurses to practice in other NLC states without obtaining additional licenses. As a result, having a multistate nursing license opens up further professional growth and work flexibility opportunities. Learning how the NLC works especially for foreign-educated nurses can help you increase your preparedness prior to processing your NCLEX. 

In this article, we'll debunk and dispel the top 5 NLC-related myths and misconceptions you should be aware of! Let's get started.

Myth #1:

A  nurse who relocates to another state intending to establish a new primary state of residence (PSOR) is not required to declare the new state residence until the license from the previous state is about to expire.

Fact:

Based on NCSBN, upon issuance of a new multistate license, the former primary state of residence shall deactivate its multistate license held by the nurse and provide notice to the nurse.

Myth #2:

A registered nurse having a license in one state can work in another. It is one of the most widespread misconceptions. However, simply because a nurse is licensed in their home state does not entitle them to work in a neighboring state.

Fact:

A nurse from Illinois, for example, could not work in Missouri using the Illinois license since it is not a compact state.

But if the nurse maintains a legal residency in the state of Arkansas and has been issued a multistate license that remains in good standing to work in Missouri, then the licensee can practice her profession since Missouri is a compact state. 

As per NCSBN, the nurse can only practice in any state that has enacted the compact.

Myth #3:

If the employer is in a compact state, a nurse who transfers from a compact state to the employer must get an in-state license within 30 days of starting work. 

Fact:

A nurse must apply for licensure by endorsement and complete the declaration of Primary State of Residence form within the application when relocating permanently to another compact state.

A nurse may start the application process before or after the move and should not delay applying once you have moved because there is no grace period. Suppose you are moving from a noncompact state, applying to a compact state before the move. In that case, you may be issued a single state license, or your application may be held until you move and have proof of legal residency, at which time you may be issued a multistate license.

Myth #4:

You'll need to retake the NCLEX if you apply for a license in a compact state.

Fact:

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the national exam that all states recognize, and once passed, states do not require retaking unless there is an uncommon scenario.

Myth #5:

As a compact state nurse, I will be required to monitor and maintain continuing education credits (CE) in each state where I practice.

Fact:

According to the compact legislation, a nurse is only required to retain CE when the home state requires it.

Leverage your USRN dream by practicing in nursing compact states. As a multi state licensed nurse, you may advance professionally while gaining job flexibility. You can also learn more about the compact nursing license with this article that can help you know more about NLC.

From searching the requirements for the USRN license endorsement and other qualifications can be overwhelming, especially to foreign nurses who are not acquainted with or had no knowledge in applying for the USRN license endorsement. Due to this application process for USRN license endorsement, candidates are advised to seek assistance from a specialized application preparation center like NEAC Medical Exams Center. NEAC‌ is an innovative pioneer medical exams application center that offers easy and fast assistance for USRN license endorsement and will do all the work for your license endorsement for the best price to avoid financial losses and delays that may cause rejections of your application.

For further inquiries about the requirements, qualifications, and fees for the USRN License Endorsement  Application, email us at online@applynclex.com.