NLC 102: Everything you need to know about Nursing Compact States Part II

The majority of states in the US are members of the Nursing Compact states, which allows nurses to practice in other NLC states without obtaining additional licenses. As a result, holding a multistate nursing license gives you more chances for professional advancement and job flexibility.

This blog is an informative continuation of NLC 101: Everything You Need to Know about Nursing Compact States that will continue to cover topics related to nursing compact states, such as obtaining a multistate license and your options if you currently have one.

How to obtain a multistate license?

If the state board of nursing in your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) is a member of the nurse licensure compact, you may be eligible for a multistate license. To successfully apply for a multistate license, you must meet the uniform licensure requirements indicated below:

• Meets the requirements for licensing in their home state
• Graduate from a board-approved education program or an international education program (recognized by the appropriate country's authorized accrediting body and confirmed by an independent credentials review agency).
• Pass an English proficiency exam (applicable to graduates of an international education program that does not teach English or if English is not the individual's native language).
• Pass an NCLEX RN or NCLEX PN Examination or predecessor exam
• Holds or be eligible for a valid, unrestricted license
• Submit to state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks
• Have no state or federal felony convictions
• Have no misdemeanor convictions related to nursing practice.
• Not presently participating in an alternative program
• Self-disclose your present participation in an alternative program.
• Possess a valid Social Security number 

What are the moving scenarios in compact states?

Many nurses move to a different state at least once throughout their careers. For USRNs traveling across states, the NCSBN mandates the following:

From Non-Compact to Compact States

The nurse is responsible for licensing endorsement in the new state of residency. The nurse may apply either before or after the move. A multistate license may be issued if the residency and eligibility requirements are met. It is unaffected if the nurse possesses a single-state license granted by a non-compact state.

From Compact to Non-Compact States

The nurse is responsible for obtaining endorsement licensing in the new state of residency. The nurse may apply either before or after the relocation. The multistate license of the former NLC state is changed to a single-state license upon changing legal residency to a non-compact state.  The nurse must notify the former NLC state's board of nursing (BON) of the new address.

From Compact to Compact states.

The nurse must apply for licensure by endorsement while moving (changing primary state of legal residence) to a new NLC state. This should be performed as soon as the nurse is moved, and the nurse should not be delayed. There isn't any grace period. The nurse may not wait until the previous license expires before applying to her new state of legal residency. Until the multistate license in the new NLC home state is obtained, the nurse may only practice on the previous home state license. A driver's license or other proof of residency may be required. When a new multistate license is issued, the previous license is deactivated.

Thanks to the Nurse Licensure Compact, nurses in participating states can obtain a multistate license that allows them to gain professional advancement and job flexibility while working as a USRN. 

Knowing more about the NLC may allow you to work as a registered nurse in nursing compact states. Don't let another opportunity pass you by; take advantage of it while you still have it. It is an excellent time to start preparing for the NCLEX exam.

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