Imagine you see a job opportunity at one of your favorite healthcare facilities that you have always wanted, but it is in another state. Of course, applying for the license will require weeks, and you might miss the opportunity, so what should you do? A multi-state nursing license is your answer. Nurses nowadays want flexibility, freedom, and high pay, but sometimes they won’t get this opportunity in their own state. In this situation, a compact state nursing license is their golden ticket to work in 40-plus states legally without applying for additional licenses, saving them both time and money.
In this blog, we will walk you through all the questions that you might have related to a multi-state nursing license or a compact state nursing license. Also, sign up NOW with SkillGigs and explore the top healthcare jobs.
What is nurse licensure compact (NLC)?
Nurse licensure compact (NLC), also known as multistate nursing license or compact state nursing license, is the license for nurses (RNs/LPNs/LVNs) that allows them to work legally in multiple states (compact states) without applying for additional licenses. This multi-state nursing license helps nurses to work on short-term assignments (typically 13 weeks) in different states without applying for additional licenses, saving them both time and money.
Do you know? SkillGigs helps you find the top-paying jobs. Sign up now and explore jobs across the states.
What is PSOR?
PSOR stands for Primary State of Residence. The primary state of residence is the state where nurses are residing legally and is their hometown. Here is the list of what qualifies as your PSOR or primary state of residence:
- The state mentioned on your driver’s license or ID.
- From where you file your federal income tax.
- From where can you vote?
- Address where you get your legal documents or bills.
- The state that you declare as home on your government forms.
Nurses living in a non-compact state can get the multistate license or NLC (Nursing Licensure Compact)?
No nurses living in a non-compact state can get a multistate nursing license. For example, if nurse is living in New York (which is a non-compact state) and wants to work in Texas (which is a compact state) then they have to apply for a single state license to work in Texas. If you want the multi-state compact license, then you must legally move your residence to a compact state and complete all the requirements.
What happens to nursing licenses when the nurse moves from one state to another?
As a nurse, if you are changing states and wondering what will happen to your nursing license? Here is the simple and easy breakdown:
From compact to non-compact state:
If nurse is working in compact state such as Texas and holds a multistate nursing license and she moves to New York which is not a compact state. She must apply for New York single state license as she cannot use her Texas multistate nursing license to work legally. As soon as New York becomes its PSOR, then the multistate license is no longer valid.
From non-compact to compact state:
If a nurse is living in California (non-compact state) this means nurse is holding single state license of California. If the nurse moves to Texas (compact state) then the nurse will apply for licensure by endorsement through Texas board of nursing and after meeting all NLC requirements they will be issued the Texas multistate license. Nurses now can work in compacts states and also in California the license is still active.
From compact-to-compact state:
If a nurse is moving from a compact state such as Texas to another compact state such as Colorado, then she should do the following:
- Update her legal residence.
- Apply for licensure by endorsement in Colorado withing 60 days of moving.
- Once it is approved Colorado will approve her new multistate nursing license and her old Texas state nursing license will deactivate.
Can I work in a non-compact state with my NLC?
No, you cannot work in a compact state with your multistate nursing license. You need to have a separate nursing license for your non-compact state such as New York or California.
Who should consider getting an NLC (nursing licensure compact) license?
A compact state nursing license is ideal for the following:
- Travel nurses (Sign up Now and find your next Gig today)
- Telehealth nurses
- Per diem nurses.
- Military spouses.
Want to know more about NLC? Read our Blog.
Do you know you can get a temporary Michigan license only in 48 hours and is valid for 18 months? Apply now and explore SkillGigs job opportunities in Michigan.
Conclusion
Nurses want more opportunities, higher pay and freedom, which is not possible while working in one state. But now it is possible for travel nurses to work in multiple states without applying for additional licenses. Compact state nursing license or NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact) allows nurses to work in 40 plus state with just one single license. Become a travel nurse with SkillGigs and get the opportunity to work in top healthcare facilities while making more money. SkillGigs will give you the freedom to bid on jobs that you want. Join SkillGigs now and become part of our travel nursing world.
