How to Update Your Kansas Licence for the NLC

Conversion application is available for existing RN/LPN licensed nurses to become multi-state licensed from their single-state status in Kansas.

News

Conversion application is available for existing RN/LPN licensed nurses to become multi-state licensed from their single-state status in Kansas.

This application became available on July 1, 2019, and can be found online for all compact state residents on their state’s Board of Nursing Website.

A conversion application is different from a renewal application. Conversion can change you from a single-state or multi-state but not the expiration date on whatever licensure you have! Apply through the Board of Nursing whether you are an existing nurse with or without licensure in Kansas or a new graduate.

Opportunity Considerations

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that between 2016 and 2026, the workforce market for RN nurses alone would increase by 15%. This is an opening of over 400,000 job positions for nurses across the country. With this rapid increase, a nursing shortage is arising. This is due to several factors. First, nursing school enrollment growth is not moving as fast as the job openings being created. Secondly, there is a large amount of nurses approaching retirement soon years and an increasingly aging population that requires nursing care. These are just a few of the factors that are leading to a growing shortage in the nurses’ healthcare industry. As more and more states become registered with NLC, the opportunity to travel as a nurse and obtain licensure has become only easier and more lucrative!

Requirements for License Eligibility

  • Meets requirements for a license in the home state
  • Graduated from a board-approved school or program of education OR Has graduated from an international program of education that has been approved and authorized
  • Passed English proficiency examination (applicable to applicants of international education programs)
  • Passed an NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN® exam
  • Is eligible for or already has an active without discipline license
  • Submitted and passed a criminal background check (fingerprint-based)
  • Has no state or federal felony convictions on record
  • Has no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing
  • Is not currently a part of an alternative program
  • Required to self-disclose current participation if you are a participant of one
  • Possesses a valid US SSN

Application Considerations

Kansas Nurses Applying for Multistate License (Non-Compact to Compact)

Must apply and be approved for a multistate license. They must declare their primary residence in a compact state. Otherwise, they must find an endorsement of their licensure by a compact state. If they are not eligible, their single-state license by a non-compact state remains unaffected.

Other Nurses Applying for Multistate License (Compact to Compact)

When merely changing the primary state of legal residence (moving from compact to compact state), a travel nurse must apply for the change in licensure by the new NLC state’s endorsement. This should be completed once the moving process has been finished. Delay is strongly discouraged because there is no grace period for nurses. Once the licensure expires, it is invalid until the new license has been approved. A nurse can practice with the old license but only until the new NLC state licensure has been sent. The nurse may need to show their Driver’s License for proof of residency. Once the new license starts, the old one is invalid.

Still not sure this opportunity is for you? Check out our latest blog that provides seven hidden benefits to travel nursing and its effects on your career!

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