Travel Nursing after Discipline

NedRN · Feb 17, 2022

I've never been asked that question in 25 years of travel by an agency or facility (the question should never arise with the facility - they are happy with a simple license verification - which you can look up yourself to see how you are portrayed). However I have had multiple state licenses and every one of those nursing boards asked. It has been quite a while since I've applied to a new jurisdiction so I cannot tell you their exact phrasing. The question also comes up when I reinstate an expired license.

You certainly do not want to lie to a board of nursing. And be extremely careful about how you answer such a question if an agency application asks it. Likely if asked at all, they will ask only about license restrictions. If it is asked, I'd be even more careful about what state you are talking about. Some agencies could report you to the board if they discover a discrepancy. In some states such as Texas, reports to the board are common and have high disciplinary rates. If an agency application is too close to the matter, you can skip them and move on to another. But such a question and answer is unlikely to be passed along to a facility - the only reason could be to make a hiring decision and the agency has no incentive to tell them.

Not trying to scare you. I think you are fine and that an old issue is not going to haunt you.

uttxrn, BSN · Feb 17, 2022

@NedRN thanks for your response! That was really helpful. ?

Gino Vizzini · Feb 27, 2022

On 2/16/2022 at 10:55 AM, uttxrn said:

I have completed disciplinary action and have had an unencumbered license with no restrictions...wondering about travel nursing but I’m not sure if I will be asked about my disciplinary history.

You and I are a lot alike.

I have just signed my first travel contract and start 3/7/2022.

I had two years of probation which is public and searchable on my license. I am now unencumbered with no restrictions. I, too was wondering if I could help our nation and start traveling.

My search started with the larger travel companies. Then I thought, I've been doing this for over ten years- let's see what my friends from nursing school are doing with traveling.

Find the right company. DM me if you want.

I am walking proof you can travel after discipline.

uttxrn, BSN · Feb 27, 2022

Thanks @Gino Vizzini!

shellylove3 · Mar 6, 2022

I’m in the same situation and wondering how am I able to travel or endorse my license with the disciplinary action on my license. It’s public and searchable too. My license is unencumbered and free of all condition.

NedRN · Mar 6, 2022

Suggest you discuss it with at least one agency to get their take on it as well as the BON in a state you want to travel to. I don't see why it would be a hindrance.

Gino Vizzini · Mar 23, 2022

On 3/6/2022 at 1:45 AM, shellylove3 said:

My license is unencumbered and free of all condition.

Hey Shelly,

I had to write an essay (not really, just my side of the story) explaining the discipline when I applied to a state that has a compact RN NLC status (my home state is 1 of the 10 that is still single state L’s only.

I got extremely lucky, (not in the fact that the NLC state granted me both a *CLEAN* RN compact license by endorsement) but in the fact that my OG single state only license can be lapsed and forgotten now.

If you apply to a new state for a license and are currently unencumbered- you will be granted that states license by endorsement. The process is longer for us, I had to apply myself instead of the travel agency applying on my behalf.

If you can, take advantage this strategy. Sure your record of disciplinary action will always be searchable, but with my new NLC license I feel like I have a second chance. Once my single state OG license lapses, the questions like “has your current license ever had action taken against it” on job applications is irrelevant.

TL;Dr

you did the time in your home state and you’re unencumbered. either apply for endorsement to understand the next steps as you will be issued a new, clean license or be my guinea pig and if you live in a compact state LMK.

Gino Vizzini · Mar 23, 2022

On 2/16/2022 at 8:26 PM, NedRN said:

I think you are fine and that an old issue is not going to haunt you.

I can attest it is brought up and submitted to hospitals when applying for contracts.

I listed my original license on my application and the company called it “a hit on my license.” I had to get current manager recommendation letters, write letters to the travel agency denoting what steps I took to correct the discipline… like my license is unencumbered … TF ? they said it’s because “we don’t want it to happen again.” And this was one of the most popular travel nursing agencies you can name off the top of your head. they finally declined working with me.

onto the next one, when I am submitted for jobs my history is all there. but hospitals don’t care. you’re right. I’ve had multiple offers to travel. I might not get the ones I want but I still can do what I want.

shellylove3 · Mar 23, 2022

16 minutes ago, Gino Vizzini said:

Hey Shelly,

I had to write an essay (not really, just my side of the story) explaining the discipline when I applied to a state that has a compact RN NLC status (my home state is 1 of the 10 that is still single state L’s only.

I got extremely lucky, (not in the fact that the NLC state granted me both a *CLEAN* RN compact license by endorsement) but in the fact that my OG single state only license can be lapsed and forgotten now.

If you apply to a new state for a license and are currently unencumbered- you will be granted that states license by endorsement. The process is longer for us, I had to apply myself instead of the travel agency applying on my behalf.

If you can, take advantage this strategy. Sure your record of disciplinary action will always be searchable, but with my new NLC license I feel like I have a second chance. Once my single state OG license lapses, the questions like “has your current license ever had action taken against it” on job applications is irrelevant.

TL;Dr

you did the time in your home state and you’re unencumbered. either apply for endorsement to understand the next steps as you will be issued a new, clean license or be my guinea pig and if you live in a compact state LMK.

Thank you so much for replying back. I live in a compact state. Should I go ahead and apply for a compact license? Right now my license is single state.

Gino Vizzini · Mar 23, 2022

26 minutes ago, shellylove3 said:

Thank you so much for replying back. I live in a compact state. Should I go ahead and apply for a compact license? Right now my license is single state.

Honestly I don’t think that would absolve you with a fresh new license- but I don’t know, which is why I prompted. When I switched to a compact license in the new state… all it did was change the letter at the end of the license number to “C”

If I were you I would jump through the hoops of applying to another compact state with your single state license then going compact from there, since I am walking proof this method gives a clean, compact license. Trouble is, some states “may” make you prove residency. Not like that matters for tax or employment purposes. I use a permanent and temporary address.

Gino Vizzini · Mar 23, 2022

30 minutes ago, shellylove3 said:

Thank you so much for replying back. I live in a compact state. Should I go ahead and apply for a compact license? Right now my license is single state.

and word of advice if you do go through with traveling, use your clean license. for every agency I’ve listed my endorsed license in my home state (which is preferred as it is also compact) I’ve never been asked about disciplinary actions. the companies must truly only run their background checks on the license numbers you list on your application.