Travel Nursing and Licenses

RED 28 · Jun 3, 2011

You have to apply for a license in whatever state you work in but some states allow you to hold a compact license for many states at time so it make the process easy

NAURN · Jun 3, 2011

Having a license in a compact state is ideal, because then you have many options for states to work in. Otherwise, you have to apply and get a license just like everyone else, and usually the travel company will pay for this.

FancypantsRN · Jun 3, 2011

You have to apply for a license in whatever state you work in but some states allow you to hold a compact license for many states at time so it make the process easy

Yes on the compact state as long as you establish residency in the compact state.

EmergencyNrse · Jun 3, 2011

This occured to me the other day...
how do travel nurses work in other states? For instance, I have a friend who holds an Alabama RN license. She did some "travel nurse" work and went out to California. How did she, or any travel nurse, get around the whole license issue? Just curious...

In order to work in another state you need to receive an endorsement from the Board of Nursing in each respective state. Others have alluded to "compact" states but for the most part each state wants its money.

In order for your license to reciprocate to the state you're interested in, the program you graduated from must meet their specific state requirements. Reciprocity is not guaranteed. Most nursing programs out there meet all state requirements for licensure but some do not. Because applications for endorsement are non-refundable I suggest contacting the State Board BEFORE you apply.

Lots more information here: https://allnurses.com/travel-nursing/

Happy travels...