{"id":2665,"date":"2024-12-06T17:00:56","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T17:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.nursefly.com\/?p=2665"},"modified":"2024-12-13T22:34:52","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T22:34:52","slug":"travel-nursing-and-licensing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/travel-nursing\/travel-nursing-and-licensing\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating the Challenges of Travel Nurse Licensure"},"content":{"rendered":"

Travel nursing offers a unique way to tackle staffing shortages. From a nurse\u2019s perspective, it\u2019s a great way to explore the country while <\/span>making a good wage<\/span><\/a> and utilizing your in-demand skills. The concept of travel nursing originated in the 1970s in New Orleans when additional nurses were brought in to accommodate the influx of visitors during Mardi Gras and the associated increase in hospital visits. By the 1980s, travel nursing had become a popular solution for healthcare facilities to address nursing shortages across the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, <\/span>travel nursing<\/span><\/a> is essential in American healthcare, helping facilities manage rising demands with short-term staffing solutions. Understanding the complexities of licensure can be challenging for traveling nurses. Vivian Health breaks down working across states, offering travel nurses <\/span>tips for the licensure process<\/span><\/a> and how to find the best route for their specific situations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guide to Obtaining a Travel Nurse License<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Travel<\/p>\n

Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPN\/LVNs) can transfer their licenses from state to state. This ability benefits staff and travel nurses alike, but travel nurses often apply for and hold licenses in multiple states, making it more complicated. Although the process is fairly straightforward compared to other professions, it requires some organization and pre-planning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The licensure process is simpler for residents of Compact states, allowing them to work in any state that is part of the <\/span>enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact<\/span><\/a> (eNLC) without needing to obtain an additional nursing license.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many facilities require you to have a license in hand before applying for <\/span>travel nurse jobs<\/span><\/a>. Generally, agencies won\u2019t submit you for a job until you hold a state-specific nursing license. Some may let you interview beforehand, but you often can\u2019t sign a contract without obtaining an actual license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When applying for nursing licenses, consider your other life plans to keep things on track. It\u2019s a good idea to start the application process three months before you plan to begin applying for travel jobs. Every state may have slightly different travel nurse license requirements. For example, if California is on your list, consider giving yourself extra time\u2014its Board of Nursing (BON) is known for its lengthy process and numerous licensing requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Travel Nursing FAQ: A Complete Guide<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

The 3 Types of Licenses Travel Nurses Can Obtain<\/h3>\n

Single State Nurse License<\/b><\/h4>\n

If you’re considering travel nursing, you likely already hold a nursing license in one state, as travel roles require at least two years of experience in your specialty. The easiest route to <\/span>get licensed in another state<\/span><\/a> is by endorsement. The process can take anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks, depending on the state and how organized you have your paperwork.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You need the BON from your licensed state to send verification directly to the board in the state where you\u2019re applying. Many states use the Nursys database to quickly verify your existing nursing license. However, some states still prefer direct verification from the BON that issued your license. In addition to standard application fees, you\u2019ll pay a $30 fee for Nursys verification. Some states may also require fingerprints, ID, employment verification and official school transcripts.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Travel Nursing and Single State Licenses<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Compact Travel Nurse License<\/b><\/h4>\n

\"eNLC<\/p>\n

The eNLC launched on January 19, 2018, and is a dream for travel nurses with a permanent address in a Compact state. It allows RNs and LPN\/LVNs in member states who qualify for a multistate license to practice across other Compact states.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 43 U.S. states or territories have passed legislation to join the eNLC as of November 2024. New graduates and current nurses can apply for a Compact (multistate) license through the BON in their primary state of residence, making it easier to work seamlessly across any <\/span>fully implemented Compact state<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>What Are the Nurse Licensure Compact States?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Temporary Nursing License<\/b><\/h4>\n

Temporary licenses help travel nurses needing fast approval start working while waiting for full licensure. A temporary nursing license usually expires within six months, allowing nurses to work while the BON processes their permanent licensure applications. BONs commonly grant temporary licensure to:<\/span><\/p>\n