We’ll admit it — it’s not always a walk in the park to get licensed where you want to work as a travel nurse. But we’re here to make it a little easier for you.
To help you navigate the complexities of nursing licensure, we created a comprehensive resource page detailing everything you need to know about travel nurse licensing in all 50 states. Here’s the summary of what you need to know.
- Travel nurse licensure
- Maintaining your licensure with continuing education
- How to prepare to get your travel nurse licensing
- Travel nurse licensing resource
- ✨BONUS✨ Frequently asked questions
Travel Nurse Licensing Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Travel nurse licensure
Temporary nursing license
One type of nursing license you may have heard of is temporary licenses. A temporary nursing license is a temporary authorization granted to a nurse like you by a state licensing board of nursing, allowing you to practice nursing within that state for a limited period.
Typically, this nursing license is issued to nurses who have applied for a permanent nurse license, met the educational and examination requirements, and completed the application for licensure but have yet to complete other state-specific requirements, like a criminal background check or additional paperwork.
When offered, temporary licenses are often granted to out-of-state nurses who wish to temporarily practice in a particular state or those relocating for a short-term assignment. The perk is this type of licensure provides you with the legal authority to work while the board processes your application.
Single-state nursing license
Then you have your single-state nursing licenses, which are exactly what they sound like: a license that allows registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) to practice in just one specific state.
Unlike multi-state nursing licenses, a single-state nursing license doesn’t offer portability across other states — that means you’d need to apply for a new license if you want to work outside of that state.
Oftentimes, travel nurses get a single-state nursing license when they want to accept an assignment in a state that isn’t part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). It can be a strategic move, especially for travel nurses heading to a high-demand area and need to secure credentials. And while it my feel like a hassle to collect individual state licenses, many travelers keep a few active ones in popular states so they’re always assignment-ready.
Compact nursing license
A commonly seen nursing license among travel nurses is the compact nursing license. Also known as the NLC or enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), this license is a special agreement among participating U.S. states to allow registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to have one multi-state nursing license that permits you to practice in your home state (if eligible), as well as other compact states.
This compact license streamlines the licensing process for nurses who wish to work across state lines, reducing administrative burdens and facilitating greater mobility for travel nurse professionals. Travel nurses holding a nursing licensure compact must follow the laws and regulations of each state in which they practice, but they benefit from the flexibility of being able to practice in multiple states without obtaining additional licensure.
Maintaining your licensure with CEUs
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Continuing education units (CEUs) are educational credits licensed nurses must periodically obtain to maintain and renew nursing licensure. These units serve to ensure that you’re staying current with advancements in healthcare practices, technologies, and regulations.
CEUs cover a wide range of topics relevant to nursing practices, including clinical skills, patient care techniques, legal and ethical considerations, and emerging healthcare trends. These educational activities can take various forms, such as workshops, seminars, online courses, conferences, and self-study modules.
The specific requirements for the number of CEUs you must complete within a given renewal period are set by nursing licensure boards and generally range from one to three years. By fulfilling these requirements, you demonstrate your commitment to professional development and ongoing competency in your field, positively contributing to the quality and safety of patient care.
How to prepare to get your travel nurse licensing
Plan in advance
It may take a hot second to get officially licensed, depending on your travel nurse specialty and the type of licensure you’re going for. But one thing that can make the process just a little easier for yourself is planning your next travel job in advance. That way, you’ll know ahead of time what’s required for you to work there.
“Find out what the licensing requirements are and create a timeline on how long it takes to be licensed,” said Michelle, traveling RN. “You don’t want to be waiting 10 weeks only to find out you could’ve worked another assignment while you wait for your license.”
Here are some suggestions on how to plan ahead of time:
📆 Talk to your travel nurse recruiter and fellow traveler friends to find out the state that have good opportunities for your discipline and then get licensed in those states
📆 Keep a bucket list of travel destinations so you can easily decide where to go for your next travel nurse assignment
📆 Maintain two or three active state licenses at a time for more job options in multiple states
Stay organized
Depending on the nursing license, requirements can include a slew of paperwork and documentation. To help streamline the process, get all your required documents together and organize them in advance.
“I always print a copy of the application, even if I’m going to complete and submit it online,” said one travel nurse. “This helps me gather everything that I need prior to filling it out and helps me to visualize various requirements.”
Since the criterion differs based on nursing specialty, state, and type of license, it’s helpful to double-check the requirements of the state in which you want to work, but commonly required information includes personal identification (think driver’s license) and professional credentials. Once you know what’s needed from you, get everything in the same place so it’s easy and fast to upload to your licensing application.
Be prepared
Regardless of whether you’re going for a temporary license or a multi-state compact nursing license, there’s a chance that a Jurisprudence Exam is in your future. And if that’s the case, you need to be prepared for what the test has in store for you.
Related: 10 Study Tips for Your Medical Board Exam
In addition to the potential exam in your future, it’s also up to you to be prepared for renewal requirements. Many times, renewal requirements include a certain number of CEUs and a fee, but the good news is it’s up to you to decide which licenses you renew versus the ones you let lapse.
Travel nurse licensing resources
Ready to learn even more about state nursing licensing requirements? We built a resource page special for you!
Visit resource: Crossing State Lines: A Guide to State Nursing Licensure
This resource can help…
🤝Save you time and effort by streamlining the application process
🤝Provide clear and concise information about the licensure process, including requirements, documentation, and deadlines
🤝Ensure you meet all the necessary criteria for licensure and remain compliant with all legal and ethical requirements
🤝Increase accessibility to travel nursing licensure details by allowing you to access the guide at any time and from anywhere
🤝Offer added support from trusted experts at Fusion Medical Staffing
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best way for me to keep track of my licenses and certifications?
In your Fusion Medical Staffing traveler profile! Instead of digging through old emails or scrolling through your phone’s camera roll to find that one screenshot, you can upload everything in one spot and access it whenever you need it. It keeps things organized, saves you time when applying for jobs, and gets you on your next adventure even faster!
Don’t yet have an account? Create one today!
Do I have to pay for licensing fees out of pocket?
Initially, yes. The good news is that as a Fusion traveler, you’ll pay out of pocket upfront, but many of those licensing expenses are eligible for reimbursement. Just keep your digital receipts and talk to your recruiter — it’s a simple step that can put money back in your pocket.
In what ways does Fusion offer me career support?
With us, your career is more than just a contract; it’s a journey that we’re here to support every step of the way. We’ve built a full-circle support system designed specifically for travel nurses and healthcare travelers like you!
From comprehensive benefits that give you peace of mind to reimbursement opportunities for CEUs, licensing, certifications and mileage — we’re serious about investing in your success. We also offer exclusive discounts with Capella University, so you can continue leveling up without breaking the bank.
Need a hand while on assignment? Say less. In addition to your recruiter, our traveler experience and clinical teams are only a call away when you need support, advocacy, or just someone who gets it. We also offer resources to find temporary housing and free access to our employee assistance program (EAP), and more. It’s our mission to improve the lives of everyone we touch, and that begins with yours.
When you work with us, obtaining travel nurse licensure doesn’t have to be a headache. Here, you’ll have a personalized team working hard to ensure you’re prepped and ready to go for your next assignment, which includes making sure you’re properly licensed.
What are you waiting for? Browse our travel jobs now and use our travel nurse licensing guide resource to find out what licensure you need to work in the state you want.
