Licensing Guide
Basic Nurse Licensing Details
As a travel nurse, acquiring RN licenses in multiple states can unlock new possibilities for rewarding assignments and higher compensation rates. Maintaining licenses in multiple states is an investment that broadens your options when searching for your next travel nursing assignment. Some states with the most lucrative opportunities, such as California and New York, may require over a month to process your application. Thus, initiating the process sooner allows you to start earning the competitive pay you deserve more quickly.
At Fastaff, we are dedicated to fueling your aspirations and offer licensing programs to assist nurses in obtaining licenses for states where they are not currently licensed. Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of nurse licensing systems and can provide guidance throughout the process.
If you’re keen to learn more, our recruiters are ready to address your inquiries. Feel free to reach out to us.
Eligibility Criteria for Licensing Programs
Fastaff Travel Nurse is committed to offering you the flexibility to work in any state across the U.S. If you apply for a new or renewed state license, and subsequently accept and fulfill a Fastaff Travel Nurse assignment in that same state, we may reimburse your fees*.
To gather further details about the eligibility criteria, processing timelines, and essential requirements related to specific state nurse licensing, please click on the respective state below or engage in a conversation with your recruiter.
Please Note: Fastaff Travel Nurse does not provide reimbursement for expenses such as transcripts, CEUs, or associated license verifications, and we do not handle the licensing process.
States within the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)
The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) grants the privilege to nurses residing in any of the 34 participating compact states to practice nursing within the alliance of compact states. To work in a compact state, a nurse must provide evidence of residence in that compact state and possess an active RN license in that specific state. There is no requirement for the nurse to obtain licensure in any of the other participating compact states. For comprehensive information regarding the eNLC, please click here.
States participating in the eNLC include:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
States under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
To practice in a compact state, a nurse must demonstrate residency in that specific compact state and hold an active RN license in that state. There is no requirement for the nurse to acquire licensure in any other participating compact states. For comprehensive information about the NLC, please click here.
Walkthrough States
Walkthrough states offer nurses the convenience of receiving a temporary state nursing license within as little as one hour to one day. This temporary travel nursing license enables nurses to practice while they await the processing of their permanent licensure. The validity of these temporary licenses obtained in walkthrough states typically ranges from 30 days to six months, depending on the issuing state. The following states are categorized as walkthrough states:
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- South Carolina
Other States (Licensure by Endorsement)
These states have various requirements and are neither a compact nor a walkthrough state:
- American Samoa
- California
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Mariana Islands
- Nevada
- New York
- Oregon