As nurses we are lucky enough to be able to transfer our license from state to state, with associated costs, of course. And if you live in a compact state. you are even luckier because you are able to work in all states that are part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact without having to go through the process of obtaining an additional license.
When to Get a License for Travel Nursing
Many facilities require you to have a license in hand to apply. Meaning, agencies won’t submit you for a job until you hold an RN license specific to that job location. Some may let you interview beforehand but you often cannot sign a contract without an actual license (this is when states with temporary licenses options and walk through states can be handy if you are in a rush…). Relative to other professions- we actually have it quite easy, but it still involves some organization and pre-planning.
You must look forward and take into consideration your other life plans when you are applying to ensure everything is completed in a timely fashion. Ideally, apply your licenses for states where you want to work 3 months before you plan to start submitting for jobs. Give yourself a little more time if you are planning to take a travel nurse assignment in California. Their board of nursing is notoriously slow and has many requirements for obtaining a license.
Again, if you have a compact license and are going to work in another compact state, this is a non issue for you. But, if you are planning on taking a travel nurse assignment in a state that is not part of the eNLC, you will have to apply for that single state license.
Read more about single state licensing in our post devoted to travel nurses without compact licenses.
Deciding Which State(s) You Want to Work in as a Travel Nurse
Apply for the state in which you want to work the most, and also have a back-up plan. Choose another location in case there aren’t assignments available or the jobs don’t match up to your standards. Browse locations for top travel nursing jobs with NurseFly!
If you don’t want to apply and pay for two licenses, choose a state with walk-in or temporary licensure available. You can obtain these licenses in shorter periods of time than if you were to apply for a single state license online or via mail.
Potential Licensure Problems as a Travel Nurse
This process can seem overwhelming and confusing for anyone. And, to make matters more complicated, each state has different background check/fingerprint rules and systems, methods of applying, and documentation required to complete an application. Some states also have some confusing renewal rules and if you aren’t careful, your license could expire 4 months after you obtain it. Be sure that your license will be valid when you are planning to work.
For example, the Washington Board of Nursing renews licenses according to birthdays and even/odd years. So if you apply for that license too early, you may end up having to renew before you even start work, if your birthday falls within the board’s criteria for renewal.
Another example is Colorado. The renewal rules are strict, but if you obtain a license within the 120 days period before your renewal would be due, you are exempt from having to re-apply.
Read and re-read the application checklists, renewal rules, and any time period stipulations for the license. This is also important when it comes to reading the requirements for fingerprinting and background checks.
Licensure Fees and Travel Companies
The amount it costs to apply varies from state to state and you are going to find the information by searching each specific board of nursing for associated application fees. There are also charges for fingerprints/background checks, license verification, official transcripts, and possibly any required education that you have not completed. Plan for these payments in advance and avoid the hit to your bank account.
But, wait! We have good news! Most agencies will reimburse you for all of the associated costs for obtaining a license. This must be included in your contract. You can negotiate this with your recruiter. You will only be paid back for the state in which you are taking a contract. If your agency isn’t willing to reimburse you, it may be worth finding checking out other agencies to see if they will help absorb the costs.
Make sure to save the receipts and credit card/bank statements from all of the charges you incur. Take a picture or a screenshot as extra documentation in case you lose any of the paperwork.
A Travel Nursing Dream…
All travel nurses dream of a system that allows nurses to have nationwide licensure in every state for one affordable fee!! I think the profession is coming close with the eNLC, but we can do better! This whole process could be simplified, and the expensive fees for applications, background checks, and verifications could be avoid
This part of the process is so exciting for new travelers. Starting to apply for licensure means it’s actually happening. You are taking real steps towards getting on the road.
-RNRN
