The Complete Guide to Nursing Compact States 2022

Client: Next Move Inc.

Welcome to the world of Nursing Compact States, or as we like to call it, the multi-state nursing passport!

Previously known as the Nursing License Compact (NLC), the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) was crafted to enable Registered Nurses (RNs) to wear their nursing cap in any state within the compact, all under one license. It's like a hall pass for RNs, letting them work in multiple states without going through the rigmarole of getting a separate license for each.

Wanna check out licensing info for each state? Click here!

So, how do you qualify for this magic nursing passport? If you're an RN with an active license, residing in a state that's a part of the eNLC, you're likely already eligible. You should tick the following boxes:

1. Active nursing license in your home state

2. Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing under your belt

3. Passed the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN

4. State & federal criminal background check - done and dusted

5. No felony charges against your name

6. No nursing-related convictions

7. U.S. citizen or resident with a valid social security number.

Not ticking all the boxes but still want to hit the road as a nurse? Fear not! Get your nursing groove on close to home with our Local RN contracts! Click here to explore!

37 states and 2 U.S territories have welcomed the nursing license compact as of this moment. These include a long list of states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas... all the way to Wisconsin and Wyoming, and even U.S. Territories like Guam and Virgin Islands. (Note: Pennsylvania has enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact, but is still waiting for the green flag.)

Now, let's roll up our sleeves and get that compact nursing license. First, you'll need to prove residency in a compact nursing state (driver’s license, federal income tax return, or voter registration can be your ticket). Plus, have a valid & active nursing license in your home state. Checked all the boxes? Great! Now all you need to do is transform your current state license into a multi-state marvel via your state board of nursing website.

How to get your hands on your compact nursing license:

1. Visit your state board of nursing website.

2. Hunt for “eNLC Upgrade Application”

3. Click “Apply for a multi-state license”

4. Voila! After your application gets a thumbs up, you'll get your eNLC license in the mail. Usually, it's a 3 to 7 business day wait, but no more than 30 days.

Baffled about nursing licenses or requirements? Fill in the form on this page and our recruiter will get in touch.

One more thing, join the Nursys e-Notify system to stay in the loop about any real-time updates to the eNLC system, like new states hopping onboard. Worried about Continuing Education (CE) hours? Just follow your home state's requirements – no need to sweat about other states within the nursing license compact. Yay!

For more info on Nursing Compact States, click here.

We've also got a handy FAQ section to answer those burning questions like:

1. Do I need to reapply for a compact license under the eNLC if I already had one under the NLC?

2. Does my valid state nursing license in a compact state automatically mean I have a multi-state license?

3. Can I practice nursing in another compact state with my compact license, even if I don't live there?

4. I own a home in a compact state but live in a non-compact state. Am I eligible for a compact license?

5. Can I apply for acompact license if I plan to move to a compact state this year?

Got your license ready or just daydreaming about travel nursing opportunities? Explore our job board. Customize your search by profession, speciality, and state. Happy nursing!