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Licensing Guide

License qualifications and requirements by State:

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Licensing Information

As a traveler, obtaining licenses in multiple states can open up new opportunities for fulfilling assignments and higher pay rates. Maintaining multiple licenses is an investment that will give you expansive choices when you are looking for your next travel assignment.

States with the highest-paying assignments, like California and New York, can take more than a month to process your application, so the sooner you start the process, the faster you can earn the pay you deserve.

U.S. Nursing is committed to fueling your ambition and we offer licensing programs to help travelers become licensed in states they are not currently licensed in. Our team is well-versed in the various licensing systems and can help guide you through the process.

If you’re interested in learning more, recruiters are standing by to answer your questions. Contact us.

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Licensure Reimbursement Program

U.S. Nursing wants you to have the option of working in any state across the U.S. If you apply for a new or renewed state license, and accept and complete a U.S. Nursing assignment in that same state, we may reimburse your fees*.

To learn more about the qualifications, processing time and necessary information for specific state licensing, talk with your recruiter.

*Please Note: U.S. Nursing does not reimburse expenses such as transcripts, CEUs or associated license verifications. U.S. Nursing does not process licenses.

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Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) States

The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows any nurse who resides in one of the 40+ participating compact states to practice nursing in another eNLC state without getting a separate nursing license.

In order to work in a compact state, a nurse must have proof of residence in a compact state as well as a current, active RN license in that state. If you hold a compact license, you do not need to obtain licensure in any of the other participating compact states in order to work there.

For detailed information about the eNLC, click here.

eNLC Compact States map

States participating in the eNLC include:

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) States

In order to work in a compact state, a nurse must have proof of residence in a compact state as well as a current, active RN license in said state. The nurse does not need to obtain licensure in any of the other participating compact states. For detailed information about the NLC, click here.

Walkthrough States

Walkthrough states allow a nurse to be issued a temporary state nursing license within one hour to one day's time. This temporary travel nursing license is used to practice nursing while awaiting permanent licensure to be processed. The temporary licenses obtained in walkthrough states are usually valid for 30 days to six months, depending on the state issuing the license. The following states are considered walkthrough states:

Other States (Licensure by Endorsement)

These states have various requirements and are neither a compact nor a walkthrough state: