I think one of the more confusing things that happens once you graduate from nursing school (aside from the NCLEX itself) is understanding how to get your nursing license and what that entails. As a student nurse, I did not know that there were compact nursing licenses and non-compact nursing licenses. So I’m here to clear up the confusion on your compact vs non-compact nursing license!
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What is a Compact Nursing License?
A compact nursing license is a license that can be used in more than one state. This means that you do not have to apply for a nurse license in every single state that you work in. However, not every state is eligible meaning not every state accepts a compact nursing license. In that case, even with a compact license, you will have to apply for that specific state license as well. (Below I list which states are part of the compact agreement and which states are not apart of the compact agreement).
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What is the Purpose of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
The purpose of the nurse licensure compact, or the NLC, is to allow nurses to seamlessly practice in multiple states without needing to apply for additional licenses. The NLC was first introduced in 1999 and has since allowed many nurses job flexibility and career advancement. In 2000 the NLC had its first participants – Texas, Wisconsin, and Utah. However, before the NLC was introduced in 1999, it was in 1995 that a report was released arguing that single-state licensure (or non-compact states) was inefficient and would fail to meet healthcare needs in the years to come. It was argued that single-state licensure was costly, restrictive, and only vaguely related to quality of care; which is ultimately how the NLC came to be.
Benefits of the NLC
The NLC is overseen by the NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing). Benefits include…
- Nurses are allowed to practice in person or via Telehealth services to patients across the country without obtaining additional licenses
- The NLC facilitates online education
- Removes expenses for organizations that employ nurses
- Allows nurses to quickly cross state borders and provide vital services in the case of a disaster/pandemic
- Makes practicing across state borders affordable and convenient
Who Qualifies for a Compact Nursing License?
Here is where things can get confusing. Not EVERY NURSE qualifies to apply for a COMPACT nursing license. In order to qualify, you must have permanent residence in a state that is part of the NLC (or is part of the nurse compact agreement). For example, if you live in Nebraska (which is a compact state) you can work in any state that is also apart of the compact agreement without applying for an additional license. If you live in California (which is not a compact state), you have to apply for a nursing license in every single state EVEN IF you get a license in Nebraska (a compact state). This is because your permanent residence is in California and not in Nebraska. If you have permanent residence in Nebraska and have a Nebraska nursing license, you have to apply for a California nursing license because California is not apart of the NLC.
Compact Nursing States
As of April 2024, the following states are part of the NLC. If you have permanent residence in these states, you can work in the other compact states without needing an additional license.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Partial Implementation/Awaiting Implementation
As of April 2024, the following states are waiting to be apart of the NLC.
- Guam
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Virgin Islands
- Washington
Non-Compact Nursing States
As of April 2024, the following states are not apart of the NLC and have not applied to be apart of the NLC.
- Alaska
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New York
- Oregon
- Washington DC
How to Keep Track of Your Licenses
Now that you understand what a compact vs a non-compact state is, keeping track of all of those licenses is another story. Especially if you’re a travel nurse! Luckily, you can sign up to be notified of any nursing licenses that expire within 60 days through a free service through Nursys. And if you want to track your own nursing licenses, you can do that here.
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I hope that this helps you understand your compact vs non-compact nursing license. If you have any questions about this (or nursing in general), let me know in a comment below!
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Founded by Kylee, a NICU nurse with nine years of experience, including seven years as a travel nurse; Passports and Preemies was created in 2017 and is now the go-to travel and lifestyle channel for nurses who crave adventure beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a staff nurse looking for your next getaway or a travel nurse navigating life on the road, this space is designed to help you maximize your time off, explore the world, and prevent nurse burnout.
On Passports and Preemies, you’ll find everything from travel nursing insights – how to get started, land the best assignments, and thrive on the road – to expert travel tips, destination guides, and real-talk about balancing nursing with a life well-traveled. Passports and Preemies also includes Beyond the Bedside – group trips for nurses around the world; as well as the podcast, Passports and Preemies Talks.
