Having the correct state license is one of the most important requirements when applying for a travel nursing job. To help you get started, we have listed each state's board of nursing website where you can begin your application. 

Having the correct state license is one of the most important requirements when applying for a travel nursing job. Each state's board of nursing has a distinct process by which they grant permission to a nurse to practice in their state. While many states are part of the 

 meaning that having a multi-state license will allow you to practice in all participating eNLC states, not every state is participating in the eNLC.

To help you get started in procuring the relevant license for a job you are interested in, we have listed below each state's board of nursing website where you can read about the state's licensing process and begin your application. 

‍Have any questions about licensing or your application? Feel free to reach out to the Nomad Navigators at any time at 

How to Get a Nursing License in Each State

On January 19, 2018, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) will change over to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). On this date, nurses with multistate licenses may begin practicing in eNLC states.

, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) will change over to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). On this date, nurses with multistate licenses may begin practicing in eNLC states.

 that will be part of the eNLC, but not all of the original 25 NLC states are changing over. Read on to see if your state will be part of the eNLC, and what you need to do depending on your state’s status.

 on why this shift is happening in the first place. Back in 2015, the Board of Nursing (BON) executive officers approved the eNLC to replace the original NLC and add extra protections. This shift will also make it easier for new states to join in the future and move towards the goal of all states joining the eNLC.

Similar to the NLC, nurses with licenses in eNLC states will be able to provide care to patients in other eNLC states without having to obtain additional licenses.

There are a number of states moving from the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) to the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC).

Here is where every state stands as of December 14, 2020. You can also see the status of your state on 

States With Pending Enhanced NLC Legislation

States Not in the Compact (not a current NLC state, no pending eNLC legislation)

*Partial Implementation: New Jersey is allowing nurses who hold active, unencumbered, multi-state licenses issued by Nurse Licensure Compact member states to practice in New Jersey under their multi-state licenses.

To start learning about this shift, we suggest you watch these videos:

What you need to worry about largely depends on which of these situations you fall in.

 are a helpful resource if you have questions.

If you have any additional questions on the shift to the eNLC, or how to get licensed, 

If you haven’t yet registered for Nomad, 

We're very excited about this expansion of the nursing licensure compact which makes it easier for nurses to help those in need nationally. By focusing on making it easier for new states to join in the future and moving towards the goal of all states joining the eNLC, the eNLC is vital to addressing the growing problem if clinician shortages.

Wishing all of our nurses the best of luck with their job search!

Nurses: The eNLC Is Coming, Are You Ready?

In December 2017, New York passed legislation mandating that all new nurses in the state must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) within 10 years of initial licensure.

 that all new nurses in the state must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) within 10 years of initial licensure. Nurses who are currently enrolled in nursing programs or hold a license in New York are exempt - regardless of degree level. 

All other nurses run the risk of having their license suspended if they do not get a BSN within 10 years.

For nurses to obtain an RN license, they must graduate from an 

. Several types of programs are available, including nursing diplomas, two-year associate degrees or four-year bachelor’s degrees.

 If you’ve already achieved RN status through an associate’s degree program, enrolling in an RN-BSN program is the next logical step if you’re looking for career advancement. The good news is an RN-BSN program can be completed while you continue working as a nurse, which means you’ll advance your career without having to take time off.

BSN programs incorporate both coursework and clinical practice. The curriculum includes general education requirements, as well as courses focusing on topics like anatomy, physiology, biology and nutrition.

For nurses with an associate’s degree or certification, an RN-BSN program will use your previous coursework as a foundation for learning. RN-BSN programs are more focused on science-based learning and nursing skills instruction. Classes include things like:

Historically, nurses who obtain a BSN have been given more responsibility and better pay. However, the move to encourage all nurses to get a BSN is due to the increasing complexity of the American healthcare system. As one of the most important roles on the healthcare team, New York sets a precedence for academic excellence when it comes to nursing.

 This is actually not the first time a BSN requirement has been in place for nurses. North Dakota 

, when it was overturned because of the negative effect it was having on the nursing shortage in the state.

This change in New York has been 14 years in the making. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine released a 

 calling for 80% of RNs to hold a BSN by 2020. This is related to a focus on increased quality of nursing care. 

 that for each 10% increase in nurses with BSN degrees, there is a 5% decline in risk-adjusted patient mortality. Though the percentage of nurses with a BSN has increased from 50% in 60% since that report was released, there is still ground to be made on that goal.

For a large state like New York with 297,331 total nurses, passing this legislation sets a precedence for other states. Experts predict that other states will follow suit in the next few years.

Onto the most important question - does this apply to you? This is how it breaks down:

 for all the details if you’re feeling ambitious. The 

 in New York will also be publishing more information on the bill in the near future.

Here are some ways to start taking action now on Nomad:

We’re keeping a close eye on the implications this change has for our nurses - those working in New York as well as other states. As other states start to consider also making this change, we’ll be sure to make sure our nurses remain informed!

State Licenses

How to Get a Nursing License in Each State

Nurses: The eNLC Is Coming, Are You Ready?

What ‘BSN in 10’ Means for Nursing

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