There are many reasons you may want to practice nursing in a different state. Maybe you would like to move to a new location, maybe you just want to be closer to family for a time, or maybe you just want to try out travel nursing temporarily.

The first thing to determine if you are thinking about practicing nursing in another state is to see what the specific requirements are for that state.Many states are "Compact" states which means that they will recognize your home state license if your home state is also a participating "Compact" state. There are 25 participating "Compact" states at this time and the list should continue to grow as the traveling healthcare industry also continues its phenomenal growth. Through "Nurse Licensure Compact" or NLC , nurses are able to practice across state lines. If you live in a participating NLC state and are going to practice in another NLC state the process would be simple. Your active compact license would be acceptable. If you are going to be working in a non-NLC state you would need to apply for a license in that state by contacting the new state's board of nursing.

Normally, your recruiter and travel agency will be able to help you with these issues. They are there to help you figure out what to do next in order to get you licensed to practice in your destination state. The recruiter cannot apply for you but should be able to help you with the most up-to-date information about time frames and be on top of the latest developments.

Of course, some states will take longer than others. So make sure you get the process going as soon as you decide on a destination. Better to be prepared ahead of time just in case you come across any snags along the way. 

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network