As a nurse seeking to practice your profession, you have licensure options, and you must understand the distinction between them. Doing so will help you plan your career, expand your opportunities, and ensure that you are compliant with state-specific regulations.

The options include the state license and the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Here is information regarding both state and NLC licenses, including benefits and considerations.

Single State Nursing License

The single-state nursing license addresses the regulations and requirements of an individual state. As a nurse, you must fulfill the educational, examination, and other requirements according to the state’s Board of Nursing.

The state license restricts nurses to practice within the boundaries of the state. Some states do have agreements for nurses to practice temporarily, but the license is typically valid only within the issuing state’s jurisdiction. You must follow the renewal requirements of the licensing board of the respective state.

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

The NLC, also known as a multi-state license, allows licensed nurses to practice in NLC states without obtaining additional licenses. It expands nurses’ geographical practice range, offers more job opportunities, and increases flexibility. In 2025, these states will participate in the NLC.

Without the NLC, nurses must endure the hassle and expense of securing a license for a particular state. The NLC offers a simplified process that saves time and money and allows nurses to focus on patient care.

The NLC facilitates nurse mobility, which allows nurses to respond quickly to healthcare needs in other states, such as disaster response. This mobility improves access to care, especially during public health emergencies.

Benefits of NLC for Nurses

The NLC license can be a massive benefit for you as a nurse because you must have a license in each state in which you treat patients. For the travel nurse who physically goes to other states, it eliminates the need for multiple licenses. Obtaining one license alone can be a burden because you must pay an application fee, a licensing application fee, and a fee for a criminal background check. There is also the processing time, which can be lengthy. Here are a few of the benefits of NLC for nurses:

• Career opportunities and flexibility. Many states that have a high demand for nurses will need an immediate hire. An NLC license opens up a more extensive range of opportunities because you can practice in multiple states with one license.
• A simplified process. With a state license, cross-state practice is impractical. Because the NLC eliminates the need for multiple licensure, there is no need to apply for and pay for additional licenses. The process saves considerable time and money.
• Enhanced mobility. The NLC facilitates nurse mobility, which makes quick responses to healthcare needs, such as large disasters, possible in other states. Mobility improves access to care, making healthcare systems more effective.

NLC Considerations

The NLC does have limitations. Although the NLC lets nurses practice in multiple states, nurses must still adhere to all laws and regulations in the state where the patient is. Navigating can be tricky, so nurses must understand different state regulations.

Due to communication between healthcare facilities in member states, a nurse trying to hide a poor professional work record by moving to another state will experience difficulties. Discipline in one state usually affects licensure in all member states.

Each state has its continuing education requirements and licensing processes. Nurses with an NLC license must meet the criteria and processes just like any other nurse who practices in the state. A nurse with an NLC license must be ready for all renewal deadlines.

A reputable staffing agency can assist you in navigating the licensure requirements across assignments. ADN Healthcare is a healthcare staffing agency ready to help you identify states that are part of the NLP, assist you through the application process for multi-state licensure, and manage the paperwork. The professionals at ADN Healthcare can make the process much easier for you.