How to choose the right state for your nursing license
After completing your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the next step in becoming a nurse is to earn your nursing license. A nursing license grants you authority to practice nursing in a specific U.S. state and begin your professional career.
Choosing the right state for your nursing license is key because every state has its own licensing criteria, continuing education requirements and nursing scope of practice. These details can affect your job opportunities and practice environment. Read on to find out how to make the right decision for your personal and professional circumstances.
Geographic factors
Choosing the right state for your nursing license depends on basic geographic factors involving where you intend to live and work after you complete your nursing education. “New nursing graduates should apply for licensure in the state they currently reside or the state they intend to move to following program completion. Once state of residence is determined, the new nursing graduate may apply for licensure by examination, or licensure following successful completion of the national registered nursing licensure exam, NCLEX-RN, and completion of all state-specific application requirements,” said Andrea Gibson, DNP, BA, RN, CPHQ, Associate Dean of Operations, Purdue Global School of Nursing.
The good news is that you don’t have to complete your education in the state where you intend to practice. You can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the standardized nursing exam required for licensure in all states, after completing a nursing degree at any accredited nursing school. While passing the NCLEX-RN (for registered nurses) or NCLEX-PN (for practical or vocational nurses) is a standard requirement, the additional criteria needed to earn a license can vary by state.
“Uniform licensure requirements, created in 2011, allow any graduate of a state board of nursing approved program to apply for the national registered nursing licensure exam, NCLEX-RN. Graduates of board-approved nursing programs may then apply for licensure by examination in any state, regardless of the location of their educational program. Graduates will need to complete any state-specific registered nursing license application requirements; however, their NCLEX-RN results will be recognized in any state,” said Gibson.
Location of the program may influence how you balance educational pursuits and other responsibilities, but it will not influence your opportunities to obtain licensure.
This means that you can explore a wide range of nursing education options during your school selection process without affecting your career opportunities. “When selecting the best educational program for you, consider the type of program, the success of its graduates on licensure exams and your long-term professional goals. Location of the program may influence how you balance educational pursuits and other responsibilities, but it will not influence your opportunities to obtain licensure,” said Gibson.
Other considerations
Don’t worry if your geographic options are limited due to personal circumstances. Many nurses have successful and fulfilling careers without ever working outside their home state. However, if you want to consider what nursing opportunities look like in other states, here are some factors to weigh:
Job opportunities
Investigate the job opportunities for nurses with experience in the specialty areas and work environments you intend to pursue in a certain state. You can find recent state-specific employment and projected growth data for registered nurses as compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current opportunities, filter search criteria on national job boards for a broad idea of what’s available. Contact local and regional nurses’ associations and prospective employers for a realistic perspective from nursing professionals in the state you’re investigating.
Salary range
BLS data can also give you an indication of average salaries for nurses in a specific state or region. Research how salaries differ among various work environments. While this type of data can give you an estimate of your potential salary, review current job posts and seek input from nurses working in the state to help you determine more specifically what employers are willing to pay.
Cost of living
Compare the cost of living in different states. This refers to the amount needed to cover basic expenses such as food, shelter, healthcare and transportation. Knowing the cost of living can help you determine how far your salary will go. It can also help you decide whether average nursing salaries can cover the costs of residing in a certain state. Consult data from the World Population Review for cost-of-living information by state to compare different locations.
Scope of practice
The scope of practice, or the set of activities that a nursing license authorizes you to perform, is defined in a state’s “Nurse Practice Act” (NPA). A state board of nursing regulates the practice of nursing and enforces the NPA in its state. You must follow the guidelines of the NPA in place at the location where you perform your job. Since violating a law or rule in a state’s NPA can lead to disciplinary action, it’s important to understand the guidelines that can impact your role in a specific state.
Quality of life
Consider the whole picture when choosing where you want to work. Evaluate recreational activities, climate, community and safety. Research housing, schools and other factors that may impact your lifestyle outside the workplace.
Understanding the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Choosing a state that participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) may be important when choosing the right state to get your license if you’re interested in frequent moves or pursuing a career in travel nursing. The NLC is an agreement between states to mutually recognize RN and LPN licenses among states that are members of the compact.
“The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses who reside in member states to practice in other member states without obtaining additional licensure. It was originally created to increase portability of nurses and decrease cost associated with state nursing licensure while maintaining safe and effective nursing care standards,” said Gibson. “Additionally, the NLC promotes communication between member states. The NLC supports the nursing profession’s need to nimbly respond to an ever-changing healthcare environment.”
The NLC is regulated by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Currently, 43 U.S. jurisdictions participate in the NLC. It’s important to evaluate the status of a participating state at the time of your application since new states can gradually implement the compact over a set timeline. The following states are not part of the NLC:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New York
- Oregon
Application for a nursing license originates with the board of nursing in your state of residence, regardless of their participation in the NLC. “Initial registered nursing licensure is primarily driven by state of residence; however, the process for which a new graduate nurse must follow to practice in multiple states is guided by the Nurse Licensure Compact,” said Gibson. “If the nurse resides in a state that is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, they may be eligible for a multi-state license which is recognized by all compact state boards of nursing. If the nurse resides in a non-compact state, they will be issued a single-state license and then apply for single-state licenses in any state they intend to practice.”
Having a multi-state license can improve your job mobility and career flexibility. It can also make it easier to pursue roles in travel nursing. “The NLC increases the ease by which nurses may practice in multiple states. Nurses who reside in compact states may practice in other compact states if they hold a multi-state license, and they are only required to obtain single-state licensure if they intend to practice in non-compact states,” said Gibson.
Having a multi-state license can improve your job mobility and career flexibility.
While there are benefits to getting your license in a compact state, living in a non-compact state is more of an inconvenience than a roadblock to opportunities in other states. “Residing in a non-compact state does not eliminate your ability to practice in multiple states. Nurses who reside in non-compact states must apply for single-state licensure in all other states [where they intend to work], regardless of the state’s NLC membership status.”
When you have a current nursing license in good-standing, the process for getting a license in another state is usually done through endorsement. “If you reside in and hold licensure in a non-compact state, you may apply for a single-state license in any state which you will practice. This is called licensure by endorsement, a process which allows a nurse to obtain licensure in a new state based on their existing licensure in another state. Each state has a unique process for this type of licensure,” said Gibson. “Licensure by endorsement may be completed by the nurse, or if you are working directly with an agency for travel nursing, they may provide assistance with this process.”
Where to begin
Your path to nursing licensure will begin with the board of nursing in the state in which you desire a nursing license. Typically, one state nursing board oversees licensures for all levels of nursing, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). In a few states, a separate licensing agency oversees certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
The appropriate board of nursing can give you the most accurate information regarding nursing licensure in that state at the time of your application. To avoid delays, check and double-check that you’ve met all state-required criteria, including payment of licensure fees. Contact your state government or search the National Council of State Boards of Nursing directory to find contact information for the board of nursing in your chosen state.
