Did it ever cross your mind on how some nurses obtain licensure in several states so quickly? Well, I’m willing to bet that their home state license or where they reside permanently is part of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
Some of you are probably wondering what the heck is the eNLC and how can I obtain it? Well, let me break it down for you. The eNLC allows licensed registered or practical/vocational nurses to work across several states under one license. Louisiana became the 31st state in the nation to enact the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact(eNLC) on May 31, 2018 when Governor John Bel Edwards signed Senate Bill 202 into law. We were allowed to apply July 1, 2019. According to ncsbn.org, "the eNLC is an updated version of the original NLC that allows for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to have one multi-state license, with the authority to practice in person or via telehealth in both their home state and other eNLC states." Hearing that Louisiana finally joined was super exciting! My cousin and I were both waiting for the clock to strike midnight July 1, so we could be of the first batch to apply. I’ve been wanting to venture off and really travel outside of my home state for a while but paying for licensure in multiple states can be pricey!
Here’s a few reasons why you should invest in the eNLC!⬇️
1️⃣It‘s affordable!
Yessss friends, that’s right! It’s much cheaper to pay under $100 for licensure thst gives you access to work in 30+ states. The multistate license application is separate from your renewal and has a one-time application fee of $50 plus the criminal background check fee ($39.25). Last year, when I applied for my Texas RN licensure, it cost me $200+ overall and that’s just for ONE state. Being apart of an eNLC cuts down on all of the fees and costs that come with individual state licensure applications.
2️⃣Vital during a nursing crisis!
When nursing strikes occur or natural disasters take place you’re all set! With eNLC, nurses from neighboring states can join in and help without having to wait for temporary licensure to process. I’ve witnessed a traveler run out of time with her temporary license and her permanent license didn’t post for months. She had to return home to work because who’s going to practice in a state without a license right?! Don’t let that happen to you!
3️⃣Less stress with maintenance!
With the eNLC you don’t have to keep up with several different renewal dates. Less stress when it comes to renewing since your one license covers the 30+ that fall under it. Be sure to keep up with your renewal and continuing education requirements for your home state. I always try to stay ahead!
August 13, 2019 my multi-state license was finally posted! I can now enjoy travel nursing even more without the hassle of worrying about licensure! So awesome!
Facts about the NLC➡️https://www.ncsbn.org/NLC_Facts-FINAL.pdf
For FAQs regarding the NLC, click here ➡️http://www.lsbn.state.la.us/FAQS/NURSELICENSURECOMPACT%28NLC%29FAQ.aspx
“You can see a map of the states, including NLC states, at https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm. The multistate license will provide nurses with the “privilege to practice” in any compact state whether they are going to that state in-person or practicing via telehealth from Louisiana with a patient located in another compact state. The multistate license does not provide nurses with the privilege to practice in any non-compact state.”
Are you ready to obtain your nursing compact license?! Join me today!
Talk again soon!
XOXO
The Fabuleux Nurse