What is a compact nursing license state and is Virginia one of them? The Nurse Licensure Compact establishes criteria for a multistate license, allowing nurses to work in NLC states without having to apply for a new license. Virginia is one of 40 states that are part of the NLC.
Whether you’re a travel nurse, moving to a new state, or want to practice in a different state than where you reside, navigating nursing license requirements can be confusing. Will you need to earn a new license? Travel nurses may even need to apply for multiple state licenses throughout their careers.
Fortunately, the National Licensure Compact (NLC) helps streamline this process by establishing criteria for a multistate license. What exactly is the NLC, and is Virginia a compact nursing license state?
Before earning a nursing license, registered nurses (RNs) must graduate from nursing school. At Averett University, you can leverage your non-nursing bachelor’s degree or college credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). In Averett’s Accelerated BSN program, you can earn a BSN in as few as 16 months.
To help prepare you to earn a nursing license, learn more about the NLC, multistate licenses, and how you can earn one in Virginia.
Is Virginia Part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
Yes, Virginia is a compact nursing license state. As part of the NLC, Virginia requires all licensed RNs who reside and/or work in the state to meet the Virginia Code and the NLC’s Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs) at the time of their initial licensure application or renewal.
Multistate vs. Single-State License: What’s the Difference
Each U.S. state and territory can establish its own RN licensure criteria, requiring nurses to obtain a new license for each state in which they work. For example, if an RN wants to work in a state other than their home state, or if they move, they will have to apply for a new nursing license in that state, in addition to the license they already hold.
The Nurse Licensure Compact, however, establishes criteria for a multistate nursing license that allows nurses to work in different states with a single license, provided the state is part of the NLC. The compact helps expand access to care, making it easier for nurses to work across states by standardizing licensure requirements.
While states in the NLC adopt the ULRs as part of their licensure requirements, they still maintain state-level requirements and practice laws that may differ from those of other states.
To earn a multistate license, nurses must reside and earn their license in an NLC state; however, they do not need to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam in this state. Their home state is known as their primary state of residence.
What it Means for Travel Nursing, Military Nurses and Military Spouses
The NLC allows nurses to work across state lines with a single license, provided their primary state of residence and the state where they work are both NLC members. This expands where travel nurses, military nurses and military spouse nurses can work in the U.S. with a single nursing license, streamlining the licensure process.
The NLC helps minimize state-specific licensure barriers for nurses who travel for work or must relocate. As long as an RN maintains their primary state of residence in an NLC state, they can work in any other NLC state.
Nursing can make an excellent second career after military service. Read more to learn how to go from corpsman to RN.
What it Means to Hold a Compact Nursing License in Virginia
Nurses who hold a multistate nursing license in Virginia can work in other NLC states without obtaining an additional license. Currently, 40 U.S. states, including Virginia, are part of the NLC. Massachusetts and the U.S. Virgin Islands have enacted the NLC but are awaiting implementation.
The following non-NLC states have pending legislation and could potentially participate if passed:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Minnesota
- Michigan
- New York
Washington, D.C., is also currently pending NLC legislation, and Guam has enacted the NLC with partial implementation.
States that are not part of the NLC and currently have no pending legislation to join include:
- California
- Nevada
- Oregon
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How to Apply for a Nursing License Through the Virginia State Board
To obtain a multistate nursing license, nurses must reside in an NLC state. This is beneficial for nurses who attended nursing school outside of their home state or plan to relocate to an NLC state.
In Virginia, applicants must provide proof that Virginia is their Primary State of Residence. According to the Virginia Board of Nursing (BON), acceptable documents include:
- Current Virginia driver’s license
- Virginia voter registration card
- Department of Defense (DD) Form 2058 (active-duty military/military spouse only)
To obtain a nursing license through the Virginia BON, nurse applicants must take the following steps:
- Graduate from a state-approved nursing program
- Complete a Pearson Vue Application and pass the NCLEX-RN
- Complete the online Virginia BON application and pay the required fee
- Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check
How to Verify Your License and Compact Status
To verify your RN license in Virginia, nurses can use the license lookup tool on the Virginia Department of Health Professions’ official site. You can also verify your state’s compact status and review participating jurisdictions by reviewing the NLC official site.
Start Your Nursing Journey with Averett’s ABSN
At Averett University, ABSN students are on the fast track toward earning a BSN. Through online coursework, hands-on nursing labs and clinical rotations, students can earn a BSN in as few as 16 months and be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam with confidence.
Request information today to learn if the ABSN program in Norfolk, Virginia, is right for you.