How to Obtain a Compact States License.
Licensure by endorsement, sounds pretty straightforward right? Well, it is the term used when someone has an RN license in one jurisdiction and wants to work in another. Roughly half of U.S. states associate with the nurse licensure compact, which is basically an agreement which enables an RN to be mobile in several states. Finding accurate, up-to-date information regarding this subject can be tedious and frustrating. So we’ve put together pertinent information on how to obtain licensing.
In certain situations, a licensed RN doesn’t need to obtain additional requirements. It all depends on your home state licensing agreements. Some states offer a multi-state license to nurses. It’s best to check with your home state licensing rules for clarity.
Initiation Process
- The first step within the initiation process is to complete your licensing exam. Registered nurses must take this exam called the NCLEX-RN, short for National Council Licensure Examination. This test determines if a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice. The exam is comprised of four main categories and eight subcategories. Questions are formatted predominantly in a four-question multiple choice style. The test can consist of up to 265 questions and you will have a maximum of six hours to complete. Optional breaks are allowed at intervals.
The four major test categories:
- Safe And Effective Care Environment
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
The NCLEX-RN exam is a pass or fail type of assessment. Conclusions of your test result will be determined by the administrator. Keep in mind, within 2-4 weeks, you will be notified by your State Board of Nursing. As with any test, go into it with confidence, but if you do fail, it’s not the end of your world. Many applicants don’t pass on their first try. You’ll receive a diagnostic report detailing what you need correction in. You’ll be permitted to retake the test after 45 days. If necessary, the second time will be a breeze.
Compact License
- The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC, for short), which was created by the NCSBN (Nurse Council of State Boards of Nursing) to give nurses the ability to obtain multistate licensing. This compact license allows nurses to provide health care across multistate jurisdictions. They’re able to practice in one state, as well as another and no have to pay additional licensing fees.
- Currently, there are roughly 25 states that participate in NLC.
- Eligibility requires an RN to not have any disciplinary actions taken against them.
- Their primary residence must be one of the participating states.
- Of course, they must be able to meet the educational requirements from their compact state.
- Keep current on licensing fees from all their jurisdictions. Certain states are particular when it comes to up-to-date licensing. It’s best to do an annual check on updates for each state.
- There are some states that offer temporary licenses, they’re often referred to as “walkthrough states”. Some states offer temporary licensure by endorsement for people who are relocating to another state, so they can continue employment. They are temporarily available for 30 days and up to 6 months.
- This is used to fill up positions in another area pretty quickly. These positions get filled up pretty fast since they’re in high demand. Since these are temporary licenses, nurses who are gonna stay longer than a six month period should apply for a permanent license in that particular state. If there are multiple states where you practice, it’s smart to check with a recruiter beforehand.
- They are a few sites that have assignments available for traveling nurses.
Fees and Requirements
- Obtaining licensing for compact states isn’t a difficult task to endure, it just takes some necessary steps. Of course, one of them is fees. The licensing fees range from $100-$400, depending on that particular state.
- If you want a permanent license in various states, then you’ll just have to pay the appropriate fees for each state.
- A criminal background and fingerprinting check is required.
- Continuing education is required for each state you participate in.
- Your proof of identity is required as well. This can be verified through your state driver’s license, passport, and your social security card.
- In some states, references are required as verification of work history.
Hope this article contained enough pertinent and relevant information to steer you in the right direction towards obtaining your compact license. Having your compact license as a nurse can make your life a lot easier. Most recruiters prefer nurses with their compact license because they are verified and have more credibility. This expedites the hiring process, making their job easier and gives you more opportunities. As long as you have a detailed plan and execution, there’s nothing in your way. I’ve found some great nursing opportunities from sites like this. There are a few others but it’s best to go with credible services like Stability
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Looking for a Travel Nursing Job? Learn How Technology and Stability Healthcare Work Together
“I was checking the job board for Stability! I really like the transparency, I can see if it’s something I’m interested with the pay package. Super helpful!”
“The recruiter free jobs platform is great. I have control on my job search now and it’s comforting knowing the weekly rates are listed.”
Stability Healthcare’s recruiter-free job search allows you to have the freedom to view jobs and rates of your choice. Our unique platform brings technology and job placements together in an efficient and easy way, giving YOU the control and access to your career goals. As a travel nurse you are always adapting to new environments and Stability Healthcare creates the ability to have control of it all.
Tablets, smartphones, electronic medical records and other new technologies have permeated many nurses’ professional and personal lives. Without a doubt, the introduction of new technologies have brought considerable changes to a nurse’s day-to-day life, and it’s also changing the way job placements are handled. For example, charts are now easier to read and lab results can be available in real time, minimizing potential errors.
“Everything in our lives is made simple by technology; finding a travel nurse job should be no different.”
How Does Technology Help The Job Process?
- Easy Research- Stability’s recruiter-free search means you can view the jobs you want at the rates that you want. You’re given the opportunity to explore for new information that may not have been available before.
- Better Communication- stay connected with Stability Healthcare at your fingertips. Technology makes communicating with our team and your future placement more efficient!
- Instant Online Rates- two words: pay transparency. Who doesn’t love that?
- Faster Interviews- search for your job online, enter information on your profile, and select your ideal job, city and pay. These are all things that make your interview process quicker.
- Everything In One Place- have all your questions answered by visiting our FAQ page.
If you’re looking for a travel nurse agency, new housing or a new city for a new adventure, look no further than Stability. Technology doesn’t make or break a nurse, but it certainly helps put you in control.
While we can all acknowledge the advantages of using technology, it can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Stability has made it simple and easy. You’ll have more time for yourself as well as your family or current job. This is what we all live for, right? You’re using technology everyday, so why not use it while comparing your next nursing placement?
As a travel nurse you are used to adapting to new environments, cities and processes. Technology is the same way. It’s always progressing and evolving. From finding friends to finding a new food spot or hiking place- there’s an app for everything these days. Let technology be useful in your professional life not just your personal life.
Want to keep up with Stability? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter or visit us at stabilityhealthcare.com
Read MoreSix Qualities Every Travel Nurse Should Have
We think travel nurses are superheroes–they can do it all! From administering medical care to educating family members about proper patient care, they get through whatever challenge might present itself next. Thinking of becoming a travel nurse? Want to know how to be better in your profession? Check out our list on the qualities every travel nurse should have.
Open to new changes
Travel nurses are used to a constantly changing environment. Whether it’s the changing atmosphere of patients in a medical office, or falling asleep to the sounds of a new town or city, a good travel nurse is excited for whatever change is around the bend.
Adaptable
With new changes always presenting themselves, good travel nurses are constantly having to adapt. Everything from policies and procedures, to supervisor and coworker names shift from facility to facility. Good travel nurses can easily adapt to such changes on new assignments.
Organized
Because things often change on the job, it’s crucial to be well organized. Good travel nurses are exceptionally organized and therefore can make adjustments or changes with little transition time. Organization is what makes a good travel nurse so stellar.
Good communication
As a good travel nurse, you’re required to be a strong communicator. You’ll need to communicate with patients, fellow nurses, doctors, and other facility staff. Having great communication skills will allow you to communicate seamlessly with a variety of people on the job.
Love of adventure
Good travel nurses seek new adventures. They love to explore new places and seek out new activities, even when not on the job. They’re always on the hunt to try a new regional food dish or cross off a new item off their bucket list.
Passion for nursing and caregiving
At the end of the day, nurses are drawn to their profession out of a desire to help others. Good travel nurses want to make a positive impact on humanity in a truly personal way. Their desire to care for others is what gets out of bed each and every morning.
Think you have what it takes to be a good travel nurse? Check out our current job postings and reach out to your trusted Stability recruiter for more information!
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Key Women in the History of Nursing
In honor of International Women’s Day (March 8) and March being Women’s History Month, we are going to share some of the incredible women that have shaped the nursing field into what it is today! From the nursing curriculum, the right to birth control, the founding of the American Red Cross, racial diversity, and more, nursing wouldn’t be where it is today without the women that laid down the track.
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Tips and Tricks for Budgeting as a Travel Nurse
Travel nursing can be one of the most fun experiences of your life, but it is easy to forget about budgeting when you are trying to take full advantage of the new city you are living in. We’ve put together some tips and tricks to make sure you are keeping track of your financial responsibilities and still able to have a good time.
Take the time to find discounts
There are countless websites that offer all sorts of coupons and ways to save money. Finding the best deal is always in your best interest when you are trying to maintain a healthy budget. There are places you can find deals on just about everything. Here are some of our favorites:
- For travel costs: Hopper, Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kiwi
- For activities: Groupon, Living Social
- For shopping: Coupons, Retail Me Not, Hip2Save
Keep an emergency fund
You never know what can happen in life, so it is always good to set aside a chunk of money so you don’t have to stress if something goes wrong. Pick an amount you think is a valid emergency fund and add a bit of money from every paycheck until you hit the goal.
Set a leisure budget
When you set out to experience a new city, it can be easy to forget how much you actually spend on activities and experiences. Before your placement set a goal of how much you want/or are willing to spend on experiences. Once you are at your placement keep track of how much you spend to make sure you don’t go over your limit.
Cook meals at home
Nursing schedules can be sporadic and random- this means you don’t usually have a set in stone eating schedule. Eating out starts to become the easy and convenient option, but that is most definitely not the cost effective option. It is amazing how much money you can save by eating and preparing meals at home. Check out these quick and easy snacks you can make a home to fuel you through your shift. Of course this doesn’t mean you have to forgo the food culture of the city you are in, but being smart with when you eat out will allow you to spend more on the food that is worth it!
Savings
Your savings account is so important. With a lucrative job like travel nursing, you will be able to put a percentage of every paycheck into a savings account for safe keeping. Putting just a little in every paycheck will add up and you will thank yourself later.
Choose the Right Agency
Choosing a travel nursing agency like Stability will ensure you get the bang for your buck. Not only do they find the highest-paying placements, but the agents also help you find affordable housing and insurance packages. Find an agency that will take care of the major details so you don’t have to.
In the end, it is all about being aware of where your money goes. When you have a big paycheck every month, the easy option is to not think about how much you spend, but before you know it your savings account will have a lot less than you planned. Budget yourself so you can enjoy your traveling lifestyle and take full advantage of your new home.
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Compare For Cash- Compare Your Current Rate with Stability’s for $10 Cash
Who doesn’t love getting paid? Stability Healthcare knows we aren’t the only source for nursing careers, which is why we’re here to prove we have some of the best rates on the market. This month, Stability is running Compare for Cash, a campaign where you compare your current salary or competitor’s quote with us and we will send you 10 dollars!
With travel nurses in high demand, travel nursing salaries are often higher than the salaries of the permanent hospital staff. If you want to fill your wallet and your desire for adventure, travel nursing might be the right fit for you. When picking a travel nursing placement, salary is one of the main considerations for a lot of people because no one wants to be financially stressed on top of moving to a new city.
Stability makes travel nursing easy for you; just pick your destination and we’ll sort out the details. Not only are you getting the base salary advertised, but, typically, you will receive additional benefits through the Stability Healthcare Nursing Agency. The benefits vary from placement to placement, but the agency assists you with housing, travel reimbursement, licensing support and fees, bonuses, incentives, benefit packages, and retirement needs.
Think you are ready to learn more about the competitive wages that travel nursing offers? Go compare your rates with Stability. All it takes is some basic information about your current position, and not only will we compare your rates with the desired Stability placements for free, but we will also send you $10 just for doing so!
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5 Completely Attainable New Year’s Resolutions for Nurses
With 2018 right around the corner, there’s no better time than now to sit down and put pen to paper by writing down your goals. Life can be busy and sometimes New Year’s resolutions can seem unattainable so we’ve made a list of five completely attainable New Year’s resolutions you can add to your list!
Live a Healthy Lifestyle
The most common resolution amongst the general population when the new year comes around—get healthy. Travel nursing gives you plenty of opportunities to explore new cities, which means lots of walking and exploring, and maybe even some hiking or swimming depending on where you are. Being healthy also means eating healthy, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice experiencing new foods and things you love. Instead, change small habits like bringing healthier snacks to work. Check out these healthy snacks for some inspiration.
Give Back to the Community
As a nurse, your entire career is centered around helping others. However, it doesn’t just end there. Your skills make you a valuable member to countless volunteer opportunities in your community. So add it to your New Year’s resolution to get out there and give back, even volunteering once makes a difference!
Use Mindfulness in Nursing
Recent studies have shown that mindfulness has a huge can positive impact on nurse’s feelings and abilities to cope with the pressures of their work. Making it a goal to practice mindfulness makes for better self-care and improved nursing work. Click here to read more about mindfulness and its effects in the nursing environment.
Explore What the World Has to Offer
There’s no better time than today to explore what the world has to offer and for a nurse there is no better way to do this than to look into travel nursing. Travel nursing is a great way to expand your horizons while still keeping up with your career. Stability has your next destination just one click away!
Prioritize Self-Care & Maintaining a Work-Life Balance
Sometimes when you spend all day (or night) taking care of someone else, you can forget to take care of yourself. That’s why in 2018 you should make it a priority to treat yourself like you treat your patients. Take a bath, eat a well balanced diet, get the sleep you need, and take a walk around the block. When you feel your best, your work life will flourish and your patients will notice.
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Stability Holiday Gift Guide
Holiday shopping can be a challenge, but Stability HealthCare’s got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best gifts for travel nurses this holiday season.
This list is filled with a variety of items that are sure to bring a smile to any nurse’s face. From stethoscopes to self-care, these gift ideas encompass all aspects of their life, even outside of the hospital.
Check out the Stability Holiday Gift Guide to find the perfect gift for the travel nurse on your Christmas list.
This Light Box is the perfect addition to any space. With removable letters, the options for captions are endless.
Because you can’t have a gift guide for nurses without a stethoscope. As one of their most used tools, every nurse needs an updated and properly working stethoscope. That’s why we’ve chosen the MDF® Pulse Time 2-in-1 Digital LCD Clock and Single Head Stethoscope.
3. Hydro Flask, S’well Water Bottle and Pendleton Thermos
It is so important for nurses to stay hydrated, and these water bottles keep water extra cold throughout long shifts. The thermos is a great addition to any nurse’s collection, as it’s perfect for bringing hot coffee or tea to give them that extra kick to get through their shift.
4. Cozy Socks
As children, we would hate receiving socks as gifts, but as adults it is one of the best gifts. Nurses can wear these socks to stay cozy after a long shift of being on their feet all day…or even better, they can wear them during their shift to keep their feet warm all shift long.
5. Nurse Related Books
We’ve picked out two in particular, one filled with stories and one filled with coloring pages. I Wasn’t Strong Like This When I Started Out: The Stories Of Becoming a Nurse, offers the inside scoop on what it is like as a new nurse, and, on the lighter side of things, #NurseLife is snarky coloring book that is sure to leave any nurse in tears (from laughter of course).
6. 52 Lists for Happiness and Clay Masks
Nurses spend so much time taking care of other people that sometimes they can forget to take care of themselves. These gifts are the perfect for someone who needs to relax and put themselves first for a minute.
7. Headphones, Crosley Speaker, and Bluetooth Desk Speaker
Because who doesn’t love to jam out to their favorite songs? These gifts provide your travel nurse the perfect opportunity to tune out the outside world and blast their favorite songs…on the go or in the comfort of their own home.
8. Speidel Watch and Bracelet
Every nurse needs the perfect accessories, and we’ve found the perfect ones. Every nurse needs a watch with the second hand and that is why a Speidel wrist watch makes the perfect gift. For their life outside of work, get them this Golden Heart Beat Bangle. It is the perfect accessory that will complement almost every outfit.
9. Instax Mini Polaroid Camera and Frame
A polaroid camera is the perfect gift for anyone, really. The travel nurse in your life can capture their favorite moments and display them forever.
This is the perfect gift for the male travel nurse in your life! Get him to his next shift feeling and smelling fantastic with this grooming kit.
Nurses work tiring shifts, and nothing is better than coming home and cuddling up with a plush fleece throw blanket while binge watching some Netflix.
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