Nursing Compact States Map: What You Need to Know in 2023 As a nurse, you may have heard of the Nursing Compact States Map. But what is it, and why is it important? In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the Nursing Compact States Map in 2023. What is the Nursing Compact States Map? The Nursing Compact States Map is a map that shows which states are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC is an agreement between participating states that allows nurses to practice in other states without obtaining additional licenses. The compact was created to address the shortage of nurses in certain areas and to facilitate the mobility of nurses across state borders. Which states are part of the NLC? As of 2023, there are 34 states that are part of the NLC. These states include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Additionally, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands have also joined the NLC. What are the benefits of the NLC? The NLC offers several benefits to nurses, including increased mobility and flexibility in their careers. Nurses who hold a license in a compact state can practice in any other compact state without having to obtain additional licenses. This can be particularly helpful for nurses who live near state borders or who work in travel nursing. The NLC also helps to address the nursing shortage in certain areas. By allowing nurses to practice in multiple states, the compact makes it easier for healthcare facilities to recruit and retain nurses. What are the requirements for obtaining a compact license? To obtain a compact license, nurses must meet certain requirements. They must have a current, active license in a compact state, meet the licensure requirements for the state they wish to practice in, and pass a criminal background check. Nurses must also meet the continuing education requirements for their compact state. What are some common misconceptions about the NLC? One common misconception about the NLC is that it allows nurses to practice in any state without obtaining a license. This is not true. Nurses must still obtain a license in the state where they wish to practice, but if that state is part of the NLC, they can do so through the compact. Another misconception is that the NLC lowers the standards for nursing licensure. This is also not true. The compact states have agreed to maintain the same standards for nursing licensure, including education and testing requirements. What are some challenges with the NLC? One challenge with the NLC is that not all states have joined the compact. This can make it difficult for nurses who want to practice in non-compact states, as they would need to obtain additional licenses. Additionally, some states have different requirements for nursing licensure, which can make it more difficult for nurses to obtain a compact license. Another challenge is that the NLC does not address the issue of varying scopes of practice among states. Nurses who practice in multiple states must be aware of the differences in scope of practice and ensure that they are practicing within the guidelines of each state. Question & Answer: Q: Can nurses practice in any state without obtaining a license through the NLC? A: No, nurses must still obtain a license in the state where they wish to practice, but if that state is part of the NLC, they can do so through the compact. Q: Does the NLC lower the standards for nursing licensure? A: No, the compact states have agreed to maintain the same standards for nursing licensure, including education and testing requirements.