Everything You Need to Know About the Nurse Compact License for Remote Nursing Jobs

What Is a Nursing Compact License?

The Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows nurses to hold one multi-state license that enables them to practice in all participating compact nursing states without needing separate licenses for each state. Think of it as your nursing passport, allowing you to cross state lines without extra paperwork. The terms compact license and multistate license are often used interchangeably, referring to the same type of license that allows cross-state practice within compact states.

The compact status applies to Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who are legal residents of a state that participates in the compact agreement and has met the licensure requirements. Unfortunately, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) aren’t eligible for the eNLC yet, though there is an ongoing discussion about an APRN compact. Vivian Health has a great article here about applying for single-state endorsements for NPs.

For up-to-date information, including a map of compact states and FAQs, the best source of truth is nursecompact.org. They have everything you need to know about which states are part of the compact, pending legislation, and all details on any new states joining the agreement.

Compact States in 2025

As of now, there are 43 states in the compact. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. Arkansas 
4. Colorado 
5. Connecticut – NLC enacted, Awaiting implementation, Full Implementation Date TBD
6. Delaware 
7. Florida 
8. Georgia
9. Guam – Partial implementation; Full Implementation Date TBD
10. Idaho 
11. Indiana  
12. Iowa 
13. Kansas  
14. Kentucky 
15. Louisiana 
16. Maine 
17. Maryland 
18. Massachusetts – NLC enacted, Awaiting implementation, Full Implementation Date TBD
19. Mississippi 
20. Missouri
21. Montana 
22. Nebraska 
23. New Hampshire  
24. New Jersey 
25. New Mexico 
26. North Carolina 
27. North Dakota
28. Ohio
29. Oklahoma 
30. Pennsylvania – Partial implementation; Full Implementation Date TBD
31. Rhode Island
32. South Carolina 
33. South Dakota 
34. Tennessee 
35. Texas 
36. Utah 
37. Vermont
38. Virginia 
39. Virgin Islands – NLC enacted, awaiting implementation 
40. Washington 
41. West Virginia  
42. Wisconsin  
43. Wyoming 

States with Partial Implementation:

Currently, Pennsylvania and Guam are in partial implementation of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This means that while nurse residents of these states aren’t yet eligible to apply for a compact nursing license status, nurses from other compact states who already hold an active multistate license are allowed to practice there. You can stay up to date on the implementation progress and details by visiting nursecompact.org.

States with Pending NLC Legislation:

Both Washington D.C. and Michigan have pending NLC legislation, meaning they are in the process of considering joining the compact, but it has not been finalized.

For the latest list of compact states, check nursecompact.org, where you can also see maps showing pending and enacted states.

What Does This Mean for Remote Nursing Jobs?

Having a compact license can certainly open more doors for remote nursing jobs, but it’s not a requirement for every position. Roles like triage nursing, care coordinators, nurse navigators, and case management often involve working with patients across state lines, which is where a compact license becomes especially helpful. If you have a compact license, you’re able to provide care to patients in other compact states without needing additional state licenses.

For example, if you live in Texas (a compact state) and your employer has patients in Florida and North Carolina, you’re already covered to work with those patients without having to apply for separate licenses. This flexibility can make you a more attractive candidate for remote roles that require multi-state coverage.

The Benefits of a Compact License for Remote Jobs:

• More job opportunities for certain remote nursing roles: Remote roles that involve patient interaction, such as triage or case management, often prefer or require a compact license.
• Flexibility to work across states: Particularly valuable in roles where patients are located in various compact states.

However, not every remote nursing job requires a compact license. There are plenty of companies and hospitals looking for nurses with single-state licenses, especially if the nurse resides in the same state as the facility or the patients they serve. In fact, many hospitals prefer hiring nurses who are licensed in the states where they operate due to logistical reasons like taxes, shipping equipment, and scheduling onsite meetings or training. 

What If You Don’t Live in a Compact State?

But what if you don’t live in a compact state? Are you out of luck for remote nursing jobs? Not at all! There are still ways to increase your job opportunities and make yourself more marketable to employers. While having a compact license can simplify things, many remote roles are still open to nurses with single-state licenses. 

In fact, plenty of companies and hospitals are willing to hire nurses with any state license or specific state licenses that aren’t compact, especially for roles that don’t require direct patient interaction. These roles, such as utilization review, data abstraction, quality, and revenue integrity, can be excellent opportunities for nurses who don’t hold a compact license. (Check out our blog post on remote roles for introverted nurses for more details!)

If you’re looking to expand your job prospects, applying for single-state licenses through endorsement is a smart move. This strategy is often used by travel nurses to increase their options, and it works just as well for remote roles. By holding single-state licenses in key states, you make yourself more marketable for remote jobs that require coverage in those areas.

High-Demand Non-Compact States to Consider for Endorsement:

• California
• New York
• Oregon
• Nevada
• Illinois
• Michigan

These states tend to have a high volume of remote nursing job opportunities. Employers often prioritize hiring nurses who are licensed in these states, even if the roles don’t require direct patient care.

Making Yourself More Marketable:

If you already have a compact license, you can increase your marketability by applying for endorsement single state licenses in non-compact states, as listed above. This shows potential employers that you’re ready to provide coverage in key states and makes you a more attractive candidate for multi-state roles.

The reverse is also true. If you aren’t eligible for a compact license, you can still make yourself more marketable by applying for additional single-state licenses. This strategy opens up more remote opportunities, especially in roles where U.S. residency in a specific state isn’t required. The key is to stay proactive and tailor your licensure strategy to match the types of jobs you’re targeting.

Whether you hold a compact license or are building a portfolio of single-state licenses, there are plenty of opportunities in remote nursing roles!  There are also many remote nursing jobs available that will accept any US nursing license (some are limited to the contiguous 48).