Occasionally I like to include a blog entry answering some of the most common questions I get from readers about locum tenens as a nurse practitioner. Feel free to comment any questions you have or email me at travelingNP.com@gmail.com.
- Is there a limit to how many state licenses I can hold?
No, you can hold a nurse practitioner state license in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico if you want to. However, it can get costly when accumulating licenses. I recommend having about 5 active state licenses at any given time to increase your job options.
Also, the more state licenses you have, the longer it can take to acquire other state licenses or to complete credentialing. Depending on the state and site of work, they may need a verification from each of your active and inactive state licenses to support that you are a nurse practitioner in good standing. Some states may take several weeks to provide this information, which can delay credentialing or obtaining a new state license.
So, although there is no limit in the amount of state licenses you can hold at one time, just apply for licenses in moderation.
Thank you for the advice and recommendations on number of states to be licensed and issues with too many.
In your experience and time as a locum NP, which states consistently have the greatest needs? Which states are the easiest to work with?
I would like to start getting my licenses in January and we are starting locum in October 2024.
Thanks again!
Anastasia
Definitely CA (takes 6 months for initial licensure though), WA, NY, PN, Maine. Let me know 3 months before October and I can recommend some recruiters.