Tennessee’s participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact represents a significant advancement in modernizing nursing practice and strengthening workforce mobility. As illustrated in the infographic, the compact allows eligible nurses to hold one multistate license that enables them to practice across participating states, reducing administrative barriers while increasing flexibility and access to employment opportunities. Nurses who meet uniform licensure requirements, including graduating from an approved program, passing the NCLEX, maintaining an unencumbered license, and completing background checks, can apply for multistate licensure through their state Board of Nursing. Beyond individual career benefits, the compact also strengthens healthcare systems by allowing faster deployment of nurses during workforce shortages and enhancing public safety through shared licensure and disciplinary data across states. This streamlined approach supports both workforce responsiveness and continuity of care, positioning the compact as a critical component of healthcare workforce infrastructure in Tennessee and across the nation.
Eligibility (Uniform Licensure Requirements)
To qualify, nurses must:
- Graduate from a board-approved U.S. or accredited international program
- Pass NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN
- Hold an active, unencumbered license
- Complete state and federal fingerprint-based background checks
- Have no disqualifying felony or nursing-related misdemeanor convictions
- Possess a valid U.S. Social Security number
Benefits of a Compact License
- Streamlined licensing across compact states
- Expanded job mobility and flexibility
- Faster response to workforce shortages
- Enhanced public safety through shared disciplinary data
Applying for a Multistate License
Apply through your Board of Nursing (BON) for:
- License by Exam (new graduates)
- License by Endorsement
- Renewal
- Conversion from single-state to multistate
- International graduate licensure
Source: Nurse Licensure Compact, NCSBN
