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Travel nurse jobs continue to be one of the most flexible and high-earning career paths in healthcare. However, travel nurse job requirements vary by state, and understanding those differences is critical if you want to secure assignments quickly and avoid costly delays.
This 2026 guide breaks down travel nurse jobs requirements by state, including licensing, experience, certifications, and compliance standards—so you can stay assignment-ready wherever demand takes you.
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General Requirements for Travel Nurse Jobs
While each state has its own rules, most travel nurse jobs share these core requirements:
Active RN License
- A valid RN license in the state where the assignment is located, or
- A multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Clinical Experience
- 1–2 years of recent experience in your specialty
- Experience within the last 12–24 months
Highly specialized travel nurse jobs (ICU, ER, OR, L&D) often require two or more years of experience.
Certifications
- BLS (required for nearly all travel nurse jobs)
- ACLS (ICU, ER, Telemetry)
- PALS (Pediatrics, ER)
- NRP (Labor & Delivery)
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) States
Compact states allow nurses to access more travel nurse jobs with a single multistate license, making it easier to move between assignments.
View travel nurse jobs in compact states
Non-Compact States: What to Expect
Some high-paying travel nurse jobs are located in non-compact states that require a separate state license.
- California
- New York
- Oregon
- Washington
- Nevada
- Minnesota
Planning ahead allows you to access more competitive travel nurse jobs in these states.
Explore travel nurse jobs by state
State-Specific Travel Nurse Job Requirements
California
California offers some of the highest-paying travel nurse jobs but requires a separate state license.
View travel nurse jobs in California
Texas
As a compact state, Texas provides fast access to travel nurse jobs across multiple specialties.
Browse travel nurse jobs in Texas
New York
New York travel nurse jobs require license endorsement and additional compliance steps.
See current travel nurse jobs in New York
Florida
Florida is a popular destination for first-time travel nurse jobs and seasonal assignments.
Find travel nurse jobs in Florida
Specialty-Based State Requirements
Some travel nurse jobs include additional requirements depending on specialty:
- ICU and ER travel nurse jobs may require trauma experience
- OR travel nurse jobs often require scrub and circulating experience
- L&D travel nurse jobs require NRP certification
- Behavioral health travel nurse jobs may require extra training
Search travel nurse jobs by specialty
How to Stay Assignment-Ready Across States
- Keep digital copies of all licenses and certifications
- Track expiration dates proactively
- Apply early for non-compact state licenses
- Work with recruiters who understand travel nurse jobs requirements
Final Thoughts
Understanding travel nurse jobs requirements by state helps you secure assignments faster and access higher-paying opportunities.
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