Welcome to the Pelican state!
" The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one license but the ability to practice in other states that are part of the agreement.
Originally developed in 2000, in 2024 the license had grown to include at least 25 states. To help streamline the process for nurses the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) was implemented in 2018 and included standards for licensure which the originally compact license was lacking.
____nurse.org
Each state needs a competent medical workforce to meet the needs of it’s citizens. However, the requirements for some health care professions are not the same in each state. That is why it is important to find out what is required of you as a future or current registered nurse before moving across state lines. Contact information is located at the bottom of this page.
Foreign educated nurses will be required to pass the Commission on Foreign Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools qualifying examination. Fore more details, click here.
Foreign educated nurses must also obtain a Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report (CESPR). You will need to apply for this report through CGFNS and have a certified copy sent directly to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing by CGFNS.
A passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or International English Testing System (IELTS) is also required.
Note: Internationally educated nurses are NOT eligible for the 90-day temporary permit.
Below is a general list of requirements for endorsements. Click hereto view the endorsement application.
Proof of licensure from the state that you were originally licensed in, and
Proof of licensure from the last state you worked in if applicable
Proof you have completed an approved nursing program
Either a passing score on the NCLEX or a score of at least 1600, or
350 on the State Board Test Pool Examination
No prior disciplinary action or pending criminal action
Proof of English language proficiency if applicable
Criminal background check
2x2 passport style photo
LPN or LVN licensure verification, even if it is expired
Transcipts proving nursing education
Social security number
Application Fees
$140.75 for mailed application ($240.75 if requesting temporary permit)
150.75 for hand delivered applications ($250.75 if requesting temporary permit)
Licenses are renewed yearly in Louisiana from October to the last day of December for $100. Late renewals will be accepted until the 31st of January for $150.
All renewals must be completed online. As of 2017 all licenses will be paperless. Free license verification can be obtained at the LSBN website within one business day after renewing online.
The amount of continuing education you need for renewal will depend on how many hours you have worked over the year prior to renewal. Nurses practicing for at leat 1600 hours will need at least 5 contact hours. Those practicing between 160 and 1600 hours will need at least 10 contact hours. Registered nurses practicing less than 160 hours will need at least 15 contact hours. For more details, click here.
Louisiana State Board of Nursing
17373 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70810
(225)755-7500
FAX:(225)-755-7584
E-mail:lsbn@lsbn.state.la.us
Education/Licensure Patricia Dufrene (225)755-7522 dufrenep@lsbn.state.la.us
Endorsements/Volunteer Nurses/Foreign Nurses (225)755-7520 (225)755-7581 endorsements@lsbn.state.la.us
Education: Students & Continuing Education (225)755-7522 (225)755-7580 education@lsbn.state.la.us
General Questions (225)755-7500 (225)755-7584 lsbn@lsbn.state.la.us
License Renewal (225)755-7500 (225)755-7584 renewals@lsbn.state.la.us
Frequently asked questions for continuing nursing education can be found here.
Frequently asked questions for renewing your license online can be found here.