Starting a new travel assignment should be exciting—not stressful. But small paperwork issues, missed emails or state specific requirements can quietly slow down a license application. When that happens, start dates move, credentialing stalls and assignments become harder to get.
The good news? Almost all licensure delays are preventable with the right preparation and support. At Advantis Medical we help travelers anticipate these hurdles early so you stay on track for day one.
Below are the 5 most common delays travel nurses encounter—and how to avoid them.
Pitfall 1: Underestimating Endorsement Timelines
Many travelers wait to apply for their license until after a contract is signed. But state endorsement can take longer than expected especially during busy seasons or high volume states like California and Hawaii.
Most states need 4-6 weeks for a clean application while others can take 10-12+ weeks depending on verifications.
A major reason for delays? Each state needs documents sent directly from your previous BON, school or background check vendor. A single missing transcript or slow verification can stall your file until everything arrives.
Action Step: Use our Travel Nurse License Requirements Center to check your state’s timeline and required documents before you apply. Having everything ready upfront keeps your file moving.
Pitfall 2: PSOR Changes and Compact License Confusion
Your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) determines where your multistate license is valid. Updating something as simple as your driver’s license while on assignment can unintentionally trigger the NLC’s 60-day rule.
For example:
A Florida nurse working a North Carolina contract can legally practice on a Florida multistate license—as long as she doesn’t update her PSOR indicators (driver’s license, voter registration, tax home). If she changes her driver’s license to North Carolina she would have 60 days to apply for a new multistate license in North Carolina.
Missing that deadline converts the license to single state status and limits where you can work next.
Action Step: Before taking an assignment decide if the move is temporary or permanent. If temporary keep your home state records unchanged. If you do relocate start the PSOR transition early and apply for your new multistate license within the required timeframe.
Pitfall 3: Fingerprinting + Background Check Processing Delays
Fingerprinting is one of the most common—and most fixable—causes of licensure delays.
Digital Live Scan fingerprints clear fastest, often in just a few days. Hard-copy fingerprint cards can take several weeks and are more prone to smudges or rejections. If a print is rejected the clock resets.
Other common causes of Background Check delays include:
- Name or address mismatches
- Missing documents
- Old court records needing verification
- Fingerprint cards arriving bent or incomplete
Digital fingerprints are good for about 60 days. If your state requires resubmission of fingerprints complete and submit new ones within the 60 day window. Otherwise you will lose progress and have to pay for fingerprinting again.
Action Step: Make fingerprinting your first step after contract acceptance. Use a state approved digital vendor whenever possible. Get a processing code directly from your state BON before going to the fingerprinting location. Get 2-3 copies of your hard cards if your state requires them and send originals via overnight mail in an unbendable envelope. Keep receipts and tracking numbers for all fingerprints. Call the BON one week after submission to confirm fingerprints arrived and cleared.
Pitfall 4: Missing CE or Renewal Deadlines
When you hold multiple licenses renewal cycles can sneak up on you. An expired home-state license immediately suspends your multistate privileges—and can pause onboarding for your next assignment.
State-Specific CE
Some nurses complete CE courses months early only to find out the course doesn’t count towards their upcoming renewal period because the timing is off. And different states have different requirements:
- Florida requires 1-hour HIV/AIDS training as a mandatory CE element.
- Kentucky requires 3 hours of training on domestic violence.
- Nevada requires opioid and pain management training.
- Texas requires 20 contact hours of CE every two years for RNs and a nursing jurisprudence exam.
Courses must occur during your renewal cycle not before or after. If your home state license expires before your new assignment starts you lose your multistate privilege immediately.
Talk to your recruiter about meeting these state specific deadlines.
Never let your home state license lapse, even temporarily. An expired license cancels your multistate status immediately.
Action Step: Enroll in Nursys e-Notify (free through your state BON). Set calendar reminders 90 days before renewal deadlines.
Pitfall 5: Overlooking State-Specific Rules (Jurisprudence Exams, TB Tests, Training)
Many states have additional testing or training beyond the typical endorsement process; these additional steps can extend your timeline if overlooked.
Some examples include:
Texas Jurisprudence Exam
Texas requires every nurse, including those applying by endorsement, to take a 50 question online exam on Texas Nurse Practice Act rules and regulations. You have 2 hours to complete it. You must score 75% or higher.
This exam cannot be skipped or waived even for experienced travel nurses. Allow at least 1 week to schedule and complete it.
Hawaii TB Test
Hawaii requires TB testing before endorsement approval. The test itself takes at least 48 hours to read. Processing adds another 5-10 business days.
New York Infection Control & Child Abuse Courses
New York requires RN license by endorsement applicants to complete a 4-hour infection control course and a 2-hour child abuse reporting course before licensure is granted.
These courses must be from NYSED approved providers. Completion takes 1-2 weeks. Hospitals will not credential you without proof of completion.
Colorado Online Exam
Colorado requires an online exam on Colorado nursing law and scope of practice. Colorado has a formal BON meeting once a month and that can delay your application’s approval. Initial review takes at least 3 weeks. Colorado can issue a temporary license for 4 months while your permanent license is processed but many travel assignments require a permanent license.
Action Step: Double check to confirm whether exams, CE, or health screenings apply to your endorsement. Completing these early keeps your file moving without interruptions.
Other Small Mistakes That Can Cause Big Delays
Most licensing slowdowns are caused by one small detail being missed. Here are a few preventable issues we see most often:
Incomplete Applications
Missing signatures, unchecked boxes, or incomplete documents can hold an application indefinitely. Always check your application materials twice before sending them out. Then check again. Take your time and be honest.
Temporary Permit Assumptions
Not all states offer temporary permits. Always verify before counting on one.
“In Process” Doesn’t Always Mean “On Track”
Applications marked “pending” are often waiting on missing items. Contact the BON every 10 days to confirm what’s still outstanding. You will save yourself a lot of stress.
Missed Emails
Requests for additional information can land in spam or go unnoticed, stalling progress. Set your email preferences s that essential messages go directly into your inbox. Check your spam folder and run an email search to find any missing messages when you experience delayed responses.
Action Step: Check your email frequently, keep your recruiter updated, and follow up with the BON every 7–10 days to confirm that all documents are received and complete.
Your 30-Day Licensing Countdown Plan
T-60 Days (Before Desired Start Date):
- Research your target state’s BON endorsement requirements on their official website
- Schedule fingerprinting at a state-approved location
- Order transcripts from your nursing school (must be sent directly to the BON)
- Check for state-specific requirements (jurisprudence exam, TB test, CE courses)
T-45 Days:
- Complete fingerprinting and get the tracking number
- Submit your completed endorsement application
- Get license verification from all previous states (Typically done through Nursys)
- Enroll in any state-mandated courses
- Confirm the application status in BON nursing portal
T-30 Days:
- Follow up with verifications and transcripts (confirm receipt)
- Complete state-mandated exams or courses
- Verify all documents in your BON file
- Contact BON to confirm no more documents are needed
- Set weekly reminders to check application status
T-14 Days:
- Verify all CE courses are completed and documented
- Check the BON website daily for license status
- Contact recruiter for updates on licensing status
- Communicate with your recruiter
T-7 Days to Start:
- Check application status every day
- Notify your recruiter right away of any issues
- Ask BON if temporary license or work authorization is available
- Don’t assume the license will be active by start date
- Always have a backup plan
A Travel Nurse Agency That Actually Supports You
Licensing can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. Advantis Medical is with you every step of the way to make each step easier and more predictable so you can focus on what you do best.
With the Advantis Gold Standard, you get dedicated support, fast communication and a team that helps you stay ahead of deadlines so you never miss a start date over paperwork.
Ready to get prepared for your next assignment?
Visit the Nursing License Center or check out Compact Nursing License States to stay ahead of state requirements.
Looking for your next assignment?
Search travel RN jobs now and let our team help you make your next move confidently and on time.
