Pennsylvania's Nurse Compact Legislature Faces Delays, Impacting Workforce

2024-12-06 nursing

Pennsylvania, Friday, 6 December 2024.
The incomplete implementation of Pennsylvania’s nurse compact legislature, passed over three years ago, limits travel nurses’ job opportunities and hinders healthcare workforce mobility.

Current Implementation Status

Despite Pennsylvania’s participation in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), the partial implementation of the legislation has created an uneven playing field for nurses within the state [1]. The current situation particularly affects Pennsylvania-based travel nurses, who report being unable to compete fairly for certain positions, while out-of-state nurses can more easily access local opportunities [1]. This implementation delay, ongoing since 2021 [6], has significant implications for healthcare staffing flexibility across the state.

Impact on Healthcare Workforce Mobility

The incomplete enforcement particularly affects new graduates and transitioning nurses. Currently, healthcare facilities across Pennsylvania are actively recruiting nurses, with positions ranging from ambulatory care to specialized roles in operating rooms [3][4][5]. These facilities are accepting both Pennsylvania state licenses and multi-state licenses through the Nurse Licensure Compact [3][4], creating a complex situation where out-of-state nurses may have more flexibility than in-state practitioners [1].

Employment Landscape and Opportunities

Despite the legislative challenges, healthcare institutions across Pennsylvania continue to offer competitive positions. Major healthcare providers such as Penn State Health and Allegheny Health Network are actively recruiting, offering sign-on bonuses of up to $10,000 for qualified candidates [5]. These positions require either a Pennsylvania RN license or a multi-state license verified through the Nursing Licensure Compact [3][4][5], highlighting the ongoing duality in licensing requirements.

Looking Forward

Healthcare professionals and advocacy groups are calling for full implementation of the compact legislature to address these disparities [1]. The current situation has prompted concerns about equity in nursing practice opportunities, with hundreds, possibly thousands, of Pennsylvania nurses affected by the incomplete enforcement [1]. A petition is currently circulating calling for the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing to fully enact and uphold the nurse compact legislature as originally intended [1].

Bronnen

Nurse Compact Legislature