The Granite State's Top 10: Most Valuable Nurses Benefits

New Hampshire's highlights for nursing professionals include its membership in the Nurse Licensure Compact, Full Practice Authority for APRNs, and robust state-level loan repayment programs. Here's the full WeSalute ranking for the top ten professional resources and benefits for nurses in New Hampshire:

1. Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Membership: New Hampshire is a member of the NLC. This is a primary benefit, allowing RNs and LPNs who hold a multistate license to practice in any of the 40+ other compact states without needing to obtain an additional license.
2. Full Practice Authority for APRNs: This is a career-defining benefit. New Hampshire grants full, independent practice authority to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). They can evaluate, diagnose, treat, and prescribe (including controlled substances) to the full extent of their education without a mandated collaborative agreement with a physician.
3. State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): This program offers substantial financial relief. It provides up to $75,000 (for a three-year commitment) in loan repayment to full-time primary care APRNs and other health professionals working in designated medically underserved areas.
4. Mandatory CE for RNs/LPNs: The renewal requirements are straightforward. RNs and LPNs must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every two-year renewal period to maintain active licensure.
5. APRN Prescriptive Authority CE: To maintain prescriptive authority, APRNs must complete 5 contact hours in pharmacology every two years. Crucially, 3 of these hours must be specifically on opioid prescribing, pain management, or substance abuse disorders if the nurse holds an active DEA number.
6. New Hampshire Nurses Association (NHNA): The NHNA is the state's premier professional organization. Membership is a joint membership with the American Nurses Association (ANA), providing strong legislative advocacy, networking, and discounts on ANCC certification and continuing education.
7. No State Income Tax on Wages: A massive financial advantage: New Hampshire has zero state income tax on earned wages. This effectively boosts the take-home pay of every nurse working in the state compared to their counterparts in taxable jurisdictions.
8. The New Hampshire Nurse Practice Act: This is the single most important legal document for every nurse in the state. It defines the legal scope of practice for LPNs, RNs, and APRNs, and formally grants independent practice authority to advanced practice nurses.
9. New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association (NHNPA): This specialized organization focuses on the needs of APRNs. It was instrumental in securing full practice authority and continues to provide legislative advocacy, specialized CE, and career support for NPs in the state.
10. Professional Liability Insurance: While many employers provide malpractice coverage, nurses—especially APRNs with independent practice authority—are strongly encouraged to carry their own individual liability insurance policy for personal protection of their license and assets.

It is critical to contact the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (within the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification) for all official information on licensure, scope of practice, and continuing education. Professional associations like the NHNA and NHNPA are the primary resources for advocacy, networking, and career development.

New Hampshire Board of Nursing

(Office of Professional Licensure and Certification)

Address: 
7 Eagle Square 
Concord, NH 03301

Phone: 1-603-271-2152

Return to the WeSalute State Nurses Benefits Guide