One of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking) parts of graduating is taking that next step in your career. After completing nursing school, there are still some steps to take before you can practice. We’ve broken it down into four digestible parts to help you plan for the future!
Apply For Licensure
While having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a key part of your path to becoming a nurse, you still have to get licensed to practice. The first step is to apply for licensure by examination with your state’s Board of Nursing. Every state’s requirements are a little different, so look closely at what you need to submit. Most states allow you to apply up to 90 days before you graduate, and your application is usually valid for up to a year.
Starting your application early is a good idea, since it could take weeks to get approved. This is because everything you submit needs to be reviewed and a background check will be performed.
Once you get approved, there is the possibility that your state will allow you to get a temporary permit so you can start working before taking the NCLEX-RN exam. You only need this if you plan to practice before the state grants you full licensure, otherwise it’s unnecessary.
Some hospitals will not hire people with temporary licenses, so it is advised that you know for sure that you will be able to find a job before spending time and money on a temporary license.
Register For and Take the NCLEX-RN
Once the Board of Nursing reviews your application and deems you eligible, you are now able to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) through PearsonVue. This exam qualifies you to become a registered nurse (RN) and start practicing!
Although you can’t take the test until you get your license application approved, it would be a good idea to make an NCLEX account at the same time you apply for licensure. You can make an account and pay for the exam before you get approved, but you cannot schedule or take the test until you get approval from the Board of Nursing. You should get an email from PearsonVue when you are eligible to take the test.
You should make sure to set aside however much time you need to study before taking the exam. There are many resources available to help you succeed, like practice questions, study guides, study groups, and more!
If you pass your first time, congratulations! If you do not pass, you must wait at least 45 days to retake the exam, and you must pass within three years of graduating from a nursing program to remain eligible. Check with your state’s nursing regulatory body, as each state can have their own requirements and limitations in regards to retakes.
Once You Have Your License
You can get confirmation you passed the NCLEX-RN as soon as 48 hours depending on the state, and your official passing results will be sent to your Board of Nursing. They will then issue you your license! If you decide to wait until you are officially licensed to start working, this is when you begin your job search.
If you are concerned about the possibility of moving in the future, no worries! You don’t have to take the NCLEX-RN again, since it is a national-level exam. However, you do need to become registered in your new state. You can apply for licensure by endorsement and pay a small fee, and then you are able to practice in your new state.
There are multi-state licenses through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) that allow you to practice in multiple states, but nurses still need to re-apply in their new state with their updated address. Your license depends greatly on which states you are moving to and from, so do some research on the specific relationship between those two states, like whether they are a part of the NLC, for the best course of action in your situation.
Maintaining Your License
Once you have your license you will need to maintain it. This involves meeting certain continuing education requirements, such as workshops, webinars, and nursing exams (NOT the NCLEX-RN) that are both state-approved and accredited by a professional organization.
The amount of time and requirements vary depending on how long your license lasts, as each state is different. Some states require you to renew your license after one year, others four, so check your state’s specific licensing system for more information. There is also a fee involved with renewing your license that varies from state to state, so be mindful of that as well.
You should submit your renewal application before the expiration date, so you don’t miss the renewal deadline. If you do miss your renewal you will have to go through the reactivation process to reactivate your license.
Staying Sharp
Although it may seem like a long process, these guidelines and regulations are put in place to keep patients healthy and happy, as well as help nurses stay knowledgeable about all aspects of patient care and medicine.
Citations
How to Get a Temporary RN License in Every State
How Many Times Can You Take NCLEX?
A Step-by-Step Timeline for Getting Licensed as an RN in Your State
Do You Have to Take the NCLEX Again to Work in Another State?
NCSBN: Nurse Licensure Compact
What Counts (and Does Not Count) as Continuing Education for Nurses?
State-by-State Guide to Nursing License Renewal Requirements