Renewal
How often do I need to renew my license?
When it comes time to renew your license, a renewal notice will be sent to you in the mail approximately two months prior to the expiration date of your license. Currently, an RN license expires on April 30 of each odd-numbered year. License renewal for a practical nurse expires on May 31 of each even-numbered year. The renewal notices are mailed to the last address that the Missouri Board of Nursing has on file so it is important that you notify them of any address changes that may have occurred since your last renewal. Please be advised that it is your responsibility to renew your license even if the renewal notice does not reach you through the mail. To avoid delays, return your renewal notice as soon as it is received. The State Board of Nursing does not issue a paper verification to licensees who opt to go to the Board office to renew his/her license. Renewals in person are not quicker. You may go to the board of nursing office to renew your license, however, you will not receive your license or verification that day. The license will be mailed to you. It can take up to 5 business days to renew a license. If your current license expires prior to receipt of your new license you may only continue working if your license status can be verified online as current. Licenses may be verified for free, 24/7 at www.nursys.com. This website will allow you to verify multi-state or single state license status, discipline and expiration date.
Practice
What is the practice of nursing?
The practice of nursing is a set of interactions that take place between the nurse and the client. The process starts with a detailed assessment of the client’s health care needs. The nurse interviews the client and sometimes the family to obtain the health history as well as the current health status. The nurse physically examines the patient and also reviews the client's medical record including important data such as the results of diagnostic tests. Nursing assessment is followed by developing a plan of care which address the client's ongoing health conditions. The goal of a nursing plan of care is to improve an individual's health status and to prevent future illness. The interventions outlined in a nursing plan of care may include support with activities of daily living as well as highly complex technological services such as ventilator support. It is the nurse's job to observe the effects of the services being provided to each client and to make necessary adjustments. The nurse should always be the patient's advocate and act in the client's best interest.
Licensure
How do I transfer my license to another compact state?
When permanently relocating to another compact state, apply for licensure by endorsement and complete the Declaration of Primary State of Residence for the new home state, which can be found on your board of nursing’s website. The declaration form is generally a page within the application. Notify the former compact board of nursing that you are no longer a resident. You can practice on your former license for a period of up to 90 days. The 90-day period starts when you become a resident in the new state. States are in the process of amending rules regarding the period of time a nurse can practice on the license issued by a former state of residence. The number of days is based on the rule in effect in the new state. It’s recommended to start the application process prior to the move. Residents of noncompact states are not bound by compact rules, which permit a licensee to hold only one compact multistate license in the primary state of residence.
Exam
Can I take the NCLEX in a different state?
The NCLEX-PN exam is administered on a computer at approved test sites throughout the United States. First, the nurse graduate chooses a test center where to take the examination. Since all states administer the same exam, it is not required that a candidate sit for the examination in the same state in which he or she applies for licensure. Each exam is individualized according to the responses given to previous test questions but all exams follow a standard plan. A minimum of eighty-five (85) questions must be answered by a candidate in order to determine a pass or fail status. Some candidates may be answering items for up to five hours in order to finish the test. Every question is multiple choice and each item needs to be answered in order to move to the next one. Candidates with disabilities need to notify the test center in order to receive special accommodations. The NCLEX-PN exam has no more than 205 questions but you can pass with only 85 if you answer correctly. Those who fail the test can take it again but must wait at least forty-five days to retest.
Education
What should I look for in selecting an LPN program?
Choosing an LPN program is the single most important step in becoming a nurse. The program you select, as well as how hard you work at learning, determines how well prepared you are when it comes time to take the NCLEX exam. If possible, it is a good idea to talk to graduates of the LPN program you are looking to enroll into. The following factors have been identified as important by many students when choosing an LPN program: state approval, NCLEX pass rate of graduates, the location and size of nursing school, program accreditation by reputable nursing organizations such as CCNE, tuition cost, financial aid opportunities offered by the school, the teacher to student ratio, the amount of hours spent in clinical practice, and the availability of online courses. You must decide which factors are most important to you and pick out a school based on those factors.
Career
What kind of services do LPNs provide?
Practical nurses are licensed health care providers who provides care under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. An LPN must have a high school diploma or GED and a practical nursing program diploma. Practical nursing programs must be at least nine months long. These programs prepare the student nurse to take the national licensing exam.
A practical nurse can provide the following services: administer medication as directed by the RN or physician, provide bedside client care, observe, measure and record a client's status and vital signs, use catheters and suctioning devices. When additional training is completed the LPN may administer IV therapy, blood and blood products, and assist with dialysis. Because practical nurses receive less training than registered nurses, certain nursing procedures may only be performed by RNs.
Organizations
Cleveland Clinic Free Nursing CMEs
The Center for Continuing Education has been committed to sharing a wealth of knowledge with physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals across the country and all over the world for more than 75 years. The Center for Continuing Education is responsible for one of the largest and most diverse CME programs anywhere.
Emergency Nurses Association
Originally aimed at teaching and networking, the organization has evolved into an authority, advocate, lobbyist, and voice for emergency nursing. ENA has 40,000+ members and continues to grow, with members representing over 35 countries around the world.