Renewal
LPN License Renewal
Licensed practical nurses need to renew their license every two years in order to maintain an active status on their state's board of nursing. Most states require a renewal fee and some states offer online renewal. Those who have an inactive, lapsed, or suspended license are not eligible for renewal and must contact their board of nursing to find out how to reactivate it. Every state has its own renewal requirements and only LPNs who meet work and continuing education requirements qualify for renewal and are allowed to practice. Contact the board of nursing to find out how many hours of nursing practice and how many continuing educational credits are mandatory for license renewal in your state.
Practice
Can I practice nursing in the State of Mississippi if I have a multi-state license from another Compact state?
If the nurse has ever had a Mississippi compact privilege or license denied, revoked, suspended, surrendered or restricted, and that disciplinary action has not been cleared, the nurse may not practice nursing in Mississippi until such time as the disciplinary action has been cleared. The nurse may practice in Mississippi if:
- he or she has a valid multi-state compact license
- still meets the multi-state licensure requirements of the state that issued the compact multi-state license
- the nurse's permanent state of residence is still the state that issued the compact multi-state license
- the nurse has not had a Mississippi compact privilege or license denied, revoked, suspended, surrendered or restricted
Licensure
Can I take the NCLEX in a different state?
The NCLEX can be taken in any state convenient to you. The results will be directed to the board of nursing where you applied for your authorization to test (ATT) and licensure. You should apply for a license in the state where you intend to legally reside and practice.
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
Does the Mississippi Board of Nursing regulate and approve nursing programs?
The Mississippi Board of Nursing does not regulate or approve nursing programs. The Board of Nursing is a consumer protection agency with the authority to regulate the practice of nursing through licensure as provided for the by the Mississippi Nursing Practice Law. Registered nurse programs are accredited and regulated by the Institutions of Higher Learning. Licensed practical nurse programs are accredited and regulated by the Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges. These agencies should be contacted for information about various nursing programs, statistics and degrees.
Career
Employment Projections for LPNs
A large number of licensed practical nurses are expected to retire over the coming decade, creating potential job openings. Job prospects should also be favorable for LPNs and LVNs, who are willing to work in rural and medically underserved areas. In addition, many procedures that once could be done only in hospitals are now being done outside of hospitals, creating demand in other settings, such as outpatient care centers. As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs and LVNs will be needed in residential care facilities and in home health environments to care for geriatric patients. Growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity will lead to increased demand for LPNs and LVNs in skilled nursing and other extended care facilities. Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 25 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Organizations
Mississippi School Nurse Association
The mission of the Mississippi School Nurse Association is to promote quality school health programs, strengthen the professional growth of school nurses, and advance the practice of school nursing.
American Society for Pain Management Nursing
The American Society for Pain Management Nursing's mission is to advance and promote optimal nursing care for people affected by pain by promoting best nursing practice. This is accomplished through education, standards, advocacy and research.