Renewal
LPN License Renewal Requirements
All licenses expire December 31 of every even year. LPNs must meet one of the following basic renewal requirements:
- worked a minimum of 500 hours as an LPN in the last 2 years
- worked a minimum of 1600 hours as an LPN in the last 5 years
- 20 LPN continuing education hours in the last 2 years (proof required)
- complete a refresher course in the last 5 years (proof required)
- certification in a specialty area of nursing practice by a nationally recognized accrediting agency accepted by the board in the last 5 years (copy required)
- pass the NCLEX in the last 5 years
Continuing education hours may be obtained from conferences, seminars, lectures, in-services, and online programs. Make certain you receive proof of attendance showing title, date, hours, provider, and contact information. All renewals are processed online and renewal items requiring documentation (CEs, national certification, refresher courses, etc) can be entered electronically. If there are questions regarding the information or you are chosen for audit, you may be required to send in the documentation. If the WSBN Compliance and Discipline Department is investigating a complaint against you at the time your renewal application is received, you will receive a letter from the Wyoming Board of Nursing indicating that you may continue to work under your current license or certificate, but your license or certificate will not be renewed until the complaint is resolved. Licensed Practical Nurses who have inactive status and want to reactivate their license must meet different criteria. If you did not work the minimum amount of hours you may still renew your license by taking and passing the NCLEX-PN exam; successfully completing a refresher course; completing twenty LPN continuing education hours within the last two years; or obtaining certification in a speciality area of nursing practice.
Practice
What is the Nurse Monitoring Program?
The Nurse Monitoring Program (NMP) is a program managed by the board staff that provides the framework and guidelines necessary to promote safe and competent nursing practice. The ultimate goals of the NMP are to:
- provide a clear structure for nurses and CNAs with substance use disorders to seek recovery while retaining the ability to practice
- provide monitoring and structure for nurses and CNAs with mental health and practice safety issues to seek professional help and further education and training while retaining the ability to practice
- outline the specific behaviors required that will demonstrate the nurse's or CNA's commitment to recovery, continuing education and patient safety
- promote accountability of the nurse or CNA with a substance use disorder, mental health or practice safety issue to self, to the Board, and to the public
- allow the Wyoming Board of Nursing to be directly accountable and transparent in its mission to protect the public through regulation of nursing practice
If you are required to enroll in the NMP it is because, in order for you to continue to practice nursing in the State of Wyoming, the Board has determined one or more of the following:
- that you need monitoring, including random drug screens, for a substance abuse disorder that has been diagnosed by a third party addiction specialist or mental health professional
- that your ability to practice safely requires further mental health counseling including, potentially, counseling regarding boundary issues
- that you require additional training and education in one or more areas of nursing practice, which may include the use of a peer review committee
The monitoring period will vary according to the individual, however, the typical length of monitoring is thirty-six (36) to sixty (60) months. The board order will specify the length of time you are to be monitored in the NMP.
Licensure
Am I required to have multiple licenses if I accept a temporary assignment in another compact state?
When hired in a remote state for a temporary position or commuting to a remote state from the primary state of residence (usually an adjacent state), employers cannot require you to apply for licensure in the remote state when you have lawfully declared another state as your primary state of residence. Primary state of residence is based on where you pay federal income tax, vote and/or hold a driver’s license. The remote board of nursing cannot issue a license to a nurse who has declared another compact state as the primary state of residence, since the compact license from the home state applies to both states and having multiple compact licenses is therefore redundant. You have the privilege to practice in any remote compact state with your home state compact license.
Exam
What is the NCLEX-PN exam?
The NCLEX-PN is an exam administered to individuals qualified for and seeking a practical nurse license. Only those who have completed a state-approved LPN program and received authorization by a state board of nursing are allowed to sit for the exam. This test is a national licensing examination, administered using a computer, in the United States and its territories. Nursing graduates are tested on their knowledge, skills, and abilities to ensure they are ready to practice nursing at the entry level. Because the same exam is used throughout all states and territories of the United States, practical nurses are able to request endorsement or reciprocity of their license from one state to another without having to re-take the exam. The test results are reported as either pass or fail. Those who pass the exam obtain an LPN license in their particular state.
Education
What does it mean for a program to be accredited or approved?
The approval of a nursing program is different than the accreditation the program receives. While both approval and accreditation are key elements of a successful nursing school, these two terms do not mean the same thing. A state's board of nursing has the power to approve nursing programs within that particular state. When a nursing program is approved by the board of nursing it means that the curriculum meets the standards set forth by the state's laws and regulations. Only students who complete a state-approved LPN program are allowed to sit for the NLCEX-PN licensing exam.
State approval of a nursing program ensures that specific standards are met, protecting both the students and the clients receiving nursing care from program graduates. A nursing program may receive recognition, gain status and earn credentials from an official agency other than the state's board of nursing. This is known as program accreditation. Accreditation focuses on program quality and excellence. National accreditation agencies for nursing programs include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Some scholarships are available only for students who attend accredited nursing programs.
Career
Attributes and Qualities of a Successful LPN
Licensed practical nurses should have a caring, sympathetic nature. They should be emotionally stable because working with the sick and injured can be stressful. They also need to be observant, and to have good decision-making and communication skills. As part of a healthcare team, they must be able to follow orders and work under close supervision. LPNs should enjoy learning because continuing education credits are required by some states or employers at regular intervals. Career-long learning is a distinct reality for licensed practical nurses.
Organizations
National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities
The National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities is an open membership, cross disability, professional organization that works to promote equity for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions in nursing through education and advocacy.
Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) provides the highest quality certification services for nursing professionals who care for pediatric populations.