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A Nursing Career Resource with Licensing Info & Job Openings
To become a nurse in Maine, you will need to complete training in the degree level you have chosen. This means that you will take courses for licensed practical nurse (LPN), or registered nurse (RN). The RN has two degrees, Associates (ASN) or Bachelor's(BSN).
Some LPN courses require prerequisites, all RN programs have this requirement. Prerequisite courses can take up to six months to complete, the time frame depends on how many are required and if you choose full or part time classes. An LPN that wishes to bridge to an RN may be able to skip certain prerequisites. Every school will have different requirements, so it is best to research the courses offered before choosing the one that is right for you.
Maine requires that all students graduating from a nursing program sit for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). This exam is the same in all 50 states. The pass rate for Maine is about 85%, which means that you have a very good chance on passing the exam on your first try. The number of passing students rises when a second exam is factored in, though the percentage is not listed in the statistics at this time (2011). Before taking the test, you will need to fill out an application. The application has a processing fee that must be paid when the form is mailed or electronically submitted to the state's board of nursing. This fee is non-refundable. Once you are approved, you will receive a letter from the board of nursing in the mail. You may then sit for the NCLEX. The NCLEX is given by Pearson Vue and may be held at the school you trained in or in a separate location. The testing fee must be paid at the time of examination. You will also need to bring your photo identification. Your nursing license will be issued after you have gained a passing grade on the NCLEX. Your license will arrive in the mail, about one month to six weeks after testing.
Maine requires license renewal every twenty four months. Allowing your license to lapse will render your nursing status as invalid and you may not practice until the license is renewed. Maine's board of nursing may ask that you take the NCLEX again depending on how long the license has been lapsed. You may also need to have certain continuing education credits for renewal, the board of nursing website can alert you to this or you may receive a letter detailing the credits required.
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