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A Nursing Career Resource with Licensing Info & Job Openings
North Carolina is progressive in the field of nursing. The state has changed many ways that nurses are allowed to practice- from the phasing out of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in order to allow more students to become Practical Nurses (PNs ) and shortening the required time to study, to approving more programs for other nursing degrees. North Carolina is a participant in the National Licensure Compact.
Practical Nurses (PNs) must finish three semesters of training, while Registered Nurses (RNs) training begins at two years for Associate's and then four years for Bachelor's. There are other degrees available, these are for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Throughout the state there are many programs for nurses, from community colleges to larger university campuses. There are loans and grants that can help pay for the classes. Some employers may pay for the training as well.
When a student has finished their nursing training, they will need to apply to the state's board of nursing in order to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This exam is governed by a national council and is the same in every state. Every test taker will complete seventy five questions, though others will complete more. The test is computer based and the software will make a determination on how knowledgeable the test taker is. If it determines a passing score, the test ends. It will end if the test takers demonstrates they do not have proper knowledge by answering too many questions incorrectly. A physical license is mailed from the board of nursing to the new nurse's home if they passed the NCLEX. The license is actually issued the same day of exam, but it takes time to print and mail. The new nurse may look for work as soon as the license is issued. A paper may be given at the facility to prove the new license status for employers to view. Nurses from nearby states that participate in the NLC (national licensure compact) may work in NC without applying for an NC license.
Every nurse in North Carolina must renew their license after two years. The board of nursing sends out notifications before renewal is needed. These notifications will list the fees required for renewal.
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