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A Nursing Career Resource with Licensing Info & Job Openings
Healthcare is a billion dollar industry and there are always employment opportunities for nurses. Are you goal oriented, compassionate, and determined? Then nursing may be the career choice for you. With a struggling economy it can be hard to find work these days. But nurses are always in demand. These days, there are no more stereotypes; many men are finding rewarding careers as nurses. Nursing can be offer chances for travel, to do humanitarian work as well as an opportunity for self-improvement, and fulfillment. Don’t forget about the great pay and opportunities for advancement.
When choosing a school for training, make sure that you select one whose nursing program is approved by the state. Otherwise your time and money will have been wasted. Schooling is required, in the State of Washington, for a nursing license for both registered nursing (RN) and licensed practical nursing (LPN). For registered nurses, an associate’s degree requires approximately two years of classes and a bachelor’s degree takes about four. To become a licensed practical nurse the required training will take about one year. Of course, depending on the amount of classes you are able to take per semester, your time in school can vary.
Upon completion of your training, you must apply for testing approval. The form may be available through your school and can also be found online. The process is simple; all that is required is an application for testing and a processing fee. This application fee is non-refundable. The actual testing, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) is the standard of testing for the United States of America and its territories. Testing is regulated by the National Council on Nursing. These tests are to insure that, as an entry level nurse, you are knowledgeable, safe and effective. Most students do pass the 'boards', but anyone who does not can apply to retake the test. You must pass this test in order to apply for a nursing license. Washington State, also, requires a seven hour HIV class before licensing is issued. Nursing licenses are available from the Washington State Department of Health. The licensing fee for both RNs and LPNs is $92.00.
The license renewal fee, in Washington, for RNs is $101.00 and the renewal for LPNs is $92.00. Make sure to renew your license before it expires, as Washington has a $70.00 expired license renewal charge. Washington’s nursing licenses are good for one year.
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