#NCLEX review Las Vegas | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

fingerprintingexpress-blog · 6 years ago

Text

Nevada Board of Nursing Licensing Requirements [Ultimate Guide] - https://www.fingerprintingexpress.com/nevada-board-of-nursing-licensing-requirements/

New Post has been published on https://www.fingerprintingexpress.com/nevada-board-of-nursing-licensing-requirements/

Nevada Board of Nursing Licensing Requirements [Ultimate Guide]

At Fingerprinting Express, we feel that nursing is one of the most impactful careers out there. Good nurses help save lives and touch the hearts of patients and their families every day, even while working in the most high-stress, demanding conditions. Because of the importance and nature of the job, nurses must adhere to strict guidelines, stay current on licensure and training, and undergo regular fingerprinting background checks for the safety of the public.

Whether you are considering becoming a nurse in Nevada, are an experienced licensed nurse needing to renew a license, or work as a traveling nurse, this post will help you understand the steps needed to get your licensure and stay current.

Background Information on Nursing Jobs in Nevada

According to the National Nursing Database, there are currently around 4,130 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and 42,029 Registered Nurses (RNs) in Nevada. If you have a passion for helping people in a medical setting, nursing can be a rewarding and well-paying career. The average LPN in Nevada makes around $55,000, and an RN earns around $84,980 per year (annual mean wage). Salaries vary depending on where you work and your level of experience. Nevada is working to raise its status in the healthcare industry. There are several scholarships and grants providing assistance toward Nursing education in efforts to increase the amount of healthcare professionals in Nevada. It has been estimated as of 2017, that Nevada needed over 5,500 licensed nurses just to catch up to National average. According to University of Nevada Reno’s Health Workforce Supply in Nevada Policy Report, Nevada ranks 48th in registered nurses for our population. Thankfully, Nevada has organizations like HEALS Las Vegas that are working hard to change the Nevada Healthcare Industry rankings, including Nevada’s registered nurses.

Nurses work across a number of different specialty areas in the following settings:

Hospitals

Physicians’ offices

Nursing homes

Assisted living facilities

Group homes

Home healthcare settings

Outpatient clinics

Schools

Military service

Disability care

In addition to the settings listed above, there is a high demand for nurses that are willing to travel. Traveling nurses go to different locations on a short-term basis (typically 8-26 weeks) depending on the assignment. Perks include great benefits and pay, housing compensation, flexibility, and the excitement of working with world-class doctors in various facilities. If you like to travel and enjoy the variety of different environments, this may be the perfect position for you! Learn more about requirements for obtaining a traveling nursing position in Nevada here.

How to Apply for Your Initial Nursing License in Nevada

Whether you are applying for your LPN or RN licensure, there are a number of steps you will need to take in order to obtain your nursing license. First, you will need to complete an approved nursing program in Nevada. The Nevada State Board of Nursing has given its full approval to certain schools to instruct Nevada nurses in all aspects of their pre-licensure nursing programs. Some of these educational facilities include the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV); the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Orvis School of Nursing; Las Vegas College; and several others. See the complete list here.

Next, you will need to register for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). LPNs take the NCLEX-PN and RNs sit for the NCLEX-RN. Here are some additional details on the application and registration process for the NCLEX.

Once an individual has competed an approved program and passed the national licensing examination, RNs and LPNs are encouraged to apply for licensure through the Nevada Nurse Portal, a secure and confidential cloud-based system that allows nurses to apply for, renew, and access information related to their license or certificate status from one convenient place. To get started you will need to access the Nevada State Board of Nursing Nurse Portal, create an account, follow the instructions to complete the application, and then submit it when finished.

You will be required to undergo a fingerprinting background check to determine eligibility for licensure during this process.

The Nevada Licensure Process for International and Out-Of-State Nurses

Many nurses transferring to Nevada from another state wonder if Nevada is a part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC is a multi-state agreement that twenty-five states currently participate in which allows nurses moving from one state to another to use their current license if both states participate in the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). Currently, Nevada doesn’t participate in the NLC, but you can apply for licensure by endorsement if you are an RN or LPN. Follow the steps below to apply for an endorsement:

Complete the application form, including applicable license/fingerprinting fees.

Include evidence of graduation from a qualifying nursing education program.

Provide official verification (or endorsement) from the state where you were originally licensed.

Complete fingerprints.

When you begin the endorsement process, you will receive a temporary permit while waiting for the results of the background check. The Board recommends having fingerprints done as soon as possible since it can take up to four months to get the results. Contact the Nevada State Board of Nursing for details on the RN/LPN Endorsement application process.

If you’ve graduated from an international program, you can be licensed in Nevada if the program you completed meets Nevada’s legal requirements. To accomplish this, you will send your credentials, including professional licenses and nursing education, to be reviewed and evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. Additionally, if you have graduated from a program where English is the not the primary language, you will have to pass an English proficiency exam. Fingerprints and a background check will also be required as a part of the process. Learn more about the steps needed here.

Nursing License Renewal Process in Nevada

RNs and LPNs are required to renew their nursing license every two years. You can access the Nevada Nurse Portal to start the process of renewing your license online. Here are the renewal requirements for Nevada nurses:

Completion of 30 hours of nursing-related continuing education within the previous two-year period

Completion of the renewal application

Completion of fingerprint background check by the Board or an approved vendor (Renewal applicants must undergo a criminal background check every five years or as directed by the NSBN.)

Payment of the renewal fee (varies depending on licensure)

In addition, RNs and LPNs must complete a one-time, four-hour bioterrorism course in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act.

*Note: NSBN works with Nursys e-Notify, a free notification service that will send automatic email and SMS updates to help you stay current on your information related to your licensure. You can sign up for this handy tool to receive reminders of your license expiration, updates on the status of your license, and other pertinent information regarding your license.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fingerprinting

Naturally, nurses have many questions about fingerprinting and requirements from the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

Q: How often do nurses need to undergo background checks?

A: The NSBN made fingerprinting mandatory for all initial applications as of 1/1/2000. Fingerprinting became a requirement for licensure/certificate renewals as of 10/1/2010. If your initial license was issued five years ago, you will need to submit fingerprints. The Board requires all applicants for renewal to undergo criminal background checks every five years (or as directed).

Q: How do I know when I need to be fingerprinted?

A: Fingerprinting is required for initial licensure. Upon renewal, you should receive a notification letter outlining your need for fingerprints when the Board receives your renewal application (for paper and online renewals).

Q: Will my criminal conviction keep me from a nursing career in Nevada?

A: Not all criminal convictions will keep you from obtaining/renewing a nursing license. Click here to see what the NSBN has to say about criminal convictions. It is important to be honest when answering questions on your initial licensure/renewal applications. If you answer “no” to a question and then you are found to have a conviction, your application will be considered fraudulent and it will be denied.

Q: Should I get fingerprinting done prior to renewing my license?

A: No need, but you are urged to have it done as soon as possible after receiving notification from the Board that it is needed for renewal. Livescan is the fastest way to process, if you are submitting hard fingerprint cards it is recommended you mail them in at least 5 months beforethe expiration of your license.

Q: If I recently had fingerprints done in another state, can I use those?

A: No. You will need to submit a new set of fingerprints to the Board as FBI regulations do not allow sharing of criminal history reports.

Q: Do I need to get my fingerprinting done at the Nevada Nursing Board office?

A: No. However, you do need to have your fingerprints done by any authorized fingerprinting vendor to submit your fingerprints. The Board strongly encourages having your fingerprints collected at a facility that uses electronic submission. If you are out of state you will mail in hard fingerprint cards. Fingerprinting Express accepts walk-ins 6 days a week.

Q: How long will it take for the Board to receive my fingerprint report?

A: Livescan electronic submission is the fastest way to process. By Nevada law, NDPS must send the results within 30 days. Fingerprinting Express has produced results as soon as 5 days. Hard cards can take from two to sixmonths to get the results, so it is recommended that you have your fingerprints done as soon as possible after you receive notification that they are needed. Please note, it will take the board longer to license you after they receive your criminal history report.

Q: What if my fingerprints are rejected? Does that mean a criminal conviction has been found?

A: Not necessarily. This is not unusual and can happen for several reasons. Sometimes it is a poor-quality print due to operator error or inexperience. Having Livescan fingerprinting done virtually eliminates these types of errors. Other times it is because nurses (especially those who have been in the field for years) may have worn down fingerprints. There are temporary reasons fingerprint ridge detail is not capturing. This is why the State and FBI will request another set of fingerprints to see if better ridge detail can be captured on a different day. You cannot submit the same fingerprints twice. If you require ink fingerprints, it is best to go with a highly-rated fingerprinting facility for the best results.

Q: Sometimes I have to be fingerprinted twice in one visit. Why is that?

A: This typically happens when both the employer and the Board require fingerprints. For legal reasons, each set of fingerprints requires a separate submission. Fingerprint facilities must put the lawful reason for fingerprinting on the record. These lawful reasons are different for licensing and employment. This is usually the case with nurses working in long-term, elderly or disability care.

Fingerprinting Express—Fingerprinting Nevada’s Nurses for Over 15 Years

At Fingerprinting Express, we are proud to offer four convenient locations to provide the best fingerprinting services to Nevada’s nurses. We do our best the first time to prevent rejections – we have the lowest rejection rates at .002% (industry average is 1% rejection rates). We use high-resolution technology and have special techniques to get the best possible fingerprints the first time. Our clean, modern facilities and friendly, expert staff ensure that you have a fast and pleasant experience. An approved vendor by the Nevada Nursing Board, we offer traditional hard cards and Livescan fingerprinting which can be submitted electronically. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment or walk into any of our locations at your convenience.

If you are a nurse in need of fingerprinting for licensure or renewal, you can count on Fingerprinting Express! Call today with any questions or to schedule your appointment at 1-800-919-0227 or walk in when it is most convenient for you. Click here to find a store near you.

Other Articles To Read:

What Shows Up On A Criminal Background Check?

Requirements For Obtaining A Traveling Nursing Position In Nevada

Electronic Fingerprint Background Checks In Nevada: A Growing Security Measure

0 notes

elsevierstudentlife · 8 years ago

Text

Author Spotlight: Advice from Angela Silvestri, PhD, RN

Angela Silvestri, former Elsevier Student Ambassador and co-author of Saunders Strategies for Test Success, recently chatted with the Student Ambassador team to offer some advice for current nursing students regarding stress-management, preparing for the NCLEX, and life after graduation.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into nursing.

When asked what I wanted to do with my life and as a career, I always answered that I wanted to work in the medical field. At first my ambition was to become a physician; however, learning that nurses interact with their patients more often than physicians do swayed me to pursue nursing. While in nursing school, I worked as a tutor for my peers. I realized how much I enjoyed doing this and how much of a difference my help made in these students' college careers and ultimately their lives.

I received my baccalaureate degree in Nursing and Sociology at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. After earning my degree, I worked in long term care, rehabilitation, and acute care settings. I then went on to earn my master's degree and PhD in Nursing and published the findings related to cultural competence in the curriculum. I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and teach Fundamental Skills and Medical-Surgical Nursing in the didactic, simulation, skills lab, and clinical settings. A primary goal of mine is finding the best student-centered teaching strategies to help students transition to successful nurses at practice.

Working with students while having been a student for quite some time helped me understand and realize the individual needs of each student. This experience, in addition to my experience in item writing and other contributions to nursing textbooks, has helped me co-author Saunders Strategies for Test Success. I am very excited to be a part of this opportunity to further assist nursing students in their ultimate goal: passing nursing school and the NCLEX® exam!

2. What’s your best advice for preparing for the NCLEX?

It’s best to take NCLEX soon after graduating from nursing school. I recommend taking it within 1 month, and not waiting any longer than 3 months to take it. During this waiting period, a schedule needs to be developed, just as if you were still in school. There are many NCLEX review products available, but my favorite approach is to have a brief content review based on body system, followed by questions and answers. Look for a review product that gives rationales (which explain why the correct answer is correct, and why the incorrect answer is incorrect), and test-taking strategies. There are products including books and online resources that utilize this approach.

I do also recommend attending a live review session for NCLEX preparation. These sessions remove you from isolation and help you have discussions about certain ideas that may have been difficult for you to master on your own. At a minimum, when preparing for NCLEX, you should do 200-300 questions per study day. You should also plan off days for you to relax. There are some products that will generate a study calendar based on your responses to a 75-question pre-test. I highly recommend this, because it takes the guess work out of designing your study schedule.

3. What tips do you have for handling stress while in nursing school?

It’s all about organization. There’s no way around it, nursing school is hard. No matter the program type or level, there will not be an easy semester. The stress from nursing school comes from feeling like there’s not enough time to accomplish everything you need to do.

Being organized, and having a plan of attack is what will help you to be most successful. On clinical days, try not to plan much in the way of studying, since you’ll be so tired. Also, think about the time of day that is most successful for you to study. Early morning works for a lot of people, and sometimes night time is better for others. Depending on your preferences, develop a strict schedule, and stick to it. If you’re able to feel prepared for class, exams, and clinical, your stress will be significantly managed.

Another thing you should try to do is promote your energy level by exercising a few times a week and eating healthy. Your brain will be more functional if you adapt healthy lifestyle habits. Use healthy coping mechanisms for stress, and stay away from alcohol. Enlist the help of friends and family wherever you can, it makes a huge difference!

4. How has your perspective changed from being a nursing student to an educator?

As a lifelong learner, I can always empathize with my nursing students. Since becoming an educator, I have gained an appreciation for the rigor of nursing programs. From the perspective of an educator, I have learned that the things we tend to gloss over as students, are actually very important. An example would be a school’s program outcomes, or the course objectives for a specific course. These are designed in a way to ensure that the students in the program are gaining exposure to the appropriate and most timely content, in an already content-laden curriculum.

I remember being a brand new nursing student in clinical, and I remember how I felt like I didn’t know anything, and needed to be guided through everything I did. Since becoming an educator, I also have gained an appreciation from this perspective, because it does take time and energy to teach someone. I’ve worked with many students in clinical and during preceptorships, and I’ve had the opportunity to watch them grow.

While there are many more examples I can think of, the last thing I would say is that, as an educator, I’ve realized that no matter your position, you will always be learning. There will always be a need to brush up on previously learned material, and as health care constantly evolves, you will have to learn new things all the time as well. Nurses of the future will have this understanding, and will realize that with advances, new medical technology, new medications, and new treatments and procedures, there is an implementation of best evidence. This is a very exciting time to be a provider of health care.

5. If you could redo nursing school, what would you do differently?

If I could redo nursing school, I would do many of the things I’ve already mentioned, but I would also love to have a preceptorship in my program. We didn’t have this as an option at the time, and only had traditional clinical. A preceptorship allows for the student to develop autonomy while guided by a bedside RN, meanwhile building relationship with staff in that area. One of the hardest things for me was finding a new graduate position as an RN, and a preceptorship would have helped with that, I believe.

6. What are your thoughts on the future of nursing?

With an evolving political climate, there is opportunity for nursing to influence major decisions in health care in the future. Nursing has always had a soft voice in politics, which subsequently has resulted in poor representation of what nurses really do. It also does not allow for the nursing perspective, which is quite unique and valuable, in the construction of health care processes. With nurse leaders emerging in the political forefront, I am hoping to see more involvement from nurses in health care legislation.

Advanced practice nurses are also being afforded the right to independent practice in many states now as well. As midlevel providers, advanced practice nurses offer a very valuable service to health care consumers, while easing the burden on physicians. This paves the way for interprofessional collaboration in patient care decisions as well, which will likely increase the quality of health care.

Nurses are also becoming involved in leadership positions in other ways, such as through education and research. Nurse scientists are securing grant funding and working on many different types of research, all of which will contribute to forwarding the science of nursing and health care overall.

7. What’s the biggest misconception as a nursing student?

Nursing students oftentimes do not recognize their worth. As nursing students, you have made a decision to enter a very exciting profession, which offers endless opportunities. You will always be needed, no matter what your end goal is. If you can just get through nursing school, you will find that you have joined one of the most rewarding, exciting, and challenging professions there is. It is worth it, and so are you! So, don’t feel like you’re “just a nursing student,” and don’t feel like you “don’t know anything.” This is the biggest misconception I see among my students, and you need to realize how much you’re needed.

8. What do you love most about working with students?

Teaching is a passion of mine, and I love being there to witness my students learn something new, and seeing the “light bulb turn on.” There also is a moment at some point during nursing school, that occurs at a different time for everyone, where as a student you think, “I get it now. I know what it’s like to be a nurse, and I know what I’m doing.” As an educator, I can usually see when this change in mentality occurs. Being a part of that growth is very exciting. I also love to visit my past students to see what they’re doing. It’s fun to think back to how they were as students, and to see how their confidence has just exploded since then. Students often underestimate their capabilities, and I think they will be quite surprised with themselves as time goes on. Once they begin to understand their capabilities, is when they gain confidence in their personal practice.

9. What else do students ask you about?

I get a lot of questions from my students about what they should be thinking about after they graduate from nursing school, aside from taking the NCLEX and getting their first job. I would like to take this opportunity to say that wherever you work, you will be in an area where you are making a difference. If you are thinking about advancing in nursing, consider going back to school within 2 years or you may lose sight of this goal.

There are many different programs available now, so you need to decide where your focus of advanced nursing practice will be. You can become an educator, researcher, advanced practitioner, administrator, or executive. I recommend speaking with someone in each of these areas to decide what would be your best fit. In many cases, you will be able to do more than one of these things with an advanced degree. Either way, you will be fulfilling a critical societal need by advancing the profession of nursing.

For more advice on not just surviving but thriving in nursing school, check out Saunders Strategies for Test Success, co-authored by Angela Silvestri, PhD, RN.

#nclex #nursing nursingschool

3 notes · View notes