Nursing is a rewarding and challenging profession that offers many opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. If you are a nurse who wants to work in Florida, you need to meet certain requirements and follow certain steps to obtain a nursing license in the state. In this article, we will explain the nursing requirements in Florida for nurses, and provide some tips and resources to help you achieve your goals.

Types of Nursing Licenses in Florida

The Florida Board of Nursing is the regulatory body that oversees the licensing and practice of nurses in the state. The board issues five types of nursing licenses:

Autonomous Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (A-APRN)

This new type of license allows APRNs to practice independently, without physician supervision, in primary care settings. To qualify for this license, you must have an active APRN license, a master’s degree or higher in nursing, and at least 3,000 hours of clinical practice in the past five years.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

This type of license allows nurses to practice in advanced and specialized roles, such as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. To qualify for this license, you need an active RN license, a master’s degree or higher in nursing, and a national certification in your specialty area.

Registered Nurse (RN)

This is the most common type of license that allows nurses to provide general nursing care to patients in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and schools. To qualify for this license, you must have a diploma, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

This type of license allows nurses to provide basic nursing care to patients under the supervision of an RN or a physician. To qualify for this license, you must have a certificate or a diploma in practical nursing, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

This type of license allows nurses to assist RNs and LPNs in providing basic nursing care to patients, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and moving. To qualify for this license, you must complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program and pass the Florida competency examination.

Steps to Obtain a Nursing License in Florida

If you are a nurse who wants to obtain a nursing license in Florida, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1

Have your credentials evaluated by an approved agency. You need to have your foreign nursing education and license evaluated by a nursing agency recognized by the Florida Board of Nursing, such as the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or the International Education Research Foundation (IERF). The agency will verify your credentials and provide a report to the board.

Step 2

Apply for a license by examination with the board. You need to submit an online application for a license by examination with the board and pay the required fees.

You also need to submit the following documents:

• A copy of your passport or other proof of identity
• A copy of your social security card or an affidavit of eligibility
• A copy of your credential evaluation report from the approved agency
• A copy of your English proficiency test score, if applicable
• A fingerprint card for a criminal background check

Step 3

Register for the NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE. You need to register for the NCLEX exam, a computerized adaptive test measuring your nursing knowledge and skills. You can register online or by phone with Pearson VUE, the testing company that administers the exam. You need to pay the exam fee and schedule your exam date and location.

Step 4

Take and pass the NCLEX exam. You must take and pass the NCLEX exam within three years of applying for a license with the board. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center in the U.S. or abroad. You will receive your exam results by mail within six weeks of taking the exam. If you pass the exam, you will receive your license by mail. If you fail the exam, you can retake it after 45 days, up to five times a year.

Step 5

Maintain and renew your license. You must maintain and renew your license with the board every two years. You must also complete 24 hours of continuing education credits, including two hours of human trafficking prevention, every renewal cycle. You can renew your license online or by mail, and pay the renewal fee.

Tips and Resources for Nurses in Florida

Obtaining a nursing license in Florida can be a challenging and lengthy process, especially for nurses. However, there are some tips and resources that can help you succeed and achieve your goals, such as:

Seek guidance and support from professional organizations and mentors.

You can join professional organizations and networks that cater to nurses, such as the Philippine Nurses Association of America, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, or the American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment. These organizations can provide information, advice, and opportunities to connect with other nurses and mentors who can help you navigate Florida’s licensing process and the nursing profession.

Prepare well for the NCLEX exam and the English proficiency test.

You can use various study materials and resources, such as books, online courses, practice tests, and review centers, to prepare for the NCLEX and English proficiency tests. You can also seek help from tutors, coaches, or peers who can help you improve your test-taking and English language skills.

Explore alternative pathways and options to obtain a nursing license.

If you encounter difficulties or barriers in obtaining a nursing license in Florida, you can explore alternative pathways and options that may suit your situation and goals, such as:

• Applying for a temporary or restricted license that allows you to practice nursing under certain conditions and limitations, such as supervision, education, or training.
• Applying for a license by endorsement or reciprocity that allows you to transfer your nursing license from another state or country if you meet the requirements and criteria of the board.
• Apply for a license in another state or country that may have less stringent or more favorable requirements and regulations for nurses, and then transfer your license to Florida by endorsement or reciprocity.

Conclusion

Nursing is a rewarding and challenging profession that offers many opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. If you are a nurse who wants to work in Florida, you need to meet certain requirements and follow certain steps to obtain a nursing license in the state. You must also seek guidance and support from professional organizations and mentors, prepare well for the NCLEX exam and the English proficiency test, and explore alternative pathways and options to obtain a nursing license. By doing so, you can enhance your skills and knowledge, expand your network and opportunities, and contribute to the health and well-being of the people and communities in Florida.