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Are you planning to become a nurse in Iowa?
If that is the case, the first step you need to take is to get a license.
You can only get a nursing license if you contact the Nursing Board in this state.
There will also be some requirements you need to fulfill before you can start working.
So, read on in order to learn more about the board.
Table of Contents
What Does the Board Do?
The Iowa Board of Examiners for Nursing is the facility that manages nurses and nursing licenses in this state.
The Board has to:
- Issue licenses to future nurses
- Renew the credentials of already licensed personnel
- Ensure the candidates meet the requirements by analyzing the submitted documents
- Issue disciplinary actions
- Maintain the rules and regulations up-to-date
- Maintain accurate records
Getting Approval to Take the NCLEX
If you want to become a nurse in Iowa, you have to pass the NCLEX test.
This test is recognized in the US, and it is also recognized in Canada and Australia.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers this test.
The exam is hosted by various Pearson Vue testing centers in your area.
These centers are available all over the country.
The requirements for taking the exam is:
- Completing a training course for nurses
- Complete the CGFNS International Certification Program – if you’re a foreigner
- Fill out the online application
- Pay the fee – 180 USD
- Have a clean criminal record
Usually, candidates prefer to register for the test but also send a license application at the same time.
You can apply for a nursing license online.
When you submit your application, you will also have to send in the required documents.
The documents are to be sent to the following address:
- 400 SW 8th Street
Suite B
Des Moines, IA 50309
After the Council and the Board approve the submission you made, you can schedule your test.
Keep in mind that the results will only be valid once they appear on the official site of the state board.
Nurses that are licensed in other jurisdictions do not have to take the exam anymore.
Renewing Your License
Iowa requires nurses to get their license renewed to be allowed to keep practicing.
You will also have to cover the costs associated with renewing your nursing license.
Luckily, in Iowa, you can renew your nurse license online.
You can start the process by accessing the following link:
- https://eservices.iowa.gov/PublicPortal/Iowa/IBON/common/index.jsp
Once you reach that page, you need to select the option “Renew an Existing License.”
In order to renew your license, you first have to complete 36 hours of additional education.
In this state, you can start the renewal process 2 months before your license actually expires.
You will need to pay $99 to renew your license, and an extra $50 fee if you renew late.
A renewal is considered late if it is processed on the 16 or later of the nurse’s month of birth.
You may also want to do a license lookup in order to see the status of your license.
How To Do A License Lookup
In Iowa, the license verification is done through NURSYS.
You can easily find out the status of your nursing license through the QuickConfirm system, which Iowa is a part of.
In order to learn more about it, you should check out the following link:
- https://www.nursys.com/Help/HelpVideoPlayer.aspx?VID=LQC
Iowa’s Board of Nursing Contact Information
Iowa’s Board of Nursing is located in Des Moines, Iowa.
The exact address Board is mentioned earlier.
Its online address is https://nursing.iowa.gov/
The phone number of the institution is below:
- +1 515-281-3255
The Board also has a fax number which is:
- 515.281.4825
You can contact the institution every Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 4.30 pm, either by phone or in person.
During holidays, the Board is not open to the public.
The holidays that Iowa recognizes at the state level are:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day – 4th of July Holiday
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- The Friday following Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Conclusion
The most important aspect of starting your nursing career is having the right information.
Once you know how to work with the board, the entire process will go much smoother.
This will allow you to start the career of your dreams.