Do you want to become a nurse in Maine?
In order to do this, you also have to get a license from the Maine Nursing Board.
You may also want to learn more about the board beforehand.
By doing this, you can ensure the process goes faster and smoother.
Table of Contents
What Does the Board Do?
The Maine Board of Examiners for Nursing is the association that oversees nurses and releases licenses.
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
In order to work as a nurse in Maine, you need to take and pass the NCLEX exam.
The NCLEX exam is recognized all over the nation and in Canada and Australia.
The test is offered through The National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
You can take the exam at any Pearson Vue testing center nearby your location.
These are available all over the nation.
Keep in mind that the exam has some requirements, which include:
- 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
Generally, it is better to register for the exam while also submitting your license application.
You should know that in Maine, you can submit the license application online.
Keep in mind that you will also have to submit the required documents.
The documents will be sent to the following address:
- 161 Capitol St.
158 State House Station
Augusta, Maine, 04333-0158
After this, you will wait for the Council and the Board to approve the submission.
You can make an appointment to take the exam right after they have been accepted.
The results of the test are only accepted after they show up on the official site of the Maine board.
You may already be practicing in another state.
If that is the case, then, you will not need to take the exam again in Maine.
Renewing Your License
In Maine, like in many jurisdictions, you will need your nurse license to be renewed.
In order to renew your nursing license, you will also have to cover a fee.
Maine requires nurses to renew their licenses online, which makes the process easier.
Based on your birthday, the license can stay active between one year and 2 years for the first licensing period.
After that, you will need to get it renewed once in 2 years, not later than your birthday.
Maine does not allow nurses a grace period, so keep in mind to renew your license on time.
First of all, you should visit this page where you can put in your info:
- https://licensing.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/licensing/begin.pl?board_number=1310
Based on your choice, you can start the process of renewing your certification.
How To Do A License Lookup
You may have to see the status of your nursing license, and for that, you need to do a license verification.
There are some steps to getting a license verified online.
First of all, you should check out the following link:
- www.maine.gov/boardofnursing
After that, you should visit the licensing tab.
Then, you have to choose ”verify a license online”.
The next step is submitting your name and clicking enter.
Your certification number will be shown right next to your name.
Make sure to click your name twice, and you can see the checklist that shows your paperwork.
Maine State Board of Nursing Contact Information
The address of the Maine Board of Nursing is seen above.
The URL of the institution is also shared earlier, where more details can be found.
The phone number of the facility is below:
- +1 207-287-1133
The fax of the Board is:
- (207) 287-1149
The organization’s mailing address is:
- Maine State Board of Nursing
158 SHS
Augusta, Maine 04333-0158
Pay attention to the working hours of the Board before calling or visiting the office.
These hours are between 8 am and 4:30 pm.
Conclusion
After you gathered all the information you need to become a nurse, you can start your licensing process.
It is important to have enough knowledge about the nursing board in Maine in order to ensure a fast process.