Are you interested in becoming a registered nurse in Florida? The demand for new professionals in the healthcare industry across the country is growing, especially for registered nurses. According to the Florida Hospital Association, the already struggling nursing field in Florida might see a shortage of an estimated 60,000 nurses by 2035. There has never been a better time to become a registered nurse in Florida than now. To understand how to become a registered nurse in Florida, it is necessary for you to understand the state’s nursing board requirements.
Fast CE For Less has been offering nursing continuing education courses and other valuable resources for prospective and practicing registered nurses to help them pursue and excel in their careers. We have created this guide on the Nursing Board requirements for becoming a registered nurse in Florida to help you understand exactly what you need to become a part of the nursing workforce in Florida.
We will discuss everything, from the state’s licensure requirements to become a registered nurse, to how you can renew your license and keep practicing through nursing continuing education courses.
How to Become a Registered Nurse in Florida
As with any other state, becoming a registered nurse in Florida requires years of specialized education and training. After that, you must pass a nursing exam to earn your license. After completing your education and obtaining your license, you can begin practicing as a nurse. However, continuing your career as a nursing professional in Florida will require completing enough contact hours of nursing continuing education courses to renew your license.
In Florida, the Florida Board of Nursing, also called the Florida BON, handles nursing licensure. The process of becoming a nurse in Florida can essentially be simplified into three major steps:
- Earn a nursing degree from any accredited nursing education program approved by the Florida BON.
- Pass the approved exam for Registered Nurses in Florida (NCLEX-RN).
- Maintain your license by renewing it through nursing continuing education courses every two years.
Obtaining A Nursing Degree
To become a registered nurse, students must graduate from an accredited or approved registered nursing program. There are plenty of choices for approved and accredited programs that can help you pursue a career as a registered nurse in Florida.
The Florida BON approves new pre-licensure nursing education programs meeting application requirements defined in the Florida Statute’s Section 464.019. This statute also defines the Florida BON’s regulatory oversight over established nursing education programs in the state. Since there are well over one hundred approved and accredited programs in Florida, you can learn more about the courses you can complete for this purpose through the Florida Board of Nursing official website.
To be clear, you don’t need to attend nursing school in Florida to become a registered nurse in Florida. You must complete a BSN or associate’s degree approved and accredited by the Florida BON.
Applying for Licensure as a Registered Nurse in Florida via Approved Examination
Once you complete your pre-licensure educational requirements to become a registered nurse in Florida, you must take a licensing exam. To receive authorization to take the exam, you must first apply to the Florida BON. You can find the application you need to fill out on Florida BON’s website by going to the “resources” section through this link.
In Florida, fingerprinting is a necessary step to obtain your license as a registered nurse. Florida uses an electronic process called Livescan. As a candidate to become registered nurse in Florida, you must ensure you have the correct Originating Agency Identification (ORI), so the Florida BON can receive your records. in addition to completing the fingerprinting process, you must also complete and submit your application to the Florida BON for review.
After reviewing your application, the Florida BON will share instructions with you about registering for the NCLEX-RN examination via Pearson VUE. The NCLEX-RN is an appointment-only test you must take at a licensed testing center in Florida. You must pass this examination to receive your license to practice as a registered nurse in Florida. If you do not pass this exam within three attempts, you must take a remedial nursing education program and retake the exam.
Obtaining a License as a Registered Nurse in Florida via Endorsement for International & Out-Of-State Applicants
Suppose you already have a license as a registered nurse in another US state or territory. In that case, you can apply for your licensure in Florida through endorsement. You must submit the verification from your state licensing agency. If you received your initial license from one state and are currently practicing in another, you must submit license verification from both states. You will not need to take the NCLEX-RN examination.
The situation is slightly different if you are applying from another country that does not fall under the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). You must first have your education evaluated by the Florida BON and take the NCLEX-RN examination. It’s essential to remember that your education evaluation process can take several months. If you completed your coursework in another language, you will also need to demonstrate your competence in the English language. The state of Florida accepts various educational programs and English language exams as evidence of English competency.
Maintaining Your License Through Nursing Continuing Education Courses in Florida
In Florida, registered nurses must complete nursing continuing education courses every two years to renew their license. Each state has its requirements on how often registered nurses must renew their licensure and the number of contact hours they must complete. For Florida, renewing your registered nurse license requires completing 24 hours of continuing education, divided into several categories. You can check out the specific requirements for Florida at www.fastceforless.com/nursing-ce-florida/.
Since the Florida BON allows you to complete your continuing education courses at locations and online, you will be able to complete you contact hours at your convenience. If you are already practicing as a registered nurse in Florida and it’s time for you to renew your license, the online nursing CEUs available by Fast CE For Less at www.fastceforless.com offer the most convenient, affordable, and easy solution for you.
