New Mexico is currently facing a shortage of over 6,500 nurses. The Senate Education Committee in the state is enacting bills to address the problem, and the New Mexico Board of Nursing is encouraging qualified people to join the ranks of its healthcare workforce. Considering the shortage, it may be a good time to become a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) in New Mexico. However, understanding the nursing board requirements in New Mexico is essential to be able to practice nursing in the state.
Fast CE For Less is a comprehensive resource for online nursing CEUs to help registered nurses and licensed practical nurses renew their licenses. We also create guides for prospective nurses to help them understand how to become an RN or LPN in their respective states. If you want to become an RN or LPN in New Mexico, this guide will tell you everything you must know about the process.
How to Become a Registered Nurse
Becoming a registered nurse is a great way to enter the nursing profession in New Mexico. With extensive pre-licensure educational requirements, it involves earning a degree, applying for a license via examination, and continuing education to renew your license.
Earn a Nursing Degree
Before applying for a license, the nursing board requirements in New Mexico require earning at least a two-year Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
While it might take longer to apply if you choose a BSN program, it can open better opportunities after you obtain your license. Due to more in-depth training and education, a BSN can make you a more attractive candidate for potential employers. Regardless of a two-year or four-year pre-licensure degree, ensuring you earn a degree through an approved nursing program is essential. The institute must be recognized by the state’s nursing board to ensure you qualify to apply for a license to become a registered nurse in New Mexico.
Apply for a License via Examination
Once you earn your pre-licensure nursing degree, you can apply for a state license via examination. You must take the National Council of Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and pass the exam to obtain your license. The NCLEX-RN is an examination required to obtain an RN license.
To take the NCLEX-RN, you must request your educational institute to send official transcripts to the New Mexico Board of Nursing, complete a criminal background check, and register with Pearson VUE. After that, you must submit an online examination application to the board to complete registration for the NCLEX-RN.
Obtain Your Registered Nurse License
Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, the New Mexico Board of Nursing will review all your documents and issue your license. The board typically takes two to three weeks after the date of receiving all your documents to review and issue a license.
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse
Becoming a licensed practical nurse in New Mexico is another great way to join the nursing profession in New Mexico. The nursing board requirements in New Mexico for LPNs are to complete a practical nursing program, apply via examination, and pursue continuing education after obtaining your license.
Complete Your Pre-Licensure Nursing Education Requirements
To become a licensed practical nurse in New Mexico, you must complete a state board-approved practical nursing program. While not as extensive as a two-year ADN or four-year BSN, it is an essential requirement to fulfill if you want to apply for an LPN certification in New Mexico. With a high school diploma, completing a practical nursing program will make you eligible to apply for state licensure to become an LPN in New Mexico.
Apply for a License via Examination
Once you obtain your pre-licensure practical nursing degree, you can register for the National Council of Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The NCLEX-PN is a nationally-recognized licensing exam for licensed practical nurses. To register for the exam and apply for state licensure, you must request your educational institute to send official transcripts to the New Mexico Board of Nursing, complete a criminal background check, and register with Pearson VUE. After registering with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX-PN, you must submit an online application to the New Mexico Board of Nursing.
Obtain Your Certification to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse
After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you must wait for the New Mexico Board of Nursing to review all documents and issue your license. The board typically takes two to three weeks after the date of receipt to review all documents and issue a license.
Complete Nursing Continuing Education Courses to Renew Your RN or LPN License
Your educational requirements do not end after you become an RN or LPN. Nursing boards throughout the country have a requirement for all RNs and LPNs to renew their licenses every two to three years. A critical part of license renewal is to complete a number of contact hours through nursing continuing education courses. Each state defines its own requirements for how often you must renew your license and how many contact hours you must complete.
For the New Mexico Board of Nursing, you must renew your license at two-year intervals. RNs and LPNs must complete at least 30 contact hours of nursing continuing education for license renewal in New Mexico. To learn more about the nursing board requirements in New Mexico, visit www.fastceforless.com/nursing-ce-new-mexico.
If you are an RN or LPN and need to renew your credentials, online nursing CEUs like those offered by Fast CE For Less at www.fastceforless.com offer the fastest and easiest solution for your continuing education needs.