A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Nebraska
Nebraska offers an attractive environment for both living and working, with costs for housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare that are below the national average. When you factor in the state's high life expectancy and overall public health, it is no surprise that many nurses are pursuing licensure opportunities. This article will outline: Steps for obtaining a Nebraska nursing license by exam, how to acquire a license through endorsement, renewal processes for your Nebraska nursing license, associated licensing fees, continuing education requirements, and details for reaching the Nebraska Board of Nursing. Discover job opportunities in your area and get answers to all your nursing career inquiries.
Steps to Obtain Your Nebraska Nursing License by Examination
Step 1: Education
The Nebraska Board of Nursing sets high standards for pre-licensure nursing programs offered within the state, and does not sanction online or post-licensure programs. Whether you graduated from a program in Nebraska or from an out-of-state program that has been accredited or approved by another board, the following degrees can qualify you for a career as a registered nurse: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, for those who possess a bachelor’s degree and complete the additional nursing courses needed for registration.
Step 2: Apply
Nebraska permits candidates to submit licensure applications by examination up to ninety days ahead of their anticipated graduation date. In addition, applicants should register for the NCLEX exam at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/. The application entails a fee of $123, as well as proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S., along with a photo. Mail the application and any supporting documents to: DHHS Licensure Unit, Nursing Section, 301 Centennial Mall South, P.O. Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986.
Step 3: Send Transcripts
You must submit an official transcript from your nursing program that shows your degree and graduation date. These transcripts should be sent directly to the DHHS Licensure Unit by your nursing program unless you include them with your application in a sealed school envelope. Graduates from other states are required to provide information about all nursing prerequisites from different institutions if such details are missing from their final transcript.
Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)
All registered nurse applicants are required to undergo a new criminal background check, which involves a processing fee of $45.25 payable to the Nebraska State Patrol. Fingerprints may be submitted electronically via LiveScan or by mail. The LiveScan service is available only in Nebraska. For applicants who opt to submit fingerprints by mail, two standard blue and white fingerprint cards (Form #FD-258) are necessary. If a law enforcement agency or private company does not have these cards, contact the Licensure Unit at 402-471-4376 to receive them by mail. Ensure to fill in the \"reason fingerprinted\" box with \"Nursing 38-131\". Avoid writing in the ORI field and sign the card only after an officer verifies your signature. Completed cards should be sent to: Nebraska State Patrol, Criminal Identification Division, 4600 Innovation Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521. The background check will not be processed until the license application is received by the Licensure Unit. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or a passport when getting fingerprinted.
Step 5: Take the NCLEX
Once your application materials have been accepted, Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services will inform Pearson VUE of your eligibility, and you'll receive authorization to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The exam evaluates your understanding of the material covered in your nursing education and will test you on various topics including Safe and Effective Care Environment, Management of Care, Safety, and Infection Control, Health Promotion, Psychosocial Integrity, Physiological Integrity, Basic Care and Comfort, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies, and Physiological Adaptation. Passing the exam results in the issuance of a paper license. Should you not pass, you will need to reapply for the license and register again for the exam with Pearson VUE, including the appropriate fees. You do not need to resubmit transcripts or other documents; however, a new set of fingerprints and the $45.25 processing fee will be required for each application.
Licensing through endorsement (if you are already licensed as an RN in another state)
For registered nurses licensed in other states who want to obtain a Nebraska license, you will need to fill out this endorsement form. Required elements include proof of citizenship, a $123 application fee, and documentation regarding fee waivers, conviction records, or disciplinary records if applicable. Furthermore, you must request that the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services receive:
1. A criminal background check: Applicants for endorsement licensure must undergo a criminal background check with a processing fee of $45.25, payable to the Nebraska State Patrol. Fingerprints can be submitted electronically via LiveScan or by mail. For those sending by mail, you will need two fingerprint cards (Form #FD-258). If these cards are not available, call the Licensure Unit at 402-471-4376 to request them. Indicate \"Nursing 38-131\" in the reason box. Only sign the card after verification from an officer. Send completed cards to: Nebraska State Patrol, Criminal Identification Division, 4600 Innovation Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521.
2. License verification: Nurses can obtain license verification from the NURSYS system if they are from a participating state. For those from non-participating states, reach out to the issuing state’s Board of Nursing for verification to be sent to: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit, P.O. Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986.
Candidates applying by endorsement can also apply for a temporary license while awaiting their permanent license, which is valid for 60 days or until the expiration of their other state’s license.
Renewing Your Nebraska Nursing License
Step 1: When to submit your renewal
Nebraska nursing licenses expire on October 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal of your license includes the online process or sending in a paper application, confirming continued competency, and paying a renewal fee of $123. Processing could take about a week; merely postmarking by October 31 will not prevent expiration. If your renewal is postmarked past October 31, you will need to reinstate your license and pay the required fees.
Step 2: Meet continuing competency requirements
The Nebraska Board of Nursing has established several options to fulfill continuing competency mandates:
- Have practiced nursing for at least 500 hours in the past five years along with completing a minimum of 20 continuing education contact hours from an approved provider within the past two years (contact hours can be completed via home study or online courses). - Have graduated from a nursing program between two to five years ago while completing 20 contact hours of continuing education within the last two years. - Have graduated from a nursing program within the last two years. - Completed an approved refresher course in the past five years. - Maintained current certification in a nursing specialty from a nationally recognized certifying organization. - Developed and maintained a portfolio illustrating your ongoing competency goals and the activities undertaken to achieve these goals.
You do not need to submit proof of your hours worked or continuing education credits, however, you should retain these records for two years in case of an audit.
Step 3: Submit your renewal application
To renew your license, go to www.nebraska.mylicense.com/ and pay the $123 online, or retrieve a paper renewal application, pay by check, and mail it to: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit, P.O. Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986.
Nebraska Nursing Licensing Fees
Below are the fees associated with becoming a nurse in Nebraska, whether you are a first-time nurse or transferring from another state. For further details, consult the Nebraska licensing page.
Licensing fees for first-time nurses by examination: - NCLEX fee: $200 - Application fee: $123 - Criminal background check fee: $45.25
Licensing fees for endorsement (if already licensed as an RN): - Application fees: $123 (RN/LPN); $68 (APRN) - Criminal background check fee: $45.25
Renewal fees: - Application fee: $123 (RN/LPN); $68 (APRN)
Nebraska is part of the nursing compact, which allows for multi-state licensure. Fees are subject to change.
Continuing Education Requirements
For RN/LPN: Must meet one of the following:
- Practiced nursing for at least 500 hours in the last five years and completed at least 20 contact hours of continuing education from an approved provider in the past two years (any required contact hours may be earned through home study or online courses). - Graduated from a nursing program more than two but fewer than five years ago and completed at least 20 contact hours of nursing continuing education within the last two years (all required hours may come from home study or online courses). - Graduated from a nursing program within the last two years. - Completed an approved refresher course in the past five years. - Held and maintained current certification in a recognized nursing specialty. - Developed and maintained a comprehensive portfolio indicating professional activities and ongoing competency goals.
For APRNs: 40 continuing education contact hours are required biennially in their designated specialty, including an additional 10 hours in pharmacology for prescribers.
The Nebraska Board of Nursing accepts courses from any ANCC-accredited provider.
Contact Information for the Nebraska Board of Nursing
Nebraska Board of Nursing Phone: (402) 471-3121 or (402) 471-4376 Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Nurse-Licensing.aspx
