Become a Registered Nurse in Iowa - IA

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 12 2010

How to Become an RN in Iowa

To practice nursing in Iowa, one must obtain a license.  To obtain a license, the following must be done:

• Applicant must have completed one of the board-approved Iowa RN programs
• Board must approve (before licensing) anyone with a past conviction
• Must pass an NCLEX exam, one can register for this exam online
• Before the Authorization to Test is issued to the application, the following are needed:
• Iowa Application for Exam along with a check for $93.00 written out to the Iowa Board of Nursing
• Two Completed Fingerprint Cards as well as the Signed Waiver Form along with a fee of $50.00
• All fees can be sent together for a total of $143.00
• Official transcripts must be included from the school of nursing attending indicating the degree received and date of graduation
• Include the NCLEX Registration along with the fee of $200; submit this to NCLEX operations; this is payable to NCSBN
• Applications expire 90 days after the applicant receives the authorization to test

According to the Nurse License Compact Agreement, someone needs to apply for licensure in the state where he or she is a primary resident if the state is a part of the Nurse License Compact Agreement.  Iowa is a part of the Nurse License Compact Agreement.  Check www.www.ncsbn.org to see if your state is a part of the agreement.

The Iowa Board of Nursing contact information is as follows:

Iowa Board of Nursing
RiverPoint Business Park
400 S.W. 8th Street, Suite B
Des Moines, IA 50309-4685
Telephone: (515) 281-3255
Fax: (515) 281-4825
Website:  http://www.state.ia.us/nursing/licensure/initial_licensure.html

Iowa State Associations for Registered Nurses

The Iowa Nurses Association is the state organization for nurses. The website offers information on legislation, licensing and jobs, continuing education, and more.  Joining the Iowa Nurses Association is done through becoming a member of the American Nurses Association.  Full membership can offer discounts for various services and membership dues vary by state.  Fees are changing for the year 2010 so check the website for changes.  There is an annual Iowa Nurses Association Convention to attend as well. Contact information is as follows:

Iowa Nurses Association
1501 42nd Street, Ste. 471
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Office H: 8:00 am-1:00 pm
Monday-Thursday
Telephone: (515) 225-0495
Fax: (515) 225-2201
Email: info@iowanurses.org
Website: www.iowanurses.org

Another state nursing organization is the Iowa Nurse Practitioner Society.  Its goal is to be a resource for nurses who hold the title of an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP).  One can become a member as a regular member, a student member, a joint member or an associate member.  See the website for more information.  Regular membership dues are $100 for a year.  The organization offers a fall conference and other benefits such as scholarship and grant information. Contact information is as follows:

Iowa Nurse Practitioner Society
3943 Welker Avenue
Des Moines, IA  50312-3057
Website:  http://www.iowanpsociety.org/