Become a Registered Nurse in Kansas - KS

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 16 2010

How to Become an RN in Kansas

After completing their online or campus basesd Kansas RN programs, aspiring registered nurses must then fill out an initial licensure application from the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN).  The license processing fee is $75.  The applicant must give his/her name, contact information, social security number and a 2 ½ by 3 inch photo of themselves.  Most of the application is concerned with any prior criminal records or disciplinary actions taken against the applicant by law enforcement or any other licensing boards.  The applicant must submit, in detail, any information about prior offences.  A criminal background and finger print check will also be conducted.  Moreover, all nursing schools attended by the applicant must send official transcripts and proof of graduation to the KSBN.  Finally, the application must be notarized.  Contact information for the KSBN is given below.

Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN)
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 1051
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1230
Tel: 785-296-4929
Fax: 785-296-3929
http://www.ksbn.org/

After submitting the application, prospective nurses must then take and pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).  This exam is taken on a computer, at a testing location, and has a time limit of 5 hours.  The number of questions on the NCLEX-RN varies between 75 and 265, depending on the pattern of correct and wrong answers given by the test taker.  The items on the NCLEX-RN are broken down into four sections:  (1) safe effective care environment, (2) health promotion and maintenance, (3) psychological integrity, and (4) physiological integrity.  It is important that test takers only spend one or two minutes on each question so that they do not reach the time limit before having an opportunity to pass the exam.  If the applicant fails the exam, he/she must wait at least 45 days before retaking it.  The registration fee for the exam is $200.  There are testing centers in Wichita, Hays, and Topeka, Kansas.

Associations

Registered nurses, as well as prospective registered nurses, will find the Kansas State Nurses Association (KSNA) useful for finding information about continuing education, conferences, jobs, and publications.  The KSNA also acts as an advocate in the state legislature.  The annual dues depend on the employment and the age of the member.  The annual due for a fully employed nurse is $279.  Students and entry level nurses must only pay $139.50.  The KSNA is affiliated with the American Nurses Association (ANA).  Contact information for both may be found below.

Kansas State Nurses Association
1109 SW Topeka Blvd.
Topeka, KS 66612
Tel: (785) 233-8638
Fax: (785) 233-5222
E-mail: ksna@ksna.net
http://www.nursingworld.org/snas/ks/

American Nurses Association (ANA)
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492
Tel: 301-628-5000
Fax: 301-628-5001
http://www.nursingworld.org/