Become a Registered Nurse in New Hampshire - NH

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

How to Become an RN in New Hampshire

Nursing is one of the fastest growing professionals nationwide. Indeed, there is a shortage of qualified nurses in New Hampshire.  Registered nurses from other states who want to practice in New Hampshire need to verify that their state license will be valid in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Board of Nursing has a “compact agreement,” which recognizes nursing degrees and licensure from other states. Registered nurses in New Hampshire work in a variety of practice areas such as hospitals, nursing homes, institutions, schools and more.

Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse in New Hampshire

There is no shortage of information for individuals seeking a career as a registered nurse in New Hampshire.  Individuals interested in becoming a registered nurse should start with the New Hampshire Board of Nursing’s website. The Board has a list of approved nursing schools. Check out school websites and contact admissions counselors to find out what program is a good fit for what you need.  The road to a registered nursing career is paved with hard work and patience.  Registered nurses, who graduate from nursing programs, are eligible for national certification and licensure by the state.  Here is a step-by-step guide for becoming a Registered Nurse in New Hampshire:

1.) Research Board approved nursing programs leading to Registered Nurse certification.
2.) Take classes that are required for admission. Some New Hampshire RN programs will require LPN licensure, general education classes, or phlebotomy certification.
3.) Complete LPN programs (about 2 years) if required.
4.) Gather additional nursing program admission requirements (application, letters of recommendation, proof of inoculations, pre-admission testing, etc).
5.) After gaining entry into an RN nursing program, the next step is to complete the required curriculum. Courses in nursing practice, nursing theory, anatomy & physiology, mathematics, and practice clinicals are required.
6.) Apply and pass the NCLEX-RN exam
7.) Submit application to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing for licensure and pass the licensure exam.
8.) Apply for RN jobs

Registered Nurse Licensure in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Board of Nursing is the regulatory body for Registered Nurses practicing in New Hampshire.  Applying for licensure involves an application, fees, background check, etc.   After successfully completing a Board certified nursing school, individuals are eligible to sit for the RN licensure exam administered by the board.  Nurses must apply for licensure before they take the Board’s exam. The Board licensure exam is not the NCLEX exam, applicants for licensure need to receive a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam in order to sit for the Board licensure exam.  For specific application and licensure exam information, contact the Board at:

New Hampshire Board of Nursing
21 South Fruit Street
Suite 16
Concord, NH 03301-2431
Phone: 603-271-2323
Fax:  603-271-6605
e-mail: boardquestions@nursing.state.nh.us
www.nh.gov/nursing

Professional Associations in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Nurses Association (NHNA) is the state chapter of the American Nurses Association.  The NHNA offers members discounts on over 90 continuing education courses on the web and two dozen additional specialty certification exams.  The NHNA is also a political advocacy organization for the profession.  The New Hampshire School Nurses Association is a professional association to connect school nurses in New Hampshire and advocate for school nurses throughout the state.

Students of nursing may want to check out the New Hampshire State Board of Nursing Students, which is run by nursing students for nursing students in the state. The Board of Nursing Students advocates for standards in nursing education. Community involvement and improving public health care is also encouraged among members. The Board of Nursing Students website has links to jobs, conferences and scholarship information, and more.

New Hampshire Nurses’ Association
210 N. State Street
Suite 1-A
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 603-225-3783
Fax: 603-228-6672
www.nhnurses.org

New Hampshire School Nursing Association
P.O. Box 109
Pembroke, NH
www.nhschoolnurses.org