Become a Registered Nurse in New York - NY

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

Find the right school for you

Degree:

Subject:

Program:

How to Become an RN in New York

Before you turn in an application for licensure as a registered nurse in New York State you must fulfill a number of basic requirements. These include being an ethical person, being 18 years of age, meeting specified coursework through New York RN programs, getting trained in identifying and reporting child abuse, and fulfilling requirements for the examination.

Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure Fees in New York

Licensing and first registration: $143.
Limited permit: $35.
Mail application and fee to:
New York State Education Department
Office of the Professions
PO Box 22063
Albany, NY 12201
The actual street address and contact information are as follows:

NY State Education Department
Office of the Professions
Division of Professional Licensing Services
Nurse Unit
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12234-1000
Phone: 518-474-3817, ext. 280
Fax: 518-474-3398
E-mail: opunit4@mail.nysed.gov

Nurses must also be trained in infection control and barrier precautions to prevent the transmission of HIV and hepatitis B.
Nurses must pass the NCLEX examination created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. To apply for this exam, submit the following:

application for licensure and fee
verification of your nursing education from your approved nursing program.

Then you may register to take the exam with Pearson VUE. For more information, go to www.vue.com/nclex or ncsbn.org.
People who have not yet taken the examination but meet all other requirements can get a limited license that allows them to practice if supervised directly by a registered professional nurse. If you have just graduated from a nursing program in New York State, submitted applications for license and limited permit, and paid the required fees, you may practice for 90 days if supervised directly by a registered professional nurse.

State professional associations

New York State Nurses Association
11 Cornell Road
Latham, NY 12110
Phone: 800.724.NYRN (6976) or 518.782.9400
E-mail: info@nysna.org
Website: www.nysna.org

This association supports nurses who are members of union in labor issues, communicates with members about the legal and governmental environment of nursing in New York, provides career resources, supports research and education, and lobbies with the state government for laws that favor the nursing profession.

American Nurses Association
8515 Georgia Avenue
Suite 400
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492
Phone: 301-628-5000 or 1-800-274-4ANA (4262)
Fax: 301-628-5001
Website: www.nursingworld.org

This organization represents registered nurses through its colleagues at the state level. It sets high standards for practice, supports the rights of nurses, making sure the public has a positive view of nursing, and lobbying in the national government and regulatory agencies.

Nursing Students’ Association of New York State
www.nsanys.org

This association prepares nursing students for active involvement in the profession and holds an annual career event.