Become a Registered Nurse in Wyoming - WY

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 19 2010

How to Become an RN in Wyoming

The first step to becoming a Registered Nurse in Wyoming is to investigate Wyoming RN programs. Applying to nursing programs in Wyoming involves filling out an application, obtaining a background check, taking an admissions test and obtaining CPR certification.  Individuals wanting to become a nurse may find it advantageous to receive their certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification first, gain experience in the field and then apply to RN or BSN programs. After successfully completing a nursing program in Wyoming, nursing students will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination.  Nurses that obtained licensure from another state and moved to Wyoming to work can obtain licensure by endorsement.

The idea is that these nurses have already taken the NCLEX exam in their home state, so they only need to prove that they are competent and safe to practice in Wyoming. Licensure by endorsement usually requires a letter from an employer or home state board, verifying employment and licensure. Nurses will have to submit fingerprints or a background check as well.  Whether an individual’s path to licensure is by examination or endorsement, he or she will have to apply to the licensing Board in Wyoming to be eligible to practice as a Registered Nurse. After a nurse has obtained licensure and is practicing in the field, he or she will have to maintain their licensure with continuing education credits.

Registered Nurse Licensure in Wyoming

The Wyoming State Board of Nursing licenses and keeps records of licensure for Registered Nurses in Wyoming. The Board oversees the Nurse Practice Act and regulates the nursing profession and nursing education in Wyoming.  All nurses in Wyoming are required to obtain licensure to practice in the state. Nursing students that graduate from a Board approved nursing school in Wyoming are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Nurses are eligible to practice after they have successfully passed the national certification exam, passed a criminal background check and paid the licensure fees.

Contact information for the Wyoming Board of Nursing is:
Wyoming State Board of Nursing
1810 Pioneer Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: 307-777-7601
Fax: 307-777-3519
E-Mail: wynursing@state.wy.us
https://nursing-online.state.wy.us

Registered Nursing Professional Associations in Wyoming

The Wyoming Nurses Association is the Wyoming affiliate of the American Nurses Association.  The purpose of the Association is to promote the nursing profession to legislators and the people of Wyoming. To join the Wyoming Nurses Association, individuals can register on the American Nurses Association to join the national association and state association or just the state association. The Wyoming Nurses Association promotes legislation, governmental programs, and health policy for the welfare of nurses and patients. The Wyoming School Nurses Association is the state chapter organization of the National School Nurses Association, which promotes the nursing profession in schools. Nurses interested in joining the Wyoming School Nurses Association should e-mail president@wyomingschoolnurses.org or check out the association website at www.wyomingschoolnurses.org.

Contact Information for nursing associations in Wyoming:
Wyoming Nurses Association
PMB 101
2816 Dogwood Ave.
Gillette, WY 82718
Phone: 1-800-795-6381
Website: www.wynonurse.org