Starting your career as a nurse in Connecticut is an ideal pick. Connecticut has more than 76,000 certified nurses and growing. So, without a doubt, you will acquire the best healthcare services here.
And because they are certified and licensed, they stay away from all non-professional practices. This is essential as it goes hand-in-hand with your nursing license.
If there are complaints and issues in your record, you could lose your license. Furthermore, you need a clean sheet to transfer your license to another state.
If you are a nurse or looking at landing a nursing job in Connecticut, you have come to the right place. This article will explain what steps to take to renew your nursing license. We will also look at what requirements you need to pursue a career as a nurse in Connecticut. Let’s hop in.
The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing
Are you looking to obtain or renew a nursing license in Connecticut? You can contact the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing (CBEN). Every state has a governing body responsible for overseeing the rules and regulations of the nursing body. The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing looks after such laws concerning nursing licenses and other related procedures.
Whether you want to register as a certified nurse or renew your nursing license, you must meet the requirements laid down by the CBEN. The CBEN is associated with Connecticut’s Department of Public Health.
Since Connecticut is not a part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, US and Canadian citizens can apply for licensure by endorsement. For other candidates, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) at the RN or PN level.
License through endorsement
For licensure by endorsement, here are the steps you need to follow.
Firstly, you want to register a new account.
Now you want to fill up an online application for licensure by endorsement.
You have to verify any past or expired licenses or licenses you are currently holding.
For instance, if your state participates in Nursys, you must complete the Nursys verification process. Next, you will pay the required fees and select Connecticut in the verification receipt.
If the state is not part of Nursys, you need to contact the state Boards directly. The state Board must produce verification of licensure form to the CBEN on your behalf.
If the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing cannot verify your educational details, you must submit an official transcript. Plus, you can apply for a temporary license while waiting for your official license. But this applies only to states that do not participate in Nursys. Furthermore, you must hold an active license in another state if you want to obtain a temporary permit.
Next, you want to request the nurse transcripts that you can send directly to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Here are a few points to keep in mind regarding licensure by endorsement.
If you did not obtain your out-of-state license through the national exams, you must sit for the NCLEX.
You should also obtain license verification from every state where you have held a nursing license.
Your temporary permit will expire after 120 days. Make sure to complete all necessary procedures for your permanent license before your temporary permit expires.
License through NCLEX
To get a license through examination, you must meet the following requirements.
First, every candidate should enroll in a program approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing. Such programs can last for at least ten months with over 1500 contact hours.
After you meet the requirements, you will send an official transcript to the Department of Public Health.
Next, you want to register with the Pearson Virtual University Enterprise (VUE) to sit for your NCLEX.
After that, you will pay the required fees.
Once you are eligible for graduate status, you will start working in a fully-supervised setting.
Your graduate status will expire after ninety days following your graduation. All candidates must pass the NCLEX to continue working.
How can you renew your nursing license in Connecticut?
Recently, the Department of Public Health has announced new guidelines regarding CE for RN and LPN as well.
Following are the Continuing Education requirements for RN, LPN, and APRNs.
For RN and LPN
RNs and LPNs must complete two contact hours of Continuing Education.
The CE will focus on training related to certain conditions. These include post-traumatic stress, grief and depression, risk of suicide, and suicide prevention.
You can renew your license once every six years.
For APRNs
Every APRN must complete fifty contact hours of Continuing Education.
Out of the fifty, five hours will focus on pharmacotherapeutics.
One contact hour will focus on several topics. They include HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, sexual assault, substance abuse, risk management, and cultural competency.
Two contact hours will focus on topics related to mental health among veterans. They include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and grief, suicide prevention training, and risk of suicide.
You can renew your license every two years.
Keep in mind that every RN, LPN, or APRN should meet all CE requirements to qualify for license renewal. You must also maintain your CE records and certificates for at least three years. The department will inspect such documents for verification.
What qualifications do you need to become a nurse in Connecticut?
Registered Nurse (RN)
No master’s degree is required.
Complete an approved registered nurse program.
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
Apply for a license through endorsement if you’re from another state.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
No master’s degree is required.
Complete practical nursing program including 1500 hours of theory over ten months.
Pass the NCLEX-PN.
Out-of-state nurses can apply for a license through endorsement.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Master’s degree or higher from APN program.
Minimum thirty hours of pharmacology education.
Additional experience required.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. We have listed everything you need to know about renewing your nursing license. We hope the additional information also helps you start your career as a nurse in Connecticut.
Remember to renew your license in time if you’re a registered nurse. Your license is essential to maintain your status as a healthcare provider. And make sure to meet all the requirements before registering or renewing your license.
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