Nursing In Wisconsin: Requirements, Licensing, and Salary Outlook
In Wisconsin, there is a growing demand for registered nurses (RNs), with job opportunities expanding at a rate exceeding the national average of 7%. As of 2020, Wisconsin nurses earned an annual mean wage exceeding $73,000. This comprehensive guide provides insights into the requirements for obtaining and renewing a Wisconsin RN license, making it a valuable resource for individuals aspiring to become RNs in a state with high salaries and robust job growth.
Degree Requirements:
Prospective RNs in Wisconsin can pursue either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The choice between these programs influences career options and mobility.
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License and Fees:
To practice as an RN in Wisconsin, candidates must obtain a Registered Nurse License. The associated fees include $88 for the initial license and $73 for renewal. The job outlook for RNs in Wisconsin indicates a 7.8% growth from 2018-2028.
How to Become a Nurse in Wisconsin
1. Apply to an ADN or BSN Program:
Choose an approved program to earn a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN degree. While ADN programs offer a quicker and more affordable route, BSN holders enjoy greater career flexibility.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN:
Successfully complete the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) to meet the Wisconsin Board of Nursing’s requirements for RN licensure.
3. Apply for Jobs at Local Hospitals:
Wisconsin boasts a substantial nursing workforce, with 63,630 nurses employed in hospitals across the state. Explore opportunities in diverse healthcare settings.
4. Advance Your Career:
Consider pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for roles like nurse practitioner or administrator. Specialize further through certification programs or accelerated bridge programs.
5. Maintain and Renew Licensure:
Renew your Wisconsin RN license every two years by responding to the Nursing Workforce Survey, submitting an application, paying a $73 fee, and completing the renewal process by February 28 in even-numbered years.
Wisconsin Board of Nursing
The Wisconsin Board of Nursing oversees licensure applications and renewals, maintains a list of approved nursing schools, examines reported violations, and administers disciplinary actions. It also facilitates the Enhanced Nursing License Compact (NLC) and the Professional Assistance Procedure for nurses with substance abuse issues.
How to Get Your Nursing License in Wisconsin:
– Licensure for New Nurses:
– New nurses can obtain a Wisconsin RN license by examination, requiring successful completion of the NCLEX-RN.
– Licensure for Nurses From a Different State:
– Nurses from states participating in the NLC can practice in Wisconsin without obtaining a new license. Nurses from non-NLC states must apply for a Wisconsin nursing license.
RN Licensure Eligibility Requirements:
To apply for an RN license in Wisconsin, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including holding a degree from an accredited nursing school, passing the NCLEX-RN, undergoing a background check, and providing details of the last five years of nursing activity.
How to Renew Your Nursing License in Wisconsin:
Wisconsin’s RN license renewal, occurring every two years by February 28 in even-numbered years, does not mandate continuing education. However, some employers may require or expect nurses to participate in professional development programs.
Salary and Employment for Nurses in Wisconsin:
In Wisconsin, the median nursing salary is $74,760, slightly below the national median. With a lower cost of living, the state offers promising job growth rates, and only 1.3% of nurses are unemployed. Metropolitan areas like Madison, Milwaukee, and La Crosse exhibit higher median salaries, reflecting variations in living costs.
| Metropolitan Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Madison | $80,820 |
| Milwaukee – Waukesha – West Allis | $75,980 |
| La Crosse – Onalaska | $74,680 |
| Racine | $71,760 |
| Oshkosh – Neenah | $71,380 |
Source: BLS
Nurse Practitioner Practice Authority: A State-by-State Guide
Best Hospitals to Work as a Nurse in Wisconsin
U.S. News & World Report annually compiles hospital rankings, considering factors such as outcomes, patient experience, staffing ratios (including nurse-to-patient ratios), and expert physician opinions. The following are the leading hospitals in Wisconsin.
University of Wisconsin Hospitals
UW Health, based in Madison, comprises seven hospitals and 77 clinics. With over 20,000 employees, it earned Magnet Hospital status in 2009 and is recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as an LGBTQ health leader.
Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
Located in Milwaukee, Aurora St. Luke’s is one of the few hospitals with a Magnet Hospital designation for five consecutive years. It boasts nearly 22,000 nurses and encompasses 16 hospitals and over 150 clinics.
Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin
Froedtert & MCW in Milwaukee, operating on the nursing professional practice model of relationship-based care, is a Magnet Hospital with almost 8,000 staff members.
Aurora Medical Center – Grafton
As Wisconsin’s sole green medical center, this facility, situated about 20 miles north of Milwaukee, employs 457 nurses and is acknowledged by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for LGBTQ health equality.
Bellin Memorial Hospital
Part of Green Bay’s Bellin Health System, this 167-bed facility has received multiple patient experience awards from Healthgrades. Forbes recognized it as one of the best employers in 2016 and a top workplace for diversity in 2019.
Resources for Nurses in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Nurses Association
As the state’s largest professional association for nurses, WNA offers continuing education, advocacy, conferences, practice statements, and job listings. Membership includes American Nursing Association membership.
Wisconsin Association of School Nurses
Affiliated with the National Association of School Nurses, WASN provides joint membership, continuing education, data on school nursing, and an annual conference with exclusive scholarship opportunities.
Wisconsin Professional Homecare Providers
This association supports independent practice for Wisconsin RNs and LPNs, providing education and networking opportunities for respiratory care service providers and private duty nursing providers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing in Wiconsin
How to become an RN in Wisconsin?
To meet the state’s nursing license requirements, earn an ADN or BSN degree from an approved school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and submit an application with no criminal or misconduct record.
How long does it take to get RN licensure in Wisconsin?
ADN takes two years, BSN four years. Bachelor degree holders or those with advanced placement credits might finish a BSN more quickly through a bridge program. While an ADN can lead to a Wisconsin nursing license, many employers prefer BSN-holders.
What states can I work in with a Wisconsin nursing license?
A multistate Wisconsin nursing license allows practice in states participating in the Nursing Licensure Compact, requiring a background check with fingerprinting.
How much is a Wisconsin nursing license?
Initial application costs $88, renewal $73. Wisconsin doesn’t mandate continuing education for renewal, potentially lowering maintenance costs, but ongoing professional education is often encouraged by employers.
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