Becoming A Nurse In Alaska + Requirements & Licensing

If the prospect of pursuing a nursing career in Alaska intrigues you, the initial step involves submitting your application to the state board of registered nursing upon fulfilling the necessary educational prerequisites. This board functions as the governing state agency entrusted with the crucial responsibility of executing and upholding all regulations related to nurse education, licensure, practice, and discipline. It is imperative to note that the application process must specifically go through the Alaska Board of Nursing. It’s worth highlighting that aspiring nurses have a variety of options available to them within this process.For those aspiring to become nurses in Alaska, the journey involves different paths depending on your career goals. Let’s break down the steps for entry-level practice nurses and advanced practice nurses:

Entry Level Practice Nurses

1. Completion of LPN Diploma Program:
– This program provides training in patient care techniques and clinical care.
– Successful completion qualifies you to take the national NCLEX-PN examination.

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2. Pursue either an Associate or Bachelor Degree in Nursing:
– Both options share similar prerequisites.
– The first year includes 15 to 30 hours of core courses like statistics, math, psychology, and physiology.
– These core courses are essential for acceptance into a nursing college.
– Opting for a bachelor’s degree offers advanced skills and knowledge, leading to more job opportunities.
– Both degrees make you eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination, with a high success rate.

3. Obtain Licensure Through the Alaska Board of Nursing:
– LPNs take the NCLEX-PN examination, while RNs take the NCLEX-RN examination.

Advanced Practice Nurses

In Alaska, 3 types of specializations exist for advanced practice nurses. These are:

• Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANP)
• Nurse Midwives (who is also an ANP)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)

Alaska offers three specializations for advanced practice nurses:

1. Attain a Graduate Degree in Your Chosen Specialty:
– The program must be recognized and accredited by the Board and the U.S. Department of Education.
– Requirements vary based on your chosen specialization, including a minimum program length, 500 clinical practice hours, and specific credits in advanced pharmacotherapeutics, pathophysiology, and physical assessment.

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2. Apply for Prescriptive Authority:
– ANPs, Nurse-Midwives, and CRNAs can all apply.
– ANPs need 15 contact hours in clinical management and advanced pharmacology during the two years before applying.
– ANPs must also gain a year of working experience in prescribing drugs under supervision.

3. Choose Your Specialization:
– ANPs can work as nurse practitioners or nurse midwives, specializing in areas such as adult, pediatric, or psychiatric/mental health.

4. Complete Preceptorship if Needed:
– Necessary for nurse practitioners educated out of state or those lacking required clinical hours. For this, you must complete the Advanced Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship Registration, with associated fees.

5. Gain National Certification:

To attain national certification, it is essential to undergo continuous education as prescribed by the certifying organization. Alaska recognizes several reputable organizations:

1. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC):
– Recognizes various specializations including Adult Nurse Practitioners, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP), Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP), Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), and the Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

2. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP):
– Acknowledges the expertise of Adult Nurse Practitioners and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP.

3. AACN Certification Corporation (American Association of Critical Care Nurses):
– Offers recognition for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners.

4. National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing Specialties (NCC):
– Recognizes Women Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP).

5. National Certification Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Nurses (NCBPNP/N):
– Acknowledges the specialization of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP).

6. National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA):
– Recognizes the expertise of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA).

7. American Midwifery Certification Board:
– Recognizes the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).

If your certification is not from any of the aforementioned agencies, the Board will meticulously evaluate your credentials. In such cases, documentation related to your certification will be required for thorough assessment and validation. This rigorous process ensures that nurses seeking certification in Alaska meet the high standards set by the recognized certifying organizations.

6. Obtain Advanced Practice Authorization:
– Complete the application with supporting documentation, including your social security number.
– ANPs need to complete the Advanced Nurse Practitioner Application, indicating if prescriptive authority is desired.
– Registered nurse anesthetists need to submit the relevant form with all necessary documentation.

7. Renew Your Authorization Every Two Years:
– Renewal occurs on the 30th of November in even-numbered years.
– Continuous education is required to maintain prescriptive authority.
– Additionally, fulfill continuous education requirements for your RN license, with 30 hours per renewal cycle, 20 of which must be approved by a recognized institution.

For renewal and contact information, refer to the Alaska Board of Nursing details provided.