Becoming A Nurse In Idaho + Requirements & Licensing

Becoming A Nurse In Idaho + Requirements & Licensing

Idaho proves to be an engaging state for nursing professionals, offering abundant job opportunities with a projected increase in demand.
Let’s delve into the comprehensive process of becoming a nurse in Idaho, as defined by the Idaho Board of Nursing particularly focusing on the initial steps for Entry Level Practice Nurses.
This guide will cover important aspects such as Idaho nursing licensure requirements, nursing schools in Idaho, and the various nursing specialties in Idaho.

Overview of Nursing in Idaho

Entry Level Practice Nurses

Step 1: Select Your Nursing Path

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Aspiring nurses in Idaho have the option to pursue a one-year diploma to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or embark on the journey to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by completing either a two-year associate’s degree (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s degree (BSN). These options are part of the broader nursing education in Idaho.

Step 2: Fulfill Course Prerequisites

While LPN candidates typically only need a high school diploma or GED, those pursuing ADNs and BSNs are usually required to complete around five relevant prerequisite courses before entering their chosen nursing program.

Step 3: Successfully Conclude Your Program

LPN programs primarily focus on patient care, whereas RN programs offer more in-depth education. Opting for the BSN route involves advanced classes covering diverse topics such as naturopathic health, bioterrorism, and management.

Step 4: Conquer the NCLEX Examination

LPNs undergo the NCLEX-PN, while RNs must pass the challenging NCLEX-RN examination. Notably, a commendable 85% to 90% of graduates achieve a pass rate, slightly above the national average. This is a crucial step for those looking to enter nursing careers in Idaho.

Advanced Practice Nurses

To ascend to the role of an Advanced Practice Professional Nurse (APPN) in Idaho, a distinct set of steps must be followed.

Stage 1: Attain a Graduate Degree

Pursue a graduate degree approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing, adhering to specified program requirements and accreditation by a nationally recognized organization sanctioned by the United States Department of Education. During APPN registration, choosing a competency is crucial, with core courses encompassing advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced physical health assessment, and advanced non-pharmacologic agents and pharmacology.

Specializations include:

1. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) – entails courses in pregnancy, women’s health care, post-partum period, childbirth, well woman gynecological needs, and newborn care.
2. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – involves courses in diagnosis, assessment, health promotion, planning, and preventative care, with the option to select a specialized practice area.
3. Nurse Practitioner (NP) – requires courses in diagnoses, comprehensive health assessment, management of chronic and acute illness and disease, and health promotion.
4. Registered Nurse Anesthetist (RNA) – encompasses courses in ordering, selection, and administration of anesthesia. APPNs in Idaho may apply for prescriptive authority, involving 30 contact hours during their graduate degree, focusing on pharmacotherapeutics in their specialization area.

While specialization is mandatory, Idaho acknowledges various dual degrees, and post-master’s certificate training is available for those wishing to change their specialization areas.

Stage 2: Attain National Certification before Applying for State Licensure

These certification bodies have distinct requirements concerning experience, education, and examination. The Board acknowledges various national agencies, each recognizing specific practitioner categories:

• The ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) acknowledges Adult Nurse Practitioners, Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), Gerontological Nurse Practitioners (GNP), Family Nurse Practitioners, Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP), and Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP).
• The AANP (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners) recognizes the Adult Nurse Practitioner and the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP.
• The NCC (National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing Specialties) acknowledges the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) and the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP).
• The National Certification Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Nurses (NCBPNP/N) recognizes the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP).
• The AMCB (American Midwifery Certification Board) acknowledges the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).
• The National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) recognizes the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Stage 3: Obtain Licensure in Idaho

To obtain licensure in Idaho, you must provide either your Federal Tax ID number or your social security number. These are mandatory for acceptance, and various application forms are available based on your personal situation:

1. 1. Application for APPN Licensure, Initial.
   2. Application for APPN Licensure, Holds Compact License.
   3. Application for APPN & RN Reinstatement.
   4. Application for APPN Reinstatement, RN Compact.
   5. Application for RN Reinstatement & APPN Initial License.

Each application has specific requirements for documentation and fees. If seeking prescriptive authority, complete the relevant section in your license application, accompanied by an additional $50 fee. If you intend to dispense Schedule II to IV controlled substances and legend drugs, application with the Idaho Board of Pharmacy is necessary. During the APPN application, a criminal background check is mandatory. The Board provides a fingerprint card, obtainable at no cost from your local law enforcement agency. Include this, along with a $30 processing fee, in your license application.

Stage 4: Renew Your License

Renew your license by August 31 of each odd-numbered year, completing the process online. License renewal involves another criminal background check. Additionally, NP, CNM, and CNS practitioners must undergo peer review. Demonstrate 200 hours of nursing at the advanced practice level and fulfill continuing education for nurses in Idaho requirements of 30 contact hours. Those with prescriptive authority must complete 10 hours in advanced pharmacology, contributing to the overall 30 hours of CE. Keep records through the Advanced Practice Professional Nurse Continuing Education Activities Report and ensure compliance with CE requirements from your national certification agency. You may employ the help of professional nursing organizations in Idaho.

Summary

Idaho offers a promising landscape for nursing professionals, with a growing demand for skilled nurses. This summary outlines the essential steps for individuals aspiring to enter the nursing field in Idaho, particularly Entry Level Practice Nurses (ELPNs).

Entry Level Practice Nurses begin their journey by choosing between becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). LPNs typically complete a one-year diploma, while RNs can opt for a two-year associate degree (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s degree (BSN). Before enrolling, prospective RNs must fulfill prerequisite courses, which LPN candidates generally do not need.

Upon completion of their respective programs, LPNs and RNs must pass the NCLEX examination—NCLEX-PN for LPNs and NCLEX-RN for RNs—with pass rates ranging from 85% to 90%.

For those aiming to become Advanced Practice Professional Nurses (APPNs), additional steps include obtaining a graduate degree and national certification. Specializations such as Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) require focused coursework and competency selection. After earning their degree, APPNs must apply for licensure in Idaho, including necessary background checks and application fees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Idaho provides a structured path for nursing professionals, from entry-level roles to advanced practice positions. With robust educational programs and a supportive regulatory framework, aspiring nurses can find ample opportunities to succeed. For those seeking help with nursing assignments, exams, or research, there are various resources for custom nursing papers and top nursing essays available online. These tools can aid in achieving academic excellence in nursing studies, enhancing the overall educational experience in this vital field.

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