Becoming A Nurse In Kansas + Requirements & Licensing
Kansas presents a significant demand for nurses, rendering it an enticing state for employment in this profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for nurses in 2023 was $71,990, reflecting a 0.9% increase from the previous year. It’s important to note that while the salary is a crucial aspect, the essence of being a nurse lies in the passion for making a positive impact on the well-being of others. If you aspire to become a nurse in Kansas, the path involves specific steps that align with your commitment to healthcare and patient well-being.
ENTRY LEVEL PRACTICE NURSES
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Entry level nursing is a 3 stage process:
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1
YOU NEED TO DECIDE ON THE TYPE OF EDUCATION THAT YOU WANT TO OBTAIN
Attaining the status of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) involves completing a concise one-year diploma program. Despite the intriguing brevity of this option, its popularity is somewhat diminished due to the limited job availability and comparatively lower compensation. Alternatively, a more widely chosen path is pursuing the registered nurse (RN) designation, offering flexibility through a 2-year associate degree (ADN) or a more comprehensive 4-year bachelor’s degree (BSN). Opting for the RN route not only imparts a substantial depth of knowledge and skills but also opens doors to superior employment opportunities with enhanced compensation. https://usanursingpapers.com/best-rn-to-bsn-programs-in-kansas/
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2
MEET THE PREREQUISITES
Irrespective of the chosen pathway, obtaining a high school diploma or GED is a prerequisite. For those opting for the ADN or BSN route, additional requirements may include completing a set of undergraduate courses, typically in subjects like statistics and English. The completion of these prerequisite courses typically spans a duration of three to six months, ensuring a foundational academic preparation before embarking on the chosen nursing program. -
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BECOME LICENSED BY PASSING THE NCLEX EXAM
The LPN will take the NCLEX-PN examination while the RN will have to take the NCLEX-RN examination.
ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES
To become an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse), the Kansas State Board of Nursing has outlined these 4 stages.
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1
EARN A GRADUATE DEGREE AT MASTER LEVEL (MSN)
This should be from a program that is approved by the Board or meets their standards. Additionally, standards have been set for the roles they want to take up. As such: - An NP (Nurse Practitioner) must hold an MSN with a clinical specialization.
- A NMW(Nurse Midwife) must hold an MSN with specialization, or a Masters in Nurse Midwifery.
- A CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) must hold an MSN with a clinical specialization.
- An RNA (Registered Nurse Anesthetist) must hold a Masters in Nurse Anesthesia.
If the program you attend is out-of-state, it must be accredited by a board recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, all courses must include the following elements in their curriculum:
- Role alignment between the RN and APRN roles
- Theoretical instruction in your chosen APRN category
- Health care delivery system
- Ethical and legal implications of advanced nursing practice
- 3 hours in advanced pharmacology
- 3 hours in advanced pathophysiology
- 3 hours in advanced health assessment
- Clinical instruction that includes:
- Performing or ordering diagnostic procedures
- Evaluating diagnostic and assessment findings
- Prescribing medication and other treatments for patients
- 500 hours of learning in each clinical track
An NP and a CNS can also choose a specific population focus.
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2
BECOME CERTIFIED THROUGH THE BOARD
As an RNA, you must also maintain your national certification. However, although not required for other roles, it is recommended that they also seek national certification, as this increases job opportunities. The following national agencies are recognized by the board: - The National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) that recognizes the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
- The AMCB (American Midwifery Certification Board) that recognizes the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).
- The ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) that recognizes the Adult Nurse Practitioner, 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).
- The AANP (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners) that recognizes the Adult Nurse Practitioner and the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP.
- The AACN (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses) that recognizes the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
- The NCC (National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties) that recognizes the Women Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) and the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP).
- The PNCB (Pediatric Nursing Certification Board that recognizes the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Acute Care and Primary Care.
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3
APPLY TO BECOME LICENSED
Commencing the application process approximately one month before graduation is advisable to ensure timely completion of the criminal history background check. Alternatively, applicants can opt for a temporary permit, valid for 180 days, allowing for a smoother transition.To initiate the application, one must complete the Advanced Practice Application for License to Practice, ensuring that all pertinent documentation and fees are included. For those seeking RNA status, it is essential to forward the verification to the State of Kansas Health Care Stabilization Fund. Certain APRNs may pursue prescriptive practice, necessitating collaboration with a registered physician. This collaboration entails the physician’s endorsement through an affidavit. Moreover, applicants must furnish a written protocol outlining their medication-related authority. These documents undergo an annual review to ensure ongoing compliance and competence.
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4
RENEW YOUR LICENSE AUTOMATICALLY BIANNUALLY TOGETHER WITH YOUR RN LICENSE
The license renewal process occurs on the final day of your birth month. While a renewal reminder is sent via mail, it’s important to note that a printed license card will not be provided. Instead, comprehensive details of your license can be accessed online for reference.To fulfill renewal requirements, the Board mandates the completion of 30 hours of continuous education (CE) within your area of specialization. Additionally, it is crucial to check if your national certification agency imposes any additional CE obligations. A yearly review of the collaborative agreement is also stipulated, ensuring ongoing compliance and efficacy. Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson Street
Suite 1051
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1230
Main: 785-296-4929
Fax: 785-296-3929
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