The Florida Board of Nursing is celebrating its first 100 years in 2013. One of the main tasks of the Florida BON is licensing nurses: both LPNS and RNs. Those who complete education and other requirements within Florida apply by examination. The same goes for those who were educated elsewhere but have not yet taken the NCLEX exam. Nurses who have been licensed in another jurisdiction on the basis of examination may apply by endorsement. Florida currently has 260,117 registered nurses and 72,829 practical nurses.
Florida is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
The Board sets rules for licensing and practice. Information does change from time to time. A candidate can go to the Board site to sign up for email updates.
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The Florida BON is also charged with approving nursing programs. In order to maintain approval status, a program must have an adequate NCLEX pass rate. Florida defines this as being no lower than 10% below the national average, whatever that may be. If a program falls below this standard two years running, its status is lowered to probationary. Florida publishes NCLEX pass rates by school on a quarterly basis (http://floridasnursing.gov/education-and-training-programs/).
The Florida Nurses Association is an additional resource for nurses. Prospective nurses can visit the FNA site to see a list of things to consider when selecting an educational program. The Florida Nurses Foundation is under the FNA banner and can be a resource for scholarships.
LPN Requirements in Florida
LPN Education Requirements
Prospective LPNs should enroll in programs that have been approved by the Florida Board or some other acceptable organization. Practical nursing programs accredited by the ACEN (formerly NLNAC) are acceptable as are those accredited by other state boards. Education completed in the military will qualify a candidate for licensure if the program was assigned a NCLEX code. Read “Choosing an LPN Program in Florida” to gain a better understanding of the LPN program education requirements and process.
A student who begins a professional nursing program at a higher level may be licensed as an LPN if the coursework he or the candidate completed is equivalent to what they would have done in an LPN program. The equivalency route is called PNEQ.
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LPN Application Process and the NCLEX-PN
Whatever the educational background, a candidate will need to take and pass the NCLEX-PN. Before a candidate can be authorized to test, they will need to have their fingerprints taken and submit a license application to the Florida Board. Fingerprints are now done electronically, through Livescan. The applicant can create an account and apply online (http://floridasnursing.gov/licensing/licensed-practical-nurse-registered-nurse-by-examination/). Click Here for the Online LPN Application Form. The applicant will also need to register with the testing vendor, Pearson (http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex).
Applicants need to pay $175 to the Board of Nursing. This covers application processing and initial licensure. The fee for fingerprinting will vary, depending on what vendor is selected. $200 is paid to the testing company. Computer adapted exams are scheduled on an ongoing basis at sites around the country.
If the applicant passes the NCLEX-PN, they can expect their license to be issued within about a week to a week and a half. If the applicant doesn’t pass, they will need to apply for re-examination. There is a separate application form for this purpose. A candidate is allowed up to three exam attempts before the candidate is required to complete an approved remedial program.
Out of State LPNs Seeking Licensure
LPNs who are licensed in other jurisdictions will need to provide verification of their licenses. Those who have already taken the NCLEX will not need to retake it. With few exceptions, candidates will need to take the NCLEX if they were licensed based on passing some other exam. California used a state specific licensing exam during certain years in the past. The Florida Board does accept this test. However, Canadian LPNs must apply by examination – the Florida Board does not accept Canadian licensing exams at this level of licensing.
RN License Requirements in Florida
RN Education Requirements
A prospective RN should enroll in a professional nursing program that is approved and/or accredited by the Florida Board of Nursing. Florida has an approval process for nursing programs that operate within its borders, as do other states. Additionally, two accrediting agencies, the ACEN (formerly NLNAC) and CCNE, offer program level accreditation. “Choosing an RN Program in Florida” offers several additional resources to learn about selecting an appropriate professional nursing program.
The NCLEX-RN and Application Process
Candidates are required to take a licensing exam after they complete educational requirements. Before a candidate can be authorized to take the exam, the candidate must apply to the Florida Board. Applications can be found on the “resources” section of the Board site (http://floridasnursing.gov/licensing/licensed-practical-nurse-registered-nurse-by-examination/). Click Here for the Online RN Application Form.
Fingerprinting is a required step in the licensure process. Florida uses Livescan, an electronic process. Candidates should make sure they have the right Originating Agency Identification (ORI) so that the prints will be received by the Florida Board. Fees for fingerprinting may vary. A candidate will submit the application with a $175 combined application and licensing fee.
Once Florida has reviewed the application, the candidate will be given instructions about registering for the NCLEX exam through Pearson VUE. The examination process will necessitate another $200 fee.
If a candidate does not pass the exam after three attempts, that candidate will need to take an approved remedial program.
Out of State Applicants for Registered Nursing Licensure in Florida
Applicants already licensed in a U.S. state or territory may apply by endorsement (http://floridasnursing.gov/licensing/licensed-practical-nurse-registered-nurse-by-endorsement/). They must submit license verification from their current state of licensing as well as from the initial state (if different). There is a $175 fee for application and initial licensure. Fees for fingerprinting may vary (as will the fee the home state charges for license verification.
Military spouses may apply for temporary licensure (http://www.floridasnursing.gov/medical-licensing-for-military-members-and-spouses/). They have the same requirements, but a lesser fee. In addition to the standard documents, they must submit military orders and proof of marriage. They must also establish that they are in good standing in the state or territory where they hold licensing.
Candidates from other countries or from U.S. territories that are not under the jurisdiction of the NCSBN must apply to take the NCLEX exam. Canadian RNs who took the CNATS before August 8, 1995 may be exempted. They may use the application packet for license by endorsement.
Candidates outside the jurisdiction of the NCSBN are also responsible for having their education evaluated (http://www.floridasnursing.gov/forms/licensure-info-edu-outside-us.pdf). They should be aware that the process could take several months. If the nursing coursework was not completed in English, English competency must be demonstrated via another route. Florida accepts several English language exams and several types of educational program as evidence of competency. If a person has taken a college course for credit in the U.S., they are considered English proficient.
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FAQs
How many attempts NCLEX Florida? ›
Florida test-takers have three attempts to pass the NCLEX. After that, they must complete a Florida Board of Nursing-approved remedial course to reinstate testing eligibility for a fourth examination.
How many times can you fail Nclex RN in Florida? ›Is there a limit on how many times I can take the NCLEX? Yes. After three failures of the same level of examination (RN or LPN), regardless of jurisdiction, the applicant must successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial course.
What is the passing rate for NCLEX in Florida? ›This report only considers NCLEX takers based on the criteria above. In 2019, Florida's statewide RN NCLEX passage rate (combining associate and bachelor's degree programs) was 72% compared to 88% nationally – ranking Florida 53rd out of 55 states and US territories.
What is the legal document that ensures every nurse practicing in Florida meets minimum requirements for safe practice? ›The Florida Nurse Practice Act, Chapter 464, Florida Statutes, was enacted to ensure that every nurse practicing in Florida meets minimum requirements for safe practice. A nurse who falls below the minimum competency or who otherwise present a danger to the public shall be prohibited from practicing in Florida.
What happens if you fail NCLEX 3 times in Florida? ›After three failures of the same level of examination (RN or LPN), regardless of jurisdiction, the applicant must successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial course.
Which state has the easiest NCLEX exam? ›- #1 Connecticut. ...
- #2 Montana. ...
- #3 New York. ...
- #4 Northern Mariana Islands. ...
- #5 South Dakota.
To pass the NCLEX RN or PN, test takers must correctly answer at least 75 questions (the minimum amount). Unfortunately, that means you can also fail the exam within those 75 questions or items.
Which state has the highest NCLEX pass rate? ›- Pass rate, overall: 96.2%
- Pass rate, associate degree students: 95.3%
- Pass rate, bachelor's degree students: 97.1%
- Start studying as soon as possible and use review guides. The more prepared you are, the more successful you will be. ...
- Practice board-style questions. ...
- Use a plethora of study resources. ...
- Manage your test stress. ...
- Stay level-headed. ...
- Stay positive!
For examinees taking the NCLEX-RN, at least 75 questions must be answered. A minimum of 85 questions must be completed on the NCLEX-PN exam. Test-takers who do not answer the minimum number of questions within the time limit automatically fail the test.
How do I know if I passed the NCLEX exam? ›
You can determine if you have been issued a license number on our website, after testing, by visiting the Health Provider Lookup Screen. License numbers are generally issued within 1-3 business days after successfully passing the NCLEX examination.
Can you pass the NCLEX with 145 questions? ›The NCLEX-RN has a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 145, and you have five hours to complete the exam. If the maximum amount of time has elapsed and you have not answered the minimum number of questions, this indicates you failed the NCLEX in 2022.
What are the requirements for a license as a registered professional nurse in Florida? ›- Education: Completion of an state approved or accredited nursing education program.
- Examination: NCLEX.
- Endorsement: Individuals licensed as a registered nurse in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to board approval. ...
- Fees:
(f) A nurse shall not be allowed to exceed 16 consecutive hours worked in a 24 hour period. In the event a nurse works 16 consecutive hours, that nurse must be given at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time immediately-after the worked overtime.
Can an LPN call themselves a nurse? ›First, LPNs must pass a national licensure exam prior to assuming nursing responsibilities. In my opinion, if an individual passed the NCLEX-PN, they have earned the title nurse. Furthermore, a governing nursing board can suspend or revoke an LPNs license if he or she engages in a disorderly act.
How accurate is the Pearson VUE trick? ›PEARSON VUE TRICK PVT 2022 UPDATE REVEALED - YouTube
How many times can you fail the nursing boards? ›If you happen not to pass the exam, you can retake it after 45 days. And if you are wondering how often you can take the NCLEX, the NCSBN retake policy allows for a retake eight times a year, ensuring 45 exam-free days between each test.
What is the maximum number of questions on NCLEX 2022? ›The typical NCLEX has a maximum of 265 questions. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the length has been altered. The NCLEX in 2022 has 15 pretest questions and a maximum length of 145 questions. You'll also have a total of 5 hours to complete the exam.
Which state is the hardest to become a nurse? ›...
5 States that Take Longest to Get an RN License In
- Ohio (4-6 months) ...
- 2. California (3-6 months) ...
- Maryland (10 weeks) ...
- Maine (8-10 weeks) ...
- Alaska (8 weeks)
No. NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a national test created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and administered by the Pearson VUE. The level of difficulty of the test does not change from state to state or from one test location to another.
Which state is easiest to get RN license? ›
- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
For the NCLEX- RN to shut off at 75 means you either did very well or very bad. It only fails an tester at 75 if they are unable to correctly answer more than a few questions in a row.
What is the passing score for NCLEX? ›In December 2019, the NCSBN Board of Directors voted to raise the passing standard for the NCLEX-PN Examination. The new passing standard is -0.18 logits*, 0.03 logits higher than the current standard of -0.21 logits.
Do most people pass NCLEX? ›According to the NCSBN, the national first time NCLEX-RN pass rate for US educated nurses in 2020 was 86.5% and the PN pass rate for the same period of time was 83%.
What nursing school has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Florida? ›The University of Tampa is located in central Florida. In seven of the past eight years, University of Tampa students have received a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN on the first try. It's one of the few schools in Florida to achieve this.
Is the new NCLEX easier? ›A new NCLEX means better evaluation of graduates' readiness for the challenges of real-life nursing practice — and more difficult, in-depth questions that put pass rates at risk. The new item types likely to appear on the Next Generation NCLEX will be unlike any that nursing students have previously encountered.
What is the #1 nursing school in the US? ›What is the #1 nursing school in the US? Duke University is currently rated as the #1 nursing school in the U.S.
Can you study for the NCLEX in 3 weeks? ›Yep, your plan sounds pretty good. Just keep practicing those questions you're doing. I gave myself 3 weeks to prepare for NCLEX and everything worked out well.
How many questions are on the NCLEX 2023? ›While not hugely different, the new NCLEX will have 70-135 scored questions, not 60-130 like the old NCLEX.
Is it better to take NCLEX in the morning or afternoon? ›For most students, taking the NCLEX in the morning is best because you're more fresh and likely to do better. But, if you're more likely to run late or you're not a morning person, then consider scheduling it in the afternoon. The only NCLEX prep you'll need.
How many questions can you get wrong to pass the NCLEX? ›
While it's possible to pass the NCLEX after answering all 145, it's also possible to pass the test with a minimum of 60 questions or any number in between. Keep in mind NCLEX has a time limit of five hours. If you haven't answered enough questions correctly when the clock runs out, you will fail the test.
How can I pass NCLEX 75 questions? ›- Start Studying for NCLEX as Soon as Possible. ...
- I Purchased Two Review Guides. ...
- Practice Review Questions, and Read Rationales. ...
- Be Sure to Select Alternate Format Question in the Software. ...
- I Switched Study Strategies the Last Week before NCLEX. ...
- Don't Wait Too Long to Take the NCLEX.
The number of questions you answered is an indication of how close you were to the passing standard. Only those candidates whose performance was close to the passing standard had to answer the maximum number of questions (130 for NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN).
How soon after passing NCLEX can you work? ›The Pearson Vue NCLEX Trick can work in as few as two hours after testing. The Quick Results Service is available two days after testing in states where the service is offered. Neither the Pearson Vue Trick nor Quick Results Service results should be used to practice as a licensed nurse.
What time are NCLEX quick results posted? ›Anxious to get your exam results? Some boards of nursing participate in the Quick Results Service, which allows candidates to pay a fee and receive their 'unofficial' results 48 hours after their exam date and time.
What are considered harder questions on NCLEX? ›Analysis, synthesis and evaluation questions would be considered higher-level NCLEX questions. Synthesis questions are based on creating or proposing solutions, such as a plan of care.
How many Sata should you get on NCLEX? ›You may get around 10-25 SATA questions in total, but that will depend on how you're answering your NCLEX questions. The majority of your NCLEX® exam is still going to be single-option multiple-choice questions.
Can you fail NCLEX at 95 questions? ›NCLEX-RN candidates have a maximum of five hours to complete the exam. The computer will stop giving questions when it is 95% sure your ability is clearly above or below the passing standard required. This method of scoring is known as the 95% Confidence Interval Rule.
What is the passing rate for NCLEX in Florida? ›This report only considers NCLEX takers based on the criteria above. In 2019, Florida's statewide RN NCLEX passage rate (combining associate and bachelor's degree programs) was 72% compared to 88% nationally – ranking Florida 53rd out of 55 states and US territories.
How many times can you take the NCLEX in Florida? ›Is there a limit on how many times I can take the NCLEX? Yes. After three failures of the same level of examination (RN or LPN), regardless of jurisdiction, the applicant must successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial course.
How long does it take to get a Florida nursing license by endorsement? ›
You Can Get Your Nursing License by Endorsement in Florida
After the state board has received all required documentation and fees, most nurses receive their Florida RN or LPN license within 4-5 weeks. Timing varies by seasonal demand. The state does not issue temporary licenses.
Registered nurses in Florida earn an average of $72,000 per year (or $34.62 per hour). Florida registered nurses earn 12% lower than the national average salary for RNs, at $82,750 (or $39.78 per hour).
Can you work 7 days in a row in Florida? ›Yes. As long as you are being properly paid for your overtime, an employer in the State of Florida has the right to make you work 7 days a week. Florida is an “at-will” work state and this means that you can be hired or fired for any reason as long as there is no discrimination as stipulated by the law.
How many patients can a nurse have in Florida? ›A minimum of 1.0 hour of direct care by a licensed nurse per resident per day. A facility may not staff below one licensed nurse per 40 residents.
Are they phasing out LPNs? ›LPNs—alternately referred to as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs)—have been phased out over the last decade by health systems seeking higher-educated nurses who can provide a wider scope of duties.
Are LPN allowed to draw blood? ›Yes Based on training and competency an LPN may draw blood and administer vaccines.
Can LPNs put in IVS? ›Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) may, under the supervision of a registered nurse, administer intravenous medications and fluids provided the LPN has had the appropriate practice and annual documented education.
How many times can you retake NCLEX? ›And if you are wondering how often you can take the NCLEX, the NCSBN retake policy allows for a retake eight times a year, ensuring 45 exam-free days between each test.
How do I retake the NCLEX in Florida? ›- Contact your NRB and notify them that you plan to retake the exam. Determine what fees or materials you need to submit to the NRB.
- Reregister with Pearson VUE and pay the fee.
- Wait to receive your new ATT.
- Schedule your new exam.
These changes require applicants who graduated from a Florida Board Approved (not accredited) Nursing Program to take their initial exam within six (6) months of graduation. Applicants who do not take the exam within six (6) months of graduation must complete a Board Approved licensure examination preparatory course.
Is there a limit for NCLEX? ›
Candidates who have applied for licensure/registration with a participating nursing regulatory body (NRB) will be permitted to take the NCLEX eight times a year and there must be 45 test-free days between each examination.
Which state has the highest NCLEX pass rate? ›- Pass rate, overall: 96.2%
- Pass rate, associate degree students: 95.3%
- Pass rate, bachelor's degree students: 97.1%
While it's possible to pass the NCLEX after answering all 145, it's also possible to pass the test with a minimum of 60 questions or any number in between. Keep in mind NCLEX has a time limit of five hours. If you haven't answered enough questions correctly when the clock runs out, you will fail the test.
Can you take NCLEX 10 years after graduation? ›She stated that there is no time limit on when you finished your nursing education to make you eligible (or ineligible) to take the NCLEX and you should go ahead and apply.
How do you know if you passed NCLEX in 75 questions? ›Yes, you can pass the NCLEX-RN by answering only 75 questions. Keep in mind, the number of questions you answer may be a sign you passed, but it is not a definite sign. If your questions got progressively more challenging until the test stopped, this is one of the good signs you passed NCLEX in 2022.
How do you know if you fail NCLEX? ›The NCLEX-RN has a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 145, and you have five hours to complete the exam. If the maximum amount of time has elapsed and you have not answered the minimum number of questions, this indicates you failed the NCLEX in 2022.
What happens if you don't pass NCLEX in 3 years? ›If you do not pass within that year, you must complete board-approved remediation before retaking the exam. If you have not passed the NCLEX by the three-year anniversary of your graduation, you will have to attend a nursing education program before you may take the exam again.
What is the maximum number of questions on NCLEX 2022? ›The typical NCLEX has a maximum of 265 questions. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the length has been altered. The NCLEX in 2022 has 15 pretest questions and a maximum length of 145 questions. You'll also have a total of 5 hours to complete the exam.
Why do I keep failing NCLEX? ›Failing the NCLEX may indicate that your study habits were not optimal. Identify your areas of opportunity, and be clear about how you will alter your approach for your next attempt. You may have tried to cram too much studying into too short a time, or you might have not studied enough.
Can I take the NCLEX 3 years after nursing school? ›Though the vast majority of candidates pass the exam the first time, those who fail are permitted to retake it after 45 days from their original test date. Candidates may retest as many as 8 times in a year. Candidates must pass NCLEX within three years from when they graduated nursing school.
Is the NCLEX the same in every state? ›
No. NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a national test created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and administered by the Pearson VUE. The level of difficulty of the test does not change from state to state or from one test location to another.
How much does it cost to retake NCLEX? ›How Much Does It Cost To Retake The NCLEX Exam? With Pearson VUE, the registration fee for NCLEX retesting is $200, plus a $75 reapplication fee. You must pay the $7.95 fee for Quick Results if you want faster results.
Can you take the NCLEX without finishing nursing school? ›Candidates can take the NCLEX-PN exam without an undergraduate degree in nursing or a healthcare-related degree. For instance, if an individual holds a degree in Economics, they can still apply for the NCLEX-PN, provided they first complete a related diploma or certificate course required to sit for the exam.