If you’re aspiring to become a nurse in Louisiana, obtaining your nursing license is an important step in your career journey. Fortunately, the process is straightforward and can be easily navigated with the right information and resources.
To begin your journey towards obtaining a Louisiana nursing license, you’ll need to visit the Louisiana Nurse Portal at lsbn.boardsofnursing.org. Once there, you’ll need to create an account to access the application for licensure. The Nurse Portal is not only a platform for submitting your application but also provides valuable information about eligibility requirements, necessary documents, fees, and other important details.
Most of the required documents can be uploaded directly with your application, streamlining the process and making it more convenient for you. However, there are a couple of documents that need to be submitted via postal mail to the LSBN office. These include your completed criminal background packet and notarized affidavit of verification. It’s crucial to ensure that these documents are sent promptly to avoid any delays in the review of your application.
With the Nurse Portal, you can also manage your profile information, track the progress of your application, and stay updated through the eNotify system. Should you need any support or have questions along the way, the Nurse Portal’s Message Center offers a direct line of communication with the licensure staff, ensuring that you receive the assistance you need.
Obtaining your Louisiana nursing license is an exciting step towards a rewarding and fulfilling career in healthcare. By following the proper application process and utilizing the resources available to you, you can achieve your goal and join the ranks of dedicated healthcare professionals in Louisiana.
Key Takeaways:
- Visit the Louisiana Nurse Portal at lsbn.boardsofnursing.org to begin the process of obtaining your Louisiana nursing license.
- Create an account on the Nurse Portal to access the licensure application and important information about eligibility requirements and fees.
- Be sure to upload most of the required documents directly with your application, but also send your completed criminal background packet and notarized affidavit of verification via postal mail to the LSBN office.
- Utilize the Nurse Portal’s eNotify system to track the progress of your application and manage your profile information.
- Communicate with the licensure staff through the Nurse Portal’s Message Center if you have any questions or need additional support during the application process.
Licensure by Endorsement
If you are already licensed as a nurse in another state and wish to practice in Louisiana, you can apply for licensure by endorsement. This means that you have graduated from an approved nursing program that meets Louisiana’s educational criteria and have successfully passed the NCLEX-PN exam for practical nurses or the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nurses.
To complete the endorsement application, you will need to create an account in the Nurse Portal and provide the results of a state and federal background check. The endorsement fee is $185 plus a 1.8% state charge.
“Licensure by endorsement is an efficient process for nurses already holding licenses from other states, allowing them to practice in Louisiana and contribute to the healthcare workforce.” – Louisiana Board of Nursing
If you are moving to Louisiana from a non-compact state, you can apply for licensure before or after your move. However, if you are moving from a compact state, you must apply for licensure through endorsement upon moving and provide proof of residency.
Note: If you have ever held a Louisiana nursing license, you do not qualify for endorsement and must request the reinstatement of your license instead.
Requirements for Licensure by Endorsement:
| Education | Examination | Background Check | Residency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation from a board-approved nursing program | Passing the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN exam | State and federal criminal background check | Proof of residency for compact state applicants |
License Renewal
Once you have obtained your Louisiana nursing license, it is important to keep it valid through the renewal process. Registered nurses (RNs) have licenses that are valid for two years, while licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have licenses that expire annually.
The renewal period for RNs is between October 1st and December 31st, and renewal can be done through the nursing portal. The renewal fee for RNs is $200, with an additional $50 fee for late renewals.
LPN licenses expire on January 31st of each year, and the renewal link is available on the online portal account from November 1st through January 31st. The renewal fee for LPNs is $61.08.
RNs must complete 30 board-approved contact hours of continuing education or have 900 practice hours during the two-year licensure period or hold current certification in a specialty area of nursing. LPNs do not have specific contact hour requirements but cannot go more than four years without practicing. Failure to renew the license before the deadline will result in the license lapsing and requiring reinstatement.
FAQ
How can I obtain my Louisiana nursing license?
To obtain your Louisiana nursing license, you need to visit the Louisiana Nurse Portal at lsbn.boardsofnursing.org and create an account. From there, you can access the application for licensure and find information on eligibility requirements, fees, necessary documents, and other requirements. Most documents can be uploaded with the application, but you need to mail your completed criminal background packet and notarized affidavit of verification to the LSBN office. You can also use the Nurse Portal to manage your profile information and track your licenses through the eNotify system. Reach out to the licensure staff through the Nurse Portal’s Message Center for additional support.
What is the process for license endorsement in Louisiana?
If you are already licensed as a nurse in another state and wish to practice in Louisiana, you can apply for licensure by endorsement. This requires graduating from an approved nursing program that meets Louisiana’s educational criteria and successfully passing the NCLEX-PN exam for practical nurses or the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nurses. To complete the endorsement application, create an account in the Nurse Portal and provide the results of a state and federal background check. The endorsement fee is 5 plus a 1.8% state charge. If you are moving from a non-compact state, you can apply for licensure before or after your move. If you are moving from a compact state, apply for licensure through endorsement upon moving and provide proof of residency. Please note that if you have previously held a Louisiana nursing license, you must request reinstatement instead of applying for endorsement.
How do I renew my Louisiana nursing license?
Registered nurses (RNs) have licenses valid for two years, while licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have licenses expire annually. RNs can renew their licenses between October 1st and December 31st through the nursing portal. The renewal fee for RNs is 0, with an additional fee for late renewals. LPN licenses expire on January 31st of each year, and the renewal link is available on the online portal account from November 1st through January 31st. The renewal fee for LPNs is .08. RNs must complete 30 board-approved contact hours of continuing education or have 900 practice hours during the two-year licensure period or hold current certification in a specialty area of nursing. LPNs do not have specific contact hour requirements but cannot go more than four years without practicing. Failure to renew the license before the deadline will result in the license lapsing and requiring reinstatement.
