Are you showing interest in nursing? Do you think you will be a good candidate for a health care system? If so, you should obtain a nursing license and become a licensed nurse.
To earn and maintain a New Mexico nursing license, you need to meet specific training, education and other requirements set by the New Mexico Board of Nursing.
After graduating from high school, license applicants should complete an approved nursing program through certified courses. The purpose of these courses and programs is to make you eligible to take the NCLEX and qualify you for a nursing license in the state of New Mexico.
There are currently many associate programs and bachelor’s programs in the state, which deliver a new level of education. Sometimes there is evident distinction between possessing an ADN and a BSN.
Some health care systems and institutions tend to favor those, who possess a BSN. Moreover, there are certain positions, which require having a Bachelor’s degree.
When you meet the requirements of education, you can apply for licensure to the New Mexico Board of Nursing. You should pay $150 for the application.
If you apply right after graduating from the nursing program, you can work as a graduate nurse. You must apply for a temporary permit, which, as a rule, takes three weeks or longer to process.
Another step of the licensing process is to submit criminal background check and provide fingerprints. You will also need to pay $44 for the service of background and fingerprinting.
Criminal history may not necessarily prevent you from becoming a licensed nurse, but it may have an influence on the decision of the commission.
After graduating from the program, the course provider will provide a certificate of eligibility and demonstrate that you are ready to take the exam.
Given these points, you must take and pass the NCLEX, which ensures your abilities to work as a licensed nurse safely. Go through this link and register for the exam, paying the $200 examination fee. Note that you will need to pay for the exam each time you need to take it.
New Mexico Board of Nursing
6301 Indian School Road NE, Suite 710
Albuquerque, NM 87110
TEL: 505-841-8340
FAX: 505-841-8347
In the state of New Mexico, licensed nurses must renew their licenses every two years. Accordingly, you must renew it so that you keep the license in active position.
For license renewal, you will need to meet educational requirements throughout your career. To clarify, you must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education aligns with the licensure period.
For renewing online, click here and use the nurse portal. If you do not have an account, create one and then follow the mentioned steps.
In case you have difficulties with using the online portal or the computer, you can use this guide, which explains the steps quite easily.