Iowa Nursing License

Do you want to learn more about the requirements for obtaining an Iowa nursing license? Or are you trying to do an Iowa nursing license lookup? Then you are in the right place. Use the Iowa RN license lookup above to conduct a search or read below for more details.

How do I get a nursing license in Iowa?

You need to obtain a nursing license for practicing as a nurse in Iowa, as specified in Iowa Code sections 147.2 and 152.6.

The Iowa Board of Nursing grants permission to a person who meets the requirements for licensure as a licensed nurse in Iowa and ensures license renewals in accordance with licensing regulations.

• First, you need to fill out an online application for Licensure by Endorsement.
• Pay the applicable fees

Other necessary materials, forms (referenced below), and instructions will be sent to you automatically by ground mail.

• You need two completed fingerprint cards

Other fingerprint cards will not be accepted; you must use the cards obtained from the nursing board office.

You can get fingerprinted at any certified fingerprinting center or at your local sheriff’s office or a police station. It makes no difference what state you get them done.

• A signed criminal history background waiver form. You will need to pass a background check.
• Original license verification

If your state is a Nursys participant, you must complete the Nursys verification process, pay the fee, and designate Iowa as the verification’s recipient.

If your state does not a member of Nursys, you may need to contact their state board for more details. You’ll need to give them the Verification of License form, which they’ll need to fill out and submit to the Iowa Board of Nursing on your behalf.

• Request an official transcript to be sent.

To receive your permanent license, you must complete the remaining tasks before your temporary license expires.

• An official nurse transcript.

The program mails a hard copy of the transcript directly through ground mail.

You must provide information on any convictions and non-state disciplines (if applicable).

Identification of active military or federal government official (if applicable).

Then, you can apply to get your license and eventually appear on an Iowa Board of nursing license lookup.

When can I renew my Iowa nursing license in IOWA?

You must renew your nursing license every three years.

• Check your wallet card or the Online Verification System to find out when your license expires.
• A licensee may renew her/his license up to 60 days before the expiration date. For example, a license that expires on September 15 you can renew on July 15.

Also, 36 contact hours are required.

• RNs who examine, attend, advise or treat dependent adults or children on a daily basis must undergo two contact hours of child/dependent adult abuse training.
• However, every five years you must complete abuse training.

Moreover, the Iowa Board of nursing license lookup by name also shows the status of the license.

How many times can you take the NCLEX in Iowa?

Despite the fact that the majority of applicants pass the exam on their first try, those who do not pass can retake it 45 days after their original test date. Therefore, candidates may retest up to eight times a year. Also, candidates must pass the NCLEX exam within three years of graduation from nursing school.