Idaho Nursing License

Working as a nurse in Idaho is a fascinating experience. Job openings are abundant, and demand is expected to grow. Let’s look at how you can get started as a nurse in the state and obtain an Idaho nursing license. Find the answers for the most searched questions for Idaho board of nursing license lookup just scrolling down.

How do I get a nursing license in Idaho?

You may either become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a one-year diploma or a Registered Nurse (RN) with a two-year associate’s degree (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s degree (BSN). You typically only need a high school diploma or a GED to function as an LPN. You will need to take about five separate prerequisite courses related to the field of nursing for ADNs and BSNs.

The LPN program is focused primarily on patient care. RN programs are more extensive, and if you prefer a BSN, you’ll also take more specialized courses like naturopathic medicine, bioterrorism, and management.

LPNs must take the NCLEX-PN exam, while RNs must take the NCLEX-RN exam. This is a tough test, but between 85 and 90 percent of all graduates pass, which is significantly higher than the national average.

Requirements for a temporary license

1. Register an account online
2. Complete the Declaration of Primary Residence Form / indicate that you want to receive a temporary license/
3. Pay the applicable fees
4. You need an Official confirmation of a valid license in another jurisdiction (submit through Nursys). It is highly recommended that you complete this immediately after submitting your license application by endorsement.You can always apply for a temporary license if you don’t have an active license in a Nursys-participating state as long as you are able to complete phase 5.
5. Employment verification data for three years

The simplest way for the Idaho board of nursing license verification is with the Idaho nursing license lookup tool.

Permanent License

1. Register an account online
2. Complete the online application for Endorsement Licensure
3. Pay the applicable fees
4. Verification of the authenticity of the state license

If your state is a Nursys member, you must complete the Nursys verification process, pay the fee, and designate Idaho as the receipt of the verification.

If your state does not participate in Nursys, you may need to contact their state board for more information. They will need to file an official license confirmation form with the Idaho Board of Nursing on your behalf.

      5. Satisfactory recommendation for work as a nurse for the three-year period immediately preceding the application.

This Employment Verification form must be completed by reference and faxed, forwarded, or mailed directly to the Idaho Board of Nursing.

Read the Idaho State Police Privacy Statement and sign it. Then send it to the Idaho Board of Nursing.

     6. Fingerprints and a detailed background check

You’ll be asked if you want a fingerprint card mailed to you as part of your electronic application in the Nurse Portal. If you answer affirmatively, the Board of Nursing will give you a fingerprint card, return envelope, and instructions within 3 business days of receiving your letter.

Once you’ve had your fingerprints taken by a law enforcement officer, mail the card to the Idaho Board of Nursing in the enclosed envelope. The fingerprint card should not be folded.

Idaho nursing license renewal

• Your license must be renewed every two years.
• Your RN license expires in odd-numbered years. Licenses are valid until August 31st of the following year.
• If you renew after August 31st, you will be charged a $35.00 late fee.
• Licenses can be renewed three (3) months before your current license expires.

Is Idaho a nursing compact state?

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is a national compact that was introduced on July 1, 2001 in Idaho. It allows nurses who live in a compact state and have a multi-state license to practice nursing in other compact states without having to obtain additional licenses in those states.

Nurses can hold a valid multi-state license in only one compact state – their primary state of residence, according to the compact’s terms.

Visit here to see the exact language of the Nurse Licensure Compact.

You will be given an Idaho multi-state license if you designate Idaho as your primary state of residence, and any licenses you already possess in other compact states will become invalid.

Also, you are permitted to practice in other compact states, but you must obey the practice laws of and state where you practice.

When you transfer to another state, you must contact the state’s Board of Nursing and request a new license. Your Idaho license will expire after your new multi-state license is issued /if your new state of residence is a member of the Compact/.

If you want to practice in Idaho after moving to another state that is not a member of the Compact, you will be issued an Idaho license designated as valid only for practice in Idaho.