How to Become a Nurse in Arizona, Career Near Me

How to Become a Nurse in Arizona, Career Near Me

The Arizona State Board of Nursing oversees the licensing of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the state to ensure the safety and health of patients in Arizona. A career in nursing requires an individual to complete an approved education program and have the skills and compassion to help patients suffering from illness and medical conditions.

Method 1 Choosing a Career Path in Nursing.
1. Research different nursing career paths and educational requirements. In the state of Arizona, you can practice nursing as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). Explore the job duties of both an LPN and RN.
Licensed practical nurses provide direct patient care under the direction or supervision of a doctor or registered nurse. An LPN can direct the nursing activities of Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP), such as nursing assistants and aides, or they can assign nursing care that is within their scope to other LPNs. The LPN's primary function is to help with patient assessments by collecting and recording data. The duties of an LPN can include taking patient vital signs; administering medications; providing patients with assistance in eating, standing and grooming; and updating patient records.
Registered nurses provide direct care to patients as well as educate families and patients about care and treatment. While RNs do not diagnose patients, a RN provides patient information to the physician to help with diagnosing illnesses and conditions and with the development of a patient care plan. Registered nurses also administer medications, assist physicians in surgery, and provide medical care to patients under the orders of a physician.
Visit the Arizona State Board of Nursing at http://www.azbn.gov/.
2. Interview an LPN and a RN to learn about their jobs. It’s important to learn exactly what a nurse does on a day-to-day basis before deciding to become a nurse. Ask a friend or family member who is a nurse if you can take them to coffee or lunch. If you don’t know a nurse, ask friends and family for suggestions.
3. Research nursing education programs. Becoming a nurse means attending school for at least eighteen months and up to four years in the state of Arizona. Take some time to research program requirements, costs, financial aid, and job placement statistics on each school’s website.
A registered nurse can complete a bachelor or associate's degree program to qualify for licensure in Arizona. The bachelor's degree program prepares the RN to advance in the field and pursue administrative positions in the nursing field. The Nurse Practice Act in Arizona requires a registered nursing education program to provide student nurses with the education to care for geriatric patients, infants, patients with mental impairment and conditions, premature infants, adults and patients seeking wellness care. The program must also include clinical education for the registered nurse.
Licensed practical nursing programs are available at vocational and community colleges. These programs prepare the student to provide basic nursing care to patients in a variety of settings. The Arizona Nurse Practice Act requires the LPN education program to include clinical instruction in patient care and basic nursing skills.
Be sure to learn about any courses you need to complete before applying to and/or entering the program.
The Arizona State Board of Nursing maintains a list of approved RN and LPN programs.

Method 2 Completing a Nursing Education Program.
1. Complete all prerequisites. It’s common for nursing programs to require students to complete certain classes before entering, or even applying to, a nursing education program. Be sure you’ve finished all the prerequisites before application and entrance deadlines.
Common prerequisites include human anatomy, physiology, biology, nutrition, and English.
2. Apply to nursing school. The first step toward completing your LPN or RN nursing program is to apply! Many applications are intensive and many also require an entrance exam. If it’s possible, apply to more than one program. This will increase your chances of being accepted to nursing school.
Each school’s application process is different, but most require a general application, transcripts, and a professional reference. Consult each individual school’s admissions office online or in person for details.
3. Complete all the requirements of your nursing education program. Each nursing program has specific requirements that must be met in order to graduate. These will include classes, labs, and clinical practicums where you will gain professional nursing experience.
Make your education a priority and set aside regular blocks of time for studying. Nursing education programs are intense and time-consuming, requiring the utmost dedication.

Method 3 Becoming Licensed by Examination.
1. Apply to take the NCLEX. All LPNs and RNs must pass the NCLEX to practice in Arizona. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination or NCLEX is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. You must apply to take the NCLEX through the Arizona State Board of Nursing’s website.
Candidates must submit transcripts from an accredited school, fingerprints for a background investigation, and the fees for NCLEX exam. In 2016 the exam and licensure fee is $300.
Candidates who meet the education requirements will receive an authorization to test. The individual can then schedule the test online within 90 days of receiving the authorization.
Register for the NCLEX by visiting https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm.
2. Study for the National Council Licensure Exam. Passing the NCLEX is no easy feat. You will be examined on all of the academic and practical knowledge you acquired during your nursing education program.
Try finding a study partner or taking an exam preparation course to increase your chances of passing.
Set a reasonable timeline for studying and taking the exam. Don’t rush into it if you’re not prepared.
3. Pass the National Council Licensure Exam. You must pass the NCLEX in order to become a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse in the state of Arizona unless you are relocating to Arizona from a Compact State.
If you fail the NCLEX, you can take it again after a waiting period of 45 days. You can take the exam up to eight times per year.
4. Receive license by mail from Arizona State Board of Nursing. If all your application requirements are met and you pass the NCLEX, the Arizona Board of Nursing will mail you your license within 7-10 days of taking the exam.

Method 4 Becoming Licensed by Endorsement.
1. Determine if you live in a compact state. AR, CO, DE, ID, IA, KY, MD, ME, MO, MS, NE, NH, NC, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, and WI are all compact states that have a licensing agreement with the state of Arizona. If your primary state of residency is in one of these states, you should only apply for licensure in Arizona if you are declaring Arizona your primary state of residency.
2. Determine if you’re eligible for licensure by endorsement. If you are a US educated applicant, you must have passed the NCLEX and have a prior or current license in another state or territory. You also must meet certain education and practice requirements.
If you were educated in a foreign country, you must meet educational requirements, validate your English language skills, provide proof or validation of practice, and have passed the NCLEX or State Board Test Pool Examination.
3. Submit an application to the Arizona Board of Nursing. If you meet all the requirements for licensure by endorsement and are declaring Arizona as your primary state of residency, submit all the required documents online and by mail to the Arizona Board of Nursing. Once approved you will receive your license in the mail.

Method 5 Finding a Nursing Position.
1. Utilize your school’s resources and networks. Finding a job is often about networking and nursing programs often work to help place their students in positions upon graduation. Talk to your program director or visit your school’s career center to learn more.
2. Expand your professional networks. Network locally and at the state level. Join an organization like the Arizona Nurses Association and attend events they sponsor. This will give you an opportunity to network with nurses and health care professionals across Arizona.
3. Gather your job application materials. Each job you apply to may have different requirements, but most will require a cover letter, resume, and copy of your transcripts. You will also be required to verify your current license.
4. Apply, apply, apply. Utilize your local networks and conduct online searches for jobs in both the private and public sectors. Send out applications to multiple positions, even if they’re not a perfect fit for you. Chances are your first job won’t be your dream job and that’s okay! It also might take a while to land a job, but keep applying. Persistence pays off.

Community Q&A

Question : Does this mean after having your career, you need to keep studying?
Answer : Continuing education is not required in Arizona.
Question : I graduated with a bachelor's degree in nursing in the Philippines. Do I need to take the NCLEX exam to practice in Arizona?
Answer : If you were educated in a foreign country, you must meet certain requirements to become a nurse in Arizona. One of these is passing the NCLEX and you can register online through the Arizona Board of Nursing.