How to Become an LPN in Florida
Florida Licensed Practical Nurses can apply and register for licensing through examination by contacting the Florida Board of Nursing. The NCLEX-PN exam, reviewed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and administered through Pearson VUE, validates the knowledge require for licensing through the State Board. Along with satisfactory test results, LPNs must meet educational requirements, possess a clear (or reviewed) criminal background and current immunization records. Once a licensed has been issued by the Board, LPNs have continuing education requirements they will need to complete as they renew their licenses every two years.
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Things You'll Need
- High school diploma or equivalent
- LPN training
- NCLEX-PN testing
- Florida Board of Nursing License
Instructions
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Complete the educational requirements. Begin with your high school diploma or equivalent, select a LPN program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. To find a list of schools approved by the Board of Nursing, visit the Florida Department of Health website. (See Resources.) LPN programs will require immunization records as well as a clear criminal background check and drug screening. You will also be required to take a placement test to ensure you meet the baseline educational requirements for admission and determine if you need to take any preparatory coursework. Possess comfort with math and science as typical curriculum coursework will include anatomy, physiology, nutrition and pharmacology.
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Complete the mandatory continuing education requirement on the prevention of medical errors. This course requirement is required in Florida for licensing and should be completed in advance of submitting of your application. To research different ways to meet this education requirement through various providers, the Board of Nursing recommends potential licensees visit the CE Broker website. (See Resources.)
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Apply for LPN licensing by examination through the Florida Board of Nursing. Apply on line through the Florida Department of Health website. (See References.) To be eligible for license consideration, you will need to provide proof of your LPN certification through an approved program, the fulfillment of the continuing education requirement, a physical address/practice address in the state of Florida, immunization and criminal background detail. Once your application has been approved, you may register for your exam requirement.
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Register with Pearson VUE and take the NCLEX-PN examination. Identify your test location by searching on the Pearson VUE website (see Resources) for your desired test site in Florida. Register on line to take the NCLEX-PN exam. Once you have received your authorization to test (ATT) from Pearson VUE indicating the Board of Nursing has cleared you to sit for the exam, you should take the NCLEX-PN within the next 90 days. The test will include from 85 to 205 items and you will be given five hours to complete the exam. Your test results will be sent to the Board of Nursing.
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Launch your career search. Once you have passed the NCLEX-PN exam and are issued your license through the Florida Board of Nursing, you should begin your job search. Begin first with the school career planning and placement contacts at the school where you completed your LPN certification program to learn of any affiliate relationships with local hospitals, medical centers and facilities and LPN recruitment efforts initiated at the school site. Consult local hospitals and inquire about LPN openings, beginning first with their hospital website. (See Resources.) Use specialty career websites for nurses like the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses Career Center or Nurse.com to search for employment listings in your desired Florida geography. (See Resources.)
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Meet the continuing education requirements for state licensed LPNs. Florida LPNs participate in a 24-month renewal cycle in which they must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education during each renewal period. Review the Florida Board of Nursing Continuing Education requirements as you near each renewal period to ensure you take the appropriate coursework to keep your license in good standing.
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References
Resources
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