A career as a Registered Nurse (RN) is one of the most stable and rewarding professions in healthcare. Individuals seeking to enter this field must follow a specific, regulated process that culminates in state licensure. For those planning to practice in Nebraska, this journey involves satisfying the educational standards of the Nebraska Board of Nursing (BON), passing a national examination, and completing administrative and legal requirements. This guide outlines the necessary steps to transition from nursing student to licensed Registered Nurse in Nebraska.
Complete the Necessary Education
The first step toward becoming a Registered Nurse in Nebraska is completing a pre-licensure nursing program approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing. There are three main educational pathways: the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and a diploma from an approved nursing school. The time commitment varies; the ADN typically takes two to three years, while the BSN is a four-year undergraduate program.
The BSN pathway provides a broader education, including coursework in leadership, research, and public health topics, which are often not covered in the clinically focused ADN curriculum. While both degrees qualify a graduate to sit for the national licensure examination, many healthcare organizations increasingly prefer or require a BSN for new hires. Choosing the four-year degree can also open doors for career advancement into management, specialized roles, and advanced practice nursing.
Ensure Your Program is Accredited
Graduating from an approved program is not enough; the program must also hold specialized national nursing accreditation to ensure educational quality. The Nebraska Board of Nursing approves pre-licensure programs, but national accreditation is a separate layer of oversight affecting eligibility for the NCLEX-RN examination. This accreditation is granted by one of two bodies: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Attending a program that lacks national accreditation, even if state-approved, can render the graduate ineligible to take the licensure exam. The accreditation process ensures that the curriculum, faculty qualifications, and resources meet national standards for professional nursing education. Students should verify that their chosen program is accredited by either ACEN or CCNE before enrolling to ensure a path to licensure.
Pass the NCLEX-RN Examination
After completing the approved nursing education program, the next step is passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This standardized test is required for all individuals seeking initial RN licensure in the United States, including Nebraska. Candidates must register directly with Pearson VUE, the test administrator, and apply for licensure with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) up to 90 days before their expected graduation date.
The Nebraska Board of Nursing reviews the application and transcripts. Upon confirmation of eligibility, the Board issues an Authorization to Test (ATT) to the candidate, which is necessary to schedule the exam. The NCLEX-RN utilizes a Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format, where the difficulty of subsequent questions is adjusted based on previous answers. The test ends when the computer determines with 95% certainty that the candidate’s ability is either clearly above or below the passing standard. Preparation should focus on critical thinking and clinical judgment, and prospective nurses should practice using CAT-simulated exams.
Secure Your Nebraska Registered Nurse License
Once the NCLEX-RN is successfully passed, the final step is securing the Registered Nurse license from the Nebraska Board of Nursing. This process requires submitting an official application to the DHHS, along with a licensing fee (currently around $123). A mandatory part of this application is submitting a full set of fingerprints to the Nebraska State Patrol for a national criminal background check, including a check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The criminal background check is mandated by Nebraska law (Statute 38-131) for all initial RN licensure applicants. The applicant must pay the associated costs, and the Nebraska State Patrol will not process the request until the DHHS has received the license application. Nebraska is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs to hold a single multistate license and practice in any other NLC state. This simplifies the process for applicants moving into Nebraska from other compact states (licensure by endorsement).
Ongoing Requirements for License Renewal
Maintaining the Registered Nurse license in Nebraska requires completing specific continuing competency requirements every two years. The renewal period for RN licenses is biennial, with licenses typically expiring on October 31st of even-numbered years. The Nebraska Board of Nursing mandates that all RNs complete a minimum of 20 contact hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each renewal cycle.
The CE activities must be approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing or a recognized accrediting organization, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Alternatively, a nurse can meet the competency requirement by practicing nursing for at least 500 hours within the previous five years, or by graduating from an approved nursing program within the last five years. Failure to meet the renewal deadline will result in the license lapsing, which necessitates a reinstatement process before the nurse can legally practice.