Fill Out Your Florida Board Nursing Application Form

1. Who is eligible to apply for nursing licensure in Florida?

Eligibility for nursing licensure in Florida includes graduates from Florida-approved nursing education programs, programs accredited by ACEN or CCNE, military nursing programs with an NCLEX code, and various equivalent international nursing programs. Those who have completed a Practical Nurse equivalent course may also apply. Canadian Registered Nurses may need to take the NCLEX unless already licensed in the U.S.

2. What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and how does it affect my application?

Florida is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to practice across state lines without obtaining additional licenses, provided they hold a license from a Compact state. It's important to note that nurses must adhere to the practice laws of the state they work in and that the Compact does not apply to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.

3. What are the application fees for nursing licensure?

The total application fee for nursing licensure is $110. This includes a processing fee and other fees applicable to the student loan forgiveness fund and unlicensed activity. Payment must be made via cashier's check or money order to the Department of Health. If denied licensure or if one withdraws the application, a refund can be issued for specific fees within three years.

4. How do I register for the NCLEX?

After applying for licensure with the Florida Board of Nursing, applicants must register with Pearson VUE and pay the associated fee. This registration is essential; failing to do so can lead to delays in receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT). Registration can be completed online or by phone, but it is crucial to register before the board approves your application, especially for applicants from outside the U.S.

5. What should I do if I change my mailing address?

Notify the Florida Board of Nursing in writing as soon as possible if you change your address. This ensures that your application materials and other important communications reach you without delay. Address changes can be sent via email to the board office.

6. What identification is required on the day of the NCLEX examination?

On the examination day, you must present a valid form of identification that includes your name, photograph, and signature. Acceptable forms include a U.S. Driver License, a state or territorial identification card, a U.S. passport, or a military identification card. Ensure this identification matches the information on your application and ATT letter to avoid being turned away.

7. What is Graduate Nurse (GN) status, and how do I qualify?

Graduate Nurse status allows you to practice nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse before passing the NCLEX. To qualify, you must apply for and be approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. GN status is only valid within three months of graduation. If you do not pass the NCLEX or if you graduated over three months before your application, you will lose this status.

8. Can I receive a refund if my application is denied?

Yes, if your application for licensure is denied or if you withdraw it, you are eligible for a refund of specific fees. This includes the initial licensure fee, the student loan forgiveness fund fee, and the unlicensed activity fee, but you must apply for the refund within three years from the fee receipt date.

9. What happens if I do not take the NCLEX within 90 days of my ATT?

If you fail to take the NCLEX within 90 days of being issued your Authorization to Test (ATT), you must re-register with Pearson VUE and notify the board office. They cannot grant extensions, so it is critical to adhere to this timeline.

10. How can I check the status of my application?

To check the status of your application, consider checking your email if you've opted for email notifications. Alternatively, you can contact the Florida Board of Nursing directly via phone or email for updates. Regular checks are advised, as email addresses are public records, and confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

Common mistakes occur frequently when applicants complete the Florida Board Nursing Application form, impacting their chances of a successful submission. One major error involves inaccurate personal information. Applicants often provide incorrect names or incorrect dates of birth. It's critical that the name and date of birth on the application match the identification to be presented on the examination day. Discrepancies in basic details can lead to denial of entrance to the exam.

Another prevalent mistake is neglecting to inform the board of any address changes. When applicants move, they should update their mailing address promptly. If this is not done, important correspondence regarding licensure could be missed. Notifying the board by email can prevent this issue. Failure to maintain updated contact information might cause delays or complications in receiving necessary documentation.

Many applicants also forget to register with Pearson VUE before applying to the board. This registration is essential for scheduling the exam. If applicants wait too long to register, they could face additional delays in receiving their Authorization to Test (ATT). Timely registration with Pearson VUE helps to ensure a smoother examination process and avoids unnecessary complications.

Lastly, applicants often overlook the requirement for matching identification. The application must reflect the same name and address that will appear on the ID during the exam. Arriving without proper identification or with mismatched information will lead to disqualification from testing. Careful attention to details can significantly enhance an applicant's experience during the licensure process.

When applying for licensure through the Florida Board of Nursing, several other documents may be required alongside the application form. Each document serves a specific purpose in verifying qualifications and ensuring compliance with state requirements.

• Verification of Nursing Education: This document confirms that the applicant has completed a nursing program that meets state standards. It verifies the institution's accreditation and that the program has been recognized by the appropriate bodies.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from the nursing school are essential. They provide a record of the courses completed and grades received, demonstrating that the applicant has the educational background necessary for licensure.
• NCLEX Registration: Applicants must register with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX, the national licensing exam for nurses. This registration is a prerequisite to receiving an Authorization to Test (ATT) to take the exam.
• Graduate Nurse (GN) Status Application: If applicable, this document allows newly graduated nurses to practice under supervision before taking the NCLEX. Approval is required, and specific conditions must be met.
• Identification Documentation: Valid identification, such as a driver's license or passport, must be provided. This is required for both application submission and testing at examination centers.
• Application Fees Payment: A payment of the required fees is necessary to process the application. This payment should be submitted in the form of a cashier’s check or money order.
• Criminal Background Check Authorization: A criminal background check is often required to assess eligibility for licensure. Applicants must complete the necessary forms to initiate this background screening.

Gathering all required documents efficiently contributes to a smooth application process. Being prepared helps ensure that the application is processed without delays, allowing soon-to-be nurses to embark on their careers in Florida more swiftly.

• Application for Licensure by Examination (Other States) - Similar to the Florida Board Nursing Application, this document also requires personal information, education details, and proof of passing required examinations. It is essential for applicants seeking nursing licensure in states outside Florida.
• Nursing Endorsement Application - This document allows nurses already licensed in one state to apply for licensure in another state. Similar to the Florida application, it requires proof of prior licensure, education, and work experience.
• Nursing License Renewal Form - Just like the initial application, the renewal form collects personal information and proof of continued education. Both ensure that the nurse meets current requirements to maintain their licensure.
• Canadian Nurse Application for Licensure - This application mirrors the Florida form by including educational and testing requirements for Canadian nurses wishing to practice in the U.S. Similar eligibility criteria and document submissions are necessary.
• Nurses’ Compact License Application - If nurses wish to practice in multiple Compact States, this application serves a similar purpose to the Florida Board Nursing Application. It focuses on education, examinations, and nursing practice laws.
• Graduate Nurse Status Application - Like the Florida application form, this document grants permission for nursing graduates to practice under supervision while waiting to take their licensure exam, requiring proof of education and other specifications.

When filling out the Florida Board of Nursing Application form, pay attention to the following guidelines:

• Do provide accurate personal information, including your full name and date of birth.
• Do ensure that your mailing address is correct and up-to-date.
• Do register with Pearson VUE before applying, if eligible.
• Do include all required fees in the correct form of payment.
• Don't write in the space designated for revenue receipting.
• Don't submit your application if you have failed a licensing exam three consecutive times without completing a board-approved remedial course.
• Don't forget to notify the Board of any address changes in writing.

Understanding the Florida Board Nursing Application form can be challenging due to various misconceptions. Below is a list of common misunderstandings along with clarifications for each.

• Misconception 1: Only graduates from Florida nursing programs can apply for licensure.

This is incorrect. Graduates from accredited nursing programs, whether in Florida or other states, may apply as long as their program has been issued an NCLEX code by the NCSBN.

• Misconception 2: Military nursing programs automatically qualify applicants for licensure.

Not all military programs lead to licensure. Only those that have been issued an NCLEX code by NCSBN are considered equivalent.

• Misconception 3: All applicants must have taken the NCLEX before applying.

This is not true. Some candidates, such as Canadian Registered Nurses, may qualify for endorsement without taking the NCLEX, depending on their prior examinations and licenses.

• Misconception 4: Address changes after application do not need to be reported.

This is a significant error. Applicants must notify the board of any address changes in writing to avoid complications during the examination process.

• Misconception 5: You can register for the NCLEX after the board approval.

This is incorrect for most applicants. Generally, it is recommended to register with Pearson VUE prior to board approval, except for those educated outside the U.S.

• Misconception 6: If you do not pass the NCLEX, you still retain Graduate Nurse status indefinitely.

This is false. Applicants who do not pass the examination lose their Graduate Nurse status and cannot practice as such. They must pass the NCLEX to regain eligibility.

• Misconception 7: Any form of identification is acceptable on exam day.

This is misleading. Only specific forms of government-issued identification are accepted, and they must meet strict requirements such as being valid and not expired.

• Misconception 8: Refunds are available on all application fees.

This is not the case. While some fees may be refundable under certain conditions, not all fees, particularly those paid to Pearson VUE, are eligible for a refund.

• Misconception 9: You can change your name on the application at any time.

This misconception can lead to confusion. Name changes must be documented and properly aligned with identification presented at the time of the exam to avoid complications.

Filling out the Florida Board Nursing Application form requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. Here are some key takeaways:

• Those currently serving in or are veterans of the U.S. Armed Services, or are spouses of service members, may qualify for application fee reductions.
• Florida participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses to practice in other Compact States without obtaining additional licenses.
• Eligibility for licensure by examination includes graduates from Florida-approved and accredited nursing programs, military nursing programs, and certain international programs.
• Applicants must register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX and pay a nonrefundable fee.
• Address changes should be reported to the board in writing to avoid potential issues with examination scheduling.
• If an applicant does not take the scheduled examination within 90 days of receiving the Authorization to Test (ATT), they must re-register and pay the examination fee again.
• Identification presented at the test center must match the name and address on the application to ensure smooth entry into the examination.
• Graduate Nurse (GN) status permits nursing practice under supervision for three months post-graduation, but it becomes invalid if the first examination is not passed.
• Applicants may be required to complete a board-approved remedial course after failing a licensing examination three consecutive times.
• The total fee for the application process is $110, which covers various costs, including initial licensure and unlicensed activity fees.