Nursing remains a profession with a strong need for new workers which is great news for those about to begin their careers in these tough economic times.

The Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing (DRL) and the Board of Nursing are encouraging students to get a jump start on their careers by applying for their nursing licenses now, before they graduate.

“By applying now, or at least six weeks before you graduate, you put your paperwork in line ahead of those who wait until later,” said DRL Secretary Celia Jackson. “This could help you get started in your nursing career much earlier than those who wait to apply until after graduation.”

DRL has sent an e-mail to each nursing school in the state with tips for them to share with their students about how to apply for their licenses without waiting for graduation. DRL has also prepared a “bookmark” which is being sent to schools to share with their nursing graduates. The bookmark reinforces the idea of applying for licensure before graduation and includes the following additional tips for students:

• Go to the DRL website at http://drl.wi.gov/prof/apps.htm, click on the appropriate profession (registered nurse or licensed practical nurse), click on “Application by Examination” and download ALL ELEVEN forms that appear in the list. Complete the application right away and send it in with the required fee(s). If your application arrives in DRL at least six weeks prior to graduation, your application can be processed before graduation. We will then send you a checklist of remaining things yet to be completed. The checklist will also include an application ID # you can use to track the status of your application on line. Please DO NOT use any forms your school may have available as they may not have the recently added questions that you need to answer and this could delay your application. Make sure you double check your application prior to submitting it. Most often missed on the application is the “state of primary residence” area which is required in order to issue a temporary permit.
• Register and pay for the NCLEX exam at least FOUR WEEKS prior to graduating.
• If all required application forms are in DRL, as soon as you graduate and your school submits your Statement of Graduation (SOG) to DRL, we can issue your temporary permit and make you eligible for the NCLEX exam at the same time (please allow 15 business days for processing from the time your school sends your SOG). If you are granted a temporary permit, you need to take the NCLEX exam at least 10 days prior to the expiration date of your temporary permit to avoid any lapse in licensure.

More information on nursing licensure can be found on the DRL Web site at http://drl.wi.gov/prof/apps.htm.

David Carlson is communications officer at the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing.