A Guide to Nursing in Kansas

When you think of Kansas, thoughts of Dorothy and Toto might come to mind. But Kansas is so much more than just a story about a faraway land. There is the Boot Hill Museum that will transport you back to the Wild West. Or visit the Sedgwick County Zoo, one of the highest-rated zoos in the country. Or travel to Monument Rocks (Chalk Pyramids), one of the eight wonders of Kansas. All you need to do is click your ruby slippers.

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

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In this article, we will cover:

• Licensing information
• Steps for renewing a Kansas nursing license
• Continuing education requirements
• Job & salary outlook for nurses in Kansas
• Top hospitals in Kansas
• Nursing organizations & associations in Kansas
• Basic steps for licensing and certification
• Contact information

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Licensing information

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Kansas whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Kansas from another state. For more information visit the Kansas licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $100
• Background check fee: $48

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $100
• Multistate license application fee: $125 (RN); $75 (LPN); $50 (APRN)
• Background check fee: $48

License renewal fee:

• Application fee: $85

Kansas is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees subject to change

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Steps for renewing a Kansas nursing license

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Continuing education requirements

RN: 30 contact hours of approved continuing nursing education (CNE) every 2 years

LPN: 30 contact hours of approved continuing nursing education (CNE) every 2 years

APRN: 30 contact hours of approved continuing nursing education (CNE) related to advanced practice registered nurse role every 2 years

Please visit the Kansas Board of Nursing CE page for more information on continuing education requirements.

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Kansas Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.  

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Job & salary outlook for nurses in Kansas

Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by about 9% between 2020-2030. The mean annual wage is $64,200.

We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if Kansas is the right state for you.

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Kansas ]

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Top hospitals in Kansas

If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in Kansas will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:

• University of Kansas Hospital – Kansas City, KS: At this facility, they strive to “provide the most current and effective treatments in a welcoming, professional and caring environment.” They are also a part of the Magnet Recognition Program^®. Some specialties include:
  • Cardiology & heart surgery
  • Diabetes & endocrinology
  • Ear, nose & throat (#17 in the nation)
  • Geriatrics (#24 in the nation)

• Stormont Vail Hospital -Topeka, KS: This member of the Magnet Recognition Program^® is committed to providing quality care in a safe environment so patients receive an exceptional level of care. Some specialties include:
  • Diabetes & endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology & GI surgery
  • Nephrology
  • Geriatrics

• Advent Health Shawnee Mission – Shawnee Mission, KS: The mission of this hospital is to “believe health should be measured in terms of the whole person — body, mind and spirit. And it’s our mission and promise to you to help you feel whole through compassionate care and world-class expertise.” This hospital is also a member of the Magnet Recognition Program^®. Some specialties include:
  • Diabetes & endocrinology
  • Nephrology
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Back surgery (Spinal Fusion)

*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.

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Nursing organizations & associations in Kansas

Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in Kansas:

Kansas State Nursing Association: The mission of this association is to “protect and enhance registered professional nursing practice in all environments to assure quality, affordable and accessible health care for people in Kansas.”

Kansas Organization of Nurse Leaders: Rewards of this organization include the ability to join “over 300 Kansas leaders in professional collaboration and fellowship; you can reap the benefits of collective wisdom and experience that is timely and relevant to your own practice.”

Kansas Advanced Practice Nurses Association: Part of the mission of this association is to “Promote advanced practice nursing excellence in practice, education and research as well as to collaborate with others in shaping the future of health care, including health professionals, agencies, organizations, and individuals.”

Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

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Basic steps for licensing and certification

Step 1: Education

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job. 

Step 2: Licensing

When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:

1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity

Step 3: Experience

This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.

Step 4: Certification

The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.

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Contact information

Kansas Board of Nursing
Phone: (785) 296-4929
Fax: (785) 296-3929

Website: https://ksbn.kansas.gov/

Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson Street
10th Floor, Suite 1051
Topeka, KS 66612-1230

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