A Guide to Nursing in Nevada

When you here “Nevada” people usually think of the Strip where most casinos are located. You can visit the Mob Museum, Titanic exhibit, and many other sites like the Hershey’s World of Chocolate. But Nevada offers so much more. For the outdoorsperson visit the beautiful Red Rock Canyon or Mount Charleston for some skiing. Visit Hoover Dam and marvel in its unique history. But no matter where you go, you will most likely hear the trill of slot machines.

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

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Licensing information

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses)

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $100 (RN); $90 (LPN)
• Fingerprint processing fee: $40

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

• Application fee: $105 (RN); $95 (LPN); $200 (APRN)
• Fingerprint processing fee: $40

License renewal fees:

• Application fee: $100 (RN/LPN); $300 (APRN)

*Fees are subject to change.

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Steps for renewing a Nevada nursing license

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Continuing education requirements

RN: 30 contact hours every 2 years (1-time requirement of 4 contact hours in bioterrorism class)

LPN: 30 contact hours every 2 years (1-time requirement of 4 contact hours in bioterrorism class)

APRN: 30 contact hours every 2 years (1-time requirement of 4 contact hours in bioterrorism class); and an additional 15 CEUs directly related to their specialties to include a 2-hour suicide prevention course completed every 4 years, 2-hour substance use and abuse course completed every renewal cycle, and maintain a portfolio.

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

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Job & salary outlook for nurses in Nevada

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 and 2030. The annual average salary is $82,750.

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

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Nevada ]

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Top hospitals in Nevada

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

• Renown Regional Medical Center – Reno, NV: This facility is rated high performing in 9 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Procedures and conditions related to cancer
  • Heart attack and heart failure
  • Diabetes

• Banner Churchill Community Hospital – Fallon, NV is rated high performing in 1 adult procedure or condition. Some specialties include:
  • Hip fracture
  • Knee replacement

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Nursing organizations & associations in Nevada

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 Nevada:

Nevada Nurses Association – “The Nevada Nurses’ Association promotes professional nursing practice through continuing education, community service, nursing leadership and legislative activities to advocate for improved health and high-quality health care for citizens of Nevada.”

Nevada Advanced Practice Nurses Association – “The Nevada Advanced Practice Nurses Association (NAPNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) centric organization focused on improving access to healthcare for all Nevadans. NAPNA is committed to providing education, legislative representation, and leadership for all APRNs in Nevada.

Nevada Organization of Nurse Leaders – “Membership benefits are in leadership & development, professional collaboration, educational opportunities, legislative representation, and professional nursing.”

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

Nevada State Board of Nursing
Phone: (888) 590-6726

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://nevadanursingboard.org/

Las Vegas Office:
4220 South Maryland Pkwy., Building B, Suite 300
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Fax: (702) 486-5803

Reno Office: 
5011 Meadowood Mall Way Ste 300
Reno, NV 89502
Fax: (775) 687-7707

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