In Virginia, there are around 90,000 nurses with active licenses and these professionals are under the supervision of the Virginia Board of Nursing (VA). This organization ensures that healthcare standards for safety and professionalism are strictly followed.
The board also addresses any complaints and enforces discipline for violations, in addition to managing licensing processes. So if any malpractice occurs, the authority will take disciplinary actions accordingly.
Well, in this write-up, we’ll guide you through the process of applying for, renewing, and verifying nursing licenses in Virginia. We will also talk about HeartBeat AI, a convenient platform for accessing details about nurse practitioners, simplifying the process for you.
What’s on this page:
Virginia Board of Nursing: At A Glance
The Board of Nursing Virginia oversees various nurse practitioners and educational programs for nurses in the state. Their duties include regulating nurses (RN and LPN), advanced practice registered nurses, nurse aides, medication aides, and massage therapists.
Contact Information
- Address: Department of Health Professions, Perimeter, Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233.
- Phone: 804-367-4515
- Website: Virginia Board of Nursing
What is the Virginia Board of Nursing Responsible for?
The Virginia Board of Nursing plays an important role in safeguarding patient and professional welfare. Its key responsibilities include:
- Ensuring Skilled Caregivers: The Board of Nursing Virginia grants licenses to nurses and healthcare workers. This makes sure they’re qualified to give good care.
- Establishing Ethical Standards: The board sets rules for how nurses should behave. Following these rules builds trust and honesty in healthcare. Patients feel safe and well-cared for.
- Holding Nurses Accountable: When a nurse is complained about, the board investigates. If they do something wrong, they face consequences. This keeps patients safe and shows nurses must be responsible.
- Encouraging Lifelong Learning: Nurses are always learning new things. This helps them stay great at their job. When nurses know more, patients get better care.
Virginia Board of Nursing License Lookup
The Board of Nursing Virginia provides an online service for checking the licenses of healthcare professionals. This website allows you to access information about licenses for individuals and groups regulated by the board, including any penalties they may have faced.
If you need detailed information about the VA Board of Nursing license, there’s a specific system available. It helps you find details such as the person’s name, license number, job role, type of license, status, and location.
For an easier Virginia Nursing License lookup, Heartbeat AI is a convenient tool. It’s designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to quickly verify the qualifications of nursing staff in the state.
Are You Eligible for a Virginia Nursing License?
To become eligible for getting a nursing license in Virginia, you must fulfill some specific criteria. But first of all, you need to have a high school education or GED and a diploma from a nursing program.
In the U.S., registered nurses (RNs) can have different levels of education but share similar skills. Most become RNs through either an Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. An ADN typically takes 2 years of study at a community college, while a BSN requires 4 years at a university.
Having a higher level of education in nursing-related course usually means more responsibility and opportunities for advancement in the workplace. Many RNs choose to pursue further education by obtaining master’s or a nursing degree. With these advanced degrees, they can take on roles as Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) or work in healthcare management, research, consulting, or education.
So if you have all these qualities, you can be a great candidate for getting a nursing license in Virginia.
Virginia Board of Nursing License Requirements
Here are the nursing licensure requirements Virginia.
- Must meet requirements in your home state.
- Either graduated from an approved education program or an international one verified by a credentials review agency.
- Passed an English proficiency exam if needed.
- Passed the NCLEX-RN® or NCLEX-PN® exam.
- Holds an active, clean license.
- Completed fingerprint-based background checks.
- No criminal history record or felony convictions.
- No misdemeanors related to nursing (decided case by case).
- Not in an alternative program.
- Must disclose participation in an alternative program.
- Has a valid U.S. Social Security number.
How to Get a Virginia Board of Nursing License
Obtaining a Virginia Board of Nursing license involves a series of steps that you must follow to ensure you meet all the requirements for licensure. Here’s a step-by-step guide for you.
Step 1: Complete an Approved Nursing Program
Your first step is to complete an approved nursing education program. For RN licensure, this typically means earning a BSN or ADN degree. For practical nurses (LPNs), a state-approved professionals nursing program is required.
Step 2: Submit the Virginia Board of Nursing License Application
Submit a licensing application to the Virginia Nursing Board. This can usually be done online through the Board’s website. You will need to pay an application fee, which varies based on the type of licensure you are seeking.
Step 3: Criminal Background Check
Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check as required by the Virginia Nursing Board. This will involve submitting fingerprints and possibly additional information.
Step 4: Register for the NCLEX
Register to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) through Pearson VUE, the company that administers the exam. There is a separate registration fee for the exam.
Step 5: Provide Transcripts
Ensure your nursing school sends your official transcripts directly to the Virginia Nursing Board. Some schools do this automatically upon graduation, but it’s wise to confirm. Also, check if you need to submit any additional documentation or not. This way, you can ensure that you’re providing the paperwork correctly.
Step 6: Pass the NCLEX
Prepare for the NCLEX. Once you finish the exam, your results will be sent directly to the board. If you pass, you’ll receive your license without any issues. If not, take it as an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and continue working towards your goal.
Step 7: Receive Your License
Once you have passed the NCLEX and met all other requirements, the board will issue your nursing license. You can typically verify your license status online through the Board’s website.
Virginia Nursing Board Licensure Time Frame
Once submitted, it may take up to 30 business days (6 weeks) for your application to be processed. If your application is complete and meets all the requirements, expect an email update after it’s reviewed.
In the case of online applications, you can check the status of your application. Also, you can access any extra instructions or forms from the Board by visiting the “Initial Applications” website.
Cost of Virginia Nursing Board License
For Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), the application fee for exams or endorsement is $190 and $170 respectively. Biennial renewal costs $140 for RNs and $120 for LPNs, with a late renewal surcharge of $50 for RNs and $40 for LPNs.
If you need to reinstate your license, the fee is $225, increasing to $300 after suspension or revocation. Moreover, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN, including CNM, CNS, and CRNA) have an application fee of $125. It also has a biennial renewal fee of $80 (plus a $25 late fee), and a reinstatement fee of $150, which increases to $200 after suspension or revocation.
Additional fees include $15 for a duplicate license, $25 for a duplicate professional certification, $35 for a transcript of all or part of the application, and a $50 charge for returned checks. You can pay fees with a check or money order to the Treasurer of Virginia, or online with a debit or your American Express credit card. All fees are nonrefundable.
Virginia Board of Nursing License Renewal
Renewing your Virginia Board of Nursing license is an important step to ensure you can continue practicing legally in the state. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the renewal process:
Step 1: Visit the Virginia Nursing Board Website
Go to the Virginia Board of Nursing’s official website and access to the license renewal section. If you haven’t already, you may need to create an account to access the online renewal process.
Step 2: Complete the Renewal Application
Fill out the renewal application form online. This will include verifying your personal information, answering questions related to your practice of nursing and conduct, and possibly providing details about your continuing education credit hours.
Step 3: Pay the Renewal Fee
Submit the appropriate renewal fee online. The fees vary depending on your license type and whether you are renewing on time or late. Payment can typically be made by credit or debit card.
Step 4: Submit Your Renewal Application
After filling out the application and paying the fee, submit your renewal application. Make sure to review all the information for accuracy before submitting.
Step 5: Receive Confirmation
After submitting your renewal application, you should receive an email confirmation that your application has been received and is being processed.
Virginia Board of Nursing License Verification
To verify a Virginia Board of Nursing license you can follow the procedure described below.
Step 1: Visit the Virginia Nursing Board’s Website
Start by going to the Virginia DHP’s official website, which oversees the nursing board.
Step 2: Access the License Lookup Tool
On the DHP homepage, find and click on the “License Lookup” link. This tool is designed to help you verify the license status of nurses and other healthcare professionals in Virginia.
Step 3: Input Search Criteria
You will be prompted to enter specific information to search for the licensee. This could include the nurse’s name, license number, or other identifying information. Fill in the relevant fields based on the information you have.
Step 4: Conduct the Search
After entering the required details, click on the search button or press enter. Ensure that the information entered is accurate to yield correct results.
Step 5: Review License Information
The search results will display a list of licenses matching your criteria. Click on the relevant entry to view detailed information about the nurse’s license. This information typically includes the licensee’s name, license number, status (active, expired, suspended, etc.), and expiration date. It may also show any disciplinary actions taken.
How Often Do Nursing Licenses Need to be Renewed in Virginia?
Virginia RN licenses are set to expire every two years, and the expiration aligns with the nurse’s birth month to keep things simple.
However, whether your license expires in an even or odd-numbered year depends on the year you were born. And if you were born in an even-numbered year, your license will expire at the end of your birth month in the next even-numbered year.
Conversely, if you were born in an odd-numbered year, your license will expire at the end of your birth month in odd-numbered years. This system makes your renewal cycle easy to remember since it matches your birth month and whether your birth year is odd or even.
How Does Heartbeat AI Simplify the Process of Getting & Renewing a Nursing License in Virginia?
Heartbeat AI simplifies the process of connecting with licensed nurses in Virginia, giving you access to the information you need with ease. Here’s what makes HeartBeat AI the go-to platform for getting information about healthcare professionals.
Accurate and Comprehensive Data
Heartbeat AI has a massive database of more than 11 million healthcare professionals in the US. It includes up-to-date information on Virginia’s licensed nurses. And our information is reliable because we work with over 200+ trusted data partners.
Simplified Communication
The platform encourages easy communication It allows users to seek support, pose questions, or obtain advice regarding license renewals. Thanks to the HeartBeat Prospector, the process of acquiring the necessary support and information for nursing professionals in Virginia becomes effortless.
Intuitive User Experience
Heartbeat AI offers an easy-to-use interface that helps Virginia’s nursing professionals and administrators. This way, you can quickly understand licensure requirements and find renewal guidelines.
Chrome Extension for Enhanced Connectivity
The Heartbeat AI Chrome Extension lets you easily gather information from social media, helping you connect with nursing professionals in Virginia by finding their contact details. It’s a great tool for expanding your professional network.
Conclusion
The Virginia Board of Nursing is essential for ensuring that nursing care in the state is safe and of high quality. They set the guidelines for the practice of nursing, issue licenses to those who qualify, and monitor compliance with these guidelines.
Their dedicated efforts guarantee that nursing services in Virginia adhere to the highest quality and safety standards. This is beneficial for nurses and the public.
And for people looking for up-to-date and accurate information on licensed nurses in Virginia, Heartbeat AI is the go-to resource. Our platform offers easy access to comprehensive and verified details about healthcare providers, simplifying the process of connecting with them.
FAQs
What disciplinary actions can the Virginia Nursing Board take against a nurse?
The Board has the authority to take various disciplinary actions against nurses for violations of state nursing laws and regulations. These actions can include reprimand, suspension, or revocation of the nursing license.
What is the process for obtaining a temporary nursing license in Virginia?
The process for obtaining a temporary nursing license in Virginia varies depending on the circumstances. Typically, temporary licenses are issued for specific purposes, such as to new graduates awaiting their NCLEX results or to nurses practicing in Virginia temporarily. You can also apply for a multistate license to practice in more than one state if you want.
