A nurse must pass the NCLEX exam to be eligible for licensurse in New Jersey.
The nursing Council Licensure Examination tests the competency of entry-level nurses to obtain licensure to work as a nurse in a healthcare institution. The NCLEX-RN tests registered nurses, and the NCLEX-LPN applies to licensed practical nurses, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The New Jersey Board of Nursing requires applicant to pass this exam before it will issue a nursing license.
Instructions
1. Go to the New Jersey Board of Nursing website to download and print the appropriate NCLEX application packet. Note that foreign-trained nurses must fill out a different packet than U.S.-trained nurses.
2. Fill out the application for nurse licensure by examination, the affidavit, the certification and authorization form for a criminal history background check, and the certification. For these forms, you'll fill out basic information about your identity and address, as well as answer several questions regarding education, criminal history and medical conditions history.
3. Attach to the application a clear 2- by 2-inch passport-style photo of yourself taken during the past six months. Do not use staples to attach the photo.
4. Sign the affidavit in the presence of a notary public.
5. Submit the completed application to the New Jersey Board of Nursing with the appropriate fees. They may be paid by check or money order.
6. Instruct your nursing school to send an official letter of program completion directly to the New Jersey Board of Nursing. It must be signed by the nursing program chair and sealed with the official school seal.
7. Register for the NCLEX exam. You may apply online at Pearson Vue (the company that oversees and administers NCLEX testing) by calling the company at 866-496-2539. You can register by mail by submitting your completed application along with the fees in the envelope provided by the NCLEX Examination Bulletin.
8. Complete the fingerprinting process as outlined in the instructions that the Nursing Board of New Jersey will send you once it has received your criminal history and background check form.
9. Submit transcripts for review by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools if you are a foreign-educated nurse.
