1. Educational Requirements

• Obtain a Nursing Degree: You must have at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. If you received your nursing education outside the United States, you need to have your credentials evaluated to ensure they meet U.S. standards.

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

• Apply for the NCLEX-RN: Register with Pearson VUE, the testing service that administers the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses).
• Prepare for the Exam: The NCLEX-RN tests your knowledge and skills to ensure you’re ready for nursing practice. Study guides, practice tests, and review courses can help.
• Take and Pass the NCLEX-RN: This exam is a crucial step. You must pass to become licensed as an RN.

3. Apply for Licensure in Florida

• Submit Application to the Florida Board of Nursing: You can apply online through the Florida Board of Nursing’s website. Ensure you submit all required documentation, including your transcripts and proof of passing the NCLEX-RN.
• Background Check: Complete a background check, including fingerprinting, as part of the licensure process.
• Application Fee: Pay the application fee, which is required for processing your application.

4. Verification of Credentials

• Nursing Education Verification: If you were educated outside of Florida, your credentials might need verification through an approved agency, such as the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
• License Verification: If you're already licensed as a nurse in another state, you may need to have your current license verified through NURSYS, a national database for verifying nurse licensure.

5. Obtain a Florida RN License

• Review and Approval: Once your application, background check, and NCLEX-RN results are reviewed and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, you will be granted a license to practice as an RN in Florida.
• Receive License: You will receive your RN license, allowing you to legally practice as a Registered Nurse in Florida.

6. Maintain and Renew Your License

• Continuing Education: Florida requires RNs to complete continuing education (CE) credits during each renewal period (every two years) to maintain their license.
• License Renewal: Renew your RN license every two years through the Florida Board of Nursing, ensuring you meet all continuing education requirements.

Additional Considerations:

• Compact Nursing License: Florida is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing RNs with a compact license to practice in other NLC states without needing additional licenses.
• Advanced Practice: If you wish to advance your career, consider pursuing additional certifications or advanced degrees, such as becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP).

Following these steps will guide you through the process of becoming a Registered Nurse in Florida.