Applied for your nursing license in Oklahoma but struggle with checking your application status? No worries! The Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN) is responsible for helping you in this process.
We help you learn all about the nursing license. So, you will learn about the main functions of OBN and what it is responsible for.
What is a Nursing License?
Like every other state, Oklahoma is also in constant need of qualified nurses. So, in case you are interested in practicing nursing, you have to obtain an official license.
Nursing licensure is a process by which the official State Board grants the applicant a permit to legally perform nursing work. In fact, to be able to get the license, the applicant has to meet the Board's requirements.
The tasks of a licensed nurse include understanding and following the rules and regulations that manage nursing practice in Oklahoma.
Obtaining a Nursing License in Oklahoma
If you have decided to apply for a nursing license in Oklahoma, you have to go through the steps briefly outlined below.
Enrollment in a Nursing Educational Program
The first stage towards your license is education. There are quite many programs in Oklahoma for both associate and baccalaureate degrees.
Both degrees are acceptable for the license. Still, there are a few differences that you need to be aware of.
Application for the License
Good job taking all the necessary courses and successfully completing your educational journey! It is now time to apply for the license.
Note that you have to apply for the license within two years after graduation. If you fail to do so, you will need to take additional courses.
You can send the application online through the Oklahoma nursing portal. Also, you need to pay the application fee of $85.
If you need to get information about your Oklahoma nursing license application status, you should contact the OBN at (405) 962-1800.
NCLEX
National Council Licensure Examination is a necessary step in obtaining a license. It costs $200. However, if you fail it on the first try, you can retake it. You just need to pay the same amount.
Besides obtaining a license, you also need to renew it every two years. Licensed practical nurses renew it during odd years. Meanwhile, registered nurses have to renew it during even years.
Check out the Oklahoma Nursing License article, if you want to learn more about the process of getting the license.
General Functions of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing
The purpose of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing is to protect the public health of the residents of the state.
It includes 11 members who are appointed by the Governor. Six members are registered nurses, and three of them are licensed nurses. Moreover, two of the eleven members are citizens of the state who represent the public.
You can contact Board Members by email (boardmember@nursing.ok.gov). Also, you may call them at 405-962-1811.
The Board makes sure that any individual who wants to practice nursing is competent to do so. In fact, the Board does this through the management of nursing licensure, education, and certification.
Some of the core responsibilities of the OBN include the following:
- Set standards for training programs
- Prepare individuals for certification and licensure for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Advanced Unlicensed Assistants (AUA), or Registered Nurses (RN)
- Administer exam procedures
- Issue/renew a license to the nurses meeting established requirements
- Keep records of all nurses
- Issue the records for public examination under the provisions of the Open Records Act
- Investigate complaints about the violations of the Oklahoma Practice Act (Therefore, conduct hearings upon charges.)
- Organize peer assistance programs (It is mainly for those nurses whose competence might have been compromised due to drug abuse or addiction.)
- Provide consultations, seminars, forums, and studies to the nurses, etc.
Contacts
Oklahoma Board of Nursing
Address: 2501 N. Lincoln Blvd., Ste. 207, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Email: obnwebmaster@nursing.ok.gov
TEL: 405.962.1800 or 405.962.1832
FAX: 405.962.1821
To sum up…
OBN is responsible for safeguarding the welfare of the public. They ensure that the state has professional and trained nurses. So, if you are interested in obtaining a nursing license in Oklahoma, you should contact OBN for any questions or concerns.
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