Want to work in The Hawkeye State? As a registered nurse with an out-of-state license, you'll need to start with the licensing process.
This state, known for its friendly communities, natural beauty, and affordable cost of living is ideal for nurses from all walks of life. Begin by following the steps below and you'll soon find yourself working as a travel nurse in Iowa.
Applying for an Iowa Nursing License
Nurses who are licensed in another state or jurisdiction can apply for an Iowa RN license or LPN license by endorsement. Those who are not yet licensed in another state would apply for licensure by examination.
General qualifications for licensure by endorsement in Iowa:
- Graduation from a board-approved RN or LPN nursing program.
- Having held the same type of licensure in another state (RN or LPN).
- Passing the NCLEX examination in effect at the time of licensure.
- Review and approval of a nurse’s background information by the state board, if there are any criminal convictions or record of prior disciplinary action.
The Iowa Board of Nursing encourages nurses to complete an online application through IBON Online Services. A packet of other required materials and instructions will be sent to the applicants by ground mail after they have completed the application and paid the endorsement fee of $169.00. Paper applications are available but will delay the process for licensure.
American Mobile travel nurses can qualify for reimbursement of fees paid for their Iowa RN license, and get help with the documentation.
How Long Does it Take to Get a License?
After the state board has received all of the required documentation, applications are processed in the order received. It then takes approximately 2-3 weeks to receive a nursing license, but the timing can vary due to seasonal demand.
Need to look up your Iowa nursing license status? Simply track your application’s progress through the Iowa Board of Nursing. You can also use the Nursys verification system, which tracks license data in Iowa and many other states.
Good News for Nurses With an NLC Multistate License
Iowa is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which now encompasses nearly 39 states. If a nurse claims another compact state as their primary state of residence and holds a multistate nursing license, they can pursue travel nursing jobs in Iowa—without having to pay additional fees or obtain another license.
Need to Renew Your License?
Nurses who want to continue practicing in Iowa must renew their nursing license every three years, and demonstrate that they have completed 36 contact hours of continuing education. Nurses who wish to renew their license can apply to renew an Iowa license as early as 60 days before it expires. Online applications through the IBON site are preferred.
Come Join Our Team!
American Mobile recruiters can help nurses find the ideal travel nursing assignment throughout the state of Iowa, just fill out the form on this page to get started!
Questions?