The Pacific Northwest is an amazing location to take your travel nurse career, and the state of Washington stands out as a gem of this area. Washington State is unique because it offers everything you can imagine wrapped into one great state!
Travel nurses in Washington can experience:
- Beautiful outdoor scenery -- from beaches to lush green forests
- Museums, art, culture, and more
- Amazing restaurant and shopping venues
- Close proximity to many other great locations
- A thriving healthcare community
- So much more…
If this sounds intriguing to you, the only thing standing in your way of becoming a travel nursing in the State of Washington is a Washington state nursing license.
Simply Apply for Your Washington Nursing License
Nursing licenses for Washington State are issued through the Department of Health’s Nursing Commission. Applicants have two primary choices when applying:
- RN Licensure by Examination
- RN Licensure by Endorsement
If you have never held a nursing license but you have graduated from nursing school, then you will apply by examination. On the flip side, if you hold an active RN license in another state, then you can apply for a Washington nursing license by endorsement.
Nursing license requirements:
- Graduation from an approved nursing program
- State license verification
- Statement about: physical and mental health status, lack of impairment due to chemical dependency/substance abuse
- History of loss of license, certification or registration, felony convictions, loss or limitations of privileges, disciplinary actions, and professional liability claims history
- HIV/AIDS training – seven hours
- Successful completion of the exam for license
It’s also important to note that since January 1, 2016, Washington requires nurses and other health professionals to complete six hours of continuing education in suicide assessment, treatment, and management. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) adopted rules establishing the minimum standards for training programs.
After you have completed the necessary steps, you may find yourself wondering: how long to get a Washington nursing license? Most nursing licenses are issued by the Board within 4-6 weeks, but this amount of time can vary on a case by case basis. A temporary license is usually issued within 3 weeks.
Washington Nursing License Fees And Renewals
- RN application - (initial or endorsement) $120.00 *
- RN license renewal (annually on birth date) $120.00 *
Don’t forget, you may be able to get reimbursed for these fees! Contact us today to find out how we can pay these fees for you!
Licensed RNs looking to renew can do so by mail, in person or online. Registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are required to keep documentation of 531 hours of active practice and 45 clock hours of continuing education within a three-year cycle. The Nursing Commission sends a courtesy renewal notice 90 days prior to license expiration. The renewal notice indicates the continuing competency due date as does Provider Credential Search.
Is Washington a Compact Nursing State?
Currently Washington enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), but awaiting implementation. The NLC allows nurses in more than 39 states to work across state lines without getting an additional license. For a full list of participating states, visit the NCSBN.
Now, Let's Get You On Your Way to Washington
Whether you have your sights set on a travel nurse assignment in Tacoma, Olympia, Lakewood, or somewhere else in Washington, American Mobile is your ally to help make your dreams come true!
If you are still browsing, use our job search to find open positions throughout the state of Washington! You can search by specialty or location.
Do you have more questions and want to connect with a recruiter to find out more? Fill out our online application to get connected with a recruiter today!
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