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Change is a constant in nursing—and in today’s healthcare environment, the pace of change continues to accelerate. From evolving regulations to shifting practice expectations, nurses across Iowa are continually adapting while maintaining safe, competent care.
At the Iowa Board of Nursing, our role is to uphold standards that protect the public while supporting nurses as they navigate these changes. We see the dedication and expertise nurses bring to their work every day.
As graduation season approaches, new nurses will enter practice and look to experienced colleagues for guidance. Your mentorship, encouragement, and shared experience are essential in building their confidence, competence, and professional foundation.
Change can be challenging, but it is also essential for growth and progress. Through mentorship, ongoing learning, and a commitment to safe practice, we strengthen the profession and ensure high-quality care for the public.
Thank you for your continued professionalism, dedication, and the vital role you play in advancing nursing in Iowa.
Nurses relocating to another compact state have 60 days from the time they move to apply for a new license by endorsement in a new primary state of residence. The new rule became effective Jan. 2, 2024.
Your primary state of residence is where you hold a driver’s license, vote, and pay taxes.
For more information, visit the NLC website or email nursecompact@ncsbn.org.
Recent updates to Iowa’s continuing education rules, as outlined in Iowa Administrative Code 481, Chapter 619, eliminate the board’s requirement for approval of continuing education providers and content. This update provides a streamlined approach, allowing nurses to choose continuing education activities that best support their practice.
Nurses should actively track all continuing education (CE) activities throughout each renewal cycle. A total of 36 contact hours is required for license renewal.
Continuing education can take many forms, including:
- Formal courses and online learning modules.
- Precepting students or onboarding new employees.
- Participation in nurse residency programs.
- Academic courses beyond initial nursing education (1 semester hour = 15 CE, 1 quarter hour = 10 CE) - retain transcripts exhibiting passing grade.
- National certification/recertification in nursing practice = 36 CE hours.
- Other professional development activities relevant to nursing practice.
If you have questions about what qualifies as appropriate subject matter, we encourage you to review the detailed guidance provided on DIAL's website.
To qualify, each CE activity must be at least 60 minutes in length. After the initial hour, additional time may be counted in 15-minute increments, with each increment equal to 0.25 contact hours.
Please note that some activities do not qualify for CE credit, including:
- Self-help or self-care topics that are not scientifically supported.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support (BLS) courses.
- Orientation or routine in-service activities.
When selecting CE opportunities, consider activities that align with your professional goals, scope of practice, and the evolving needs of your patient population. Thoughtful selection of continuing education not only supports compliance but also enhances clinical competence and quality of care.
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Nurses who have not held an active license in the past five years must complete a nurse refresher course within 12 months of applying for reactivation. The course includes 80 hours of theory and 80 hours of supervised clinical experience. Completion is documented directly to the Board of Nursing by the course provider. For more information; visit DIAL's Nursing Refresher Course page.
Eligibility Requirements
- Graduate from an approved LPN or RN education program.
- Pass the NCLEX exam.
- Get board approval if you have any criminal history or prior disciplinary action.
Steps to Apply (within 12 months)
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Online Application - Apply for a new license Fee: $143 (non-refundable, includes background check).
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Register for NCLEX - Fee: $200. Must use the same contact information as the Iowa Board of Nursing application.
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Submit Criminal History Info - via Fieldprint (recommended), or fingerprint card and waiver form. Email documents to IBN@dial.iowa.gov.
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Official Transcript - Sent directly from your school. Must show degree and date conferred.
Tips
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Federal law requires that any individual granted a state-issued professional license must be a U.S. citizen, have lawful presence in the United States, or meet an exception found in 8 USCA , Section 1621(c)(2). Last October, Gov. Reynolds signed Executive Order 15 requiring state government departments to verify immigration status or U.S. citizenship through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) process before granting state-issued occupational and professional licenses.
Below are some commonly asked questions regarding the process.
What happens with my information during the SAVE verification process?
The personal information that is collected as part of the application process will be used to verify your citizenship and immigration status through the federal SAVE verification service.
If I am not a natural born U.S. citizen, what type of documentation should I provide during the application process?
The more information you provide when you submit your application, the quicker we can get results from the SAVE system. Every case is unique, but information such as an alien verification number, Form I-94 admission number, Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) ID number, naturalization/citizenship certificate number, I-797 receipt number, visa number, or foreign passport number and country are all helpful in obtaining quick results from SAVE.
Do I have to provide my personal information?
You are not required to provide your personal information for the purpose of SAVE verification; however, failure to do so will prevent further processing of your application, pursuant to Executive Order 15.
What happens if I submit false documentation?
Information submitted through SAVE is retained by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and may be shared with law enforcement if fraudulent documentation is identified, in accordance with federal law.
Where do I go if I have questions?
Due to the highly individualized nature of immigration documentation and federal verification processes, board staff are unable to provide updates, interpretations, or definitive timelines regarding an individual’s SAVE status. Verification is conducted through a federal database managed by USCIS.
Visit the USCIS website for more information about the SAVE verification process. For questions related to the licensing process, please contact IBN@dial.iowa.gov.
The Iowa Professional Health Program (IPHP) provides a confidential, non-disciplinary monitoring process for nurses whose health—mental, physical, or related to substance use—may affect their ability to practice safely.
Guided by a committee of experts, the program emphasizes early diagnosis and treatment, helping nurses recover and maintain a long-term, successful career while ensuring public safety.
While participation is typically confidential, IPHP can collaborate with your treatment team to support the best possible outcome.
For more information or to start a self-report:
The American Nurses Enterprise, which includes the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the American Nurses Foundation, is proud to shine a light on The Power
of Nurses™ May 6 -12 in honor of National Nurses Week. Beyond sharing gratitude — this annual celebration is dedicated to elevating nurses’ voices and recognizing their unwavering commitment to patients, communities, and better healthcare outcomes for all. Gather more information on the ANA website.
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As part of our ongoing commitment to communication, the Iowa Board of Nursing welcomes input from licensees and stakeholders. We encourage you to share topics, questions, or emerging issues that you believe would be valuable to address in future newsletters to ibn-nursing-practice@dial.iowa.gov.
Your perspectives help inform the discussions that support safe, competent nursing practice and the continued protection of the public.
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