The New Mexico Board Of Nursing (NMBON) oversees the licensing and regulation of nurses in the state. This guide provides information on various application processes for aspiring and current nurses in New Mexico.
Initial Exam Application for US-Educated Applicants
Aspiring nurses educated in the US must follow these steps to apply for licensure by examination:
- Application Validity: Initial exam applications are valid for one year from the date of submission.
- Examination Attempts: Applicants can take the exam up to five times within three years of graduation. As of December 13, 2022.
- Graduate Nurse Permit (GNP): Employers must submit a GNP request via the NMBON website within 12 weeks of the applicant’s graduation.
- Application Process: Specific application steps, as outlined in Regulation 16.12.2, are available on the NMBON website. All application fees are non-refundable. Licenses issued are valid for one year plus the months until the applicant’s birth month. Upon first renewal, the license validity extends to two years.
Initial Exam Application for Internationally-Educated Applicants
Internationally-educated nurses seeking licensure in New Mexico must fulfill specific requirements:
- Application Validity: Initial exam applications are valid for one year from the date of submission.
- Examination Attempts: Applicants can take the exam a maximum of five times within three years of their initial New Mexico application as of December 13, 2022.
- English Proficiency: Demonstrate competency through:
- Completion of a nursing program with English instruction and textbooks.
- Passing an English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL, TOEFL IBT, TOEIC, IELTS, MET) with minimum scores as specified by the NMBON.
- Application Steps: Detailed application procedures, as per Regulation 16.12.2, are on the NMBON website.
- Credential Evaluation: Utilize services from approved agencies like Josef & Silny Associates, Inc. (www.jsilny.org), Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (www.cgfns.org), or Educational Records Evaluation Service Inc (www.eres.com).
Re-Examination for Domestic and International Applicants
Applicants requiring re-examination should adhere to the following:
- Application Validity: Re-exam applications are valid if submitted with an active initial exam application as of May 17, 2022.
- Examination Attempts: As of December 13, 2022 both US and internationally educated applicants have a maximum of five attempts within the specified timeframes outlined above.
- Application Process: Submit a re-exam application and fee through the Nurse Portal.
Special Accommodations for Examinations
Candidates with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, can request accommodations for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. Required documentation includes letters from the applicant, a specialist detailing the diagnosis and accommodation needs, and the applicant’s school outlining provided accommodations.
Permit to Practice for Graduate Nurses
Graduate Nurses (GNs) require a permit to practice:
- Employer Submission: Prospective employers submit an Intent to Hire letter through the NMBON website (https://nmbon.jotform.com/231786651205962).
- Permit Validity: Permits are valid for six months from the application date or until exam results are released.
- Permit Requirements: Permits require a completed exam application, certification of eligibility, official transcripts, fingerprints, fees, and the Intent to Hire letter.
Endorsement for RNs/LPNs
Nurses licensed in other states can apply for licensure by endorsement:
- Application Validity: Endorsement applications are valid for one year from the submission date.
- Verification of Licensure: Submit verification from the state where you initially obtained your license by examination or through NURSYS.
- Application Process: Submit an endorsement application and fee via the Nurse Portal.
Renewal and Reinstatement Processes
- Renewal: The renewal link activates 60 days before expiration. Renewal applications are valid for one year. Continuing education must be completed and uploaded to CE Broker before applying.
- Reinstatement: Submit a reinstatement application and fee along with an Expired/Lapsed Attestation (ELA) within five days. Continuing education requirements must be met.
