How to Become an RN in New Hampshire: 5 Steps
Want to learn how to become an RN in New Hampshire? The process involves earning a nursing degree, passing the NCLEX, and applying for licensure, along with meeting several state-specific requirements. This article walks you through all the details you need to know to become a licensed RN in New Hampshire.
Nursing is a great career for its versatility, stability, and growth potential. An RN license can open you up to opportunities in acute care, research, education, and much more. Plus, New Hampshire needs nurses — some data shows that they’re the most in-demand professionals in the state.
Becoming an RN in New Hampshire: A Snapshot of the Role
Wondering what opportunities await you once you learn how to become an RN? In New Hampshire, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your degree to use. Nurses work in a variety of settings, including acute care facilities — think fast-paced, technical, high-adrenaline environments — post-acute facilities, where you’ll care for patients with less urgent medical needs, as well as residential care settings such as nursing homes and hospices.
Although your job responsibilities can vary depending on your nursing specialty and work setting, here are some common tasks that typically fall within the RN scope of practice:
- Medication administration per provider orders and protocols
- Educating patients and families within their specialty area
- Conducting health assessments to monitor responses to the care plan and detect complications
- Care coordination and communicationwith physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nursing assistants, and other departments
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in NH?
The process of becoming an RN takes between two and four years. That’s because there are two prelicensure degree tracks:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A 2-year degree offered by community and technical colleges
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year degree offered by universities
Wondering which degree is better for you? The ADN is a great option if you want to start working as a nurse sooner. However, the BSN degree provides a more comprehensive education in subjects like leadership, research, and community health — preparing you for more diverse career paths. Learn more about comparing ADN vs. BSN degrees.
Looking for ADN programs in New Hampshire? Check out these highly regarded schools:
- New Hampshire Technical Institute – Concord’s Community College
- Manchester Community College
- Great Bay Community College
- Nashua Community College
- Lakes Region Community College
New Hampshire also has great BSN programs:
- Plymouth State University
- St. Anselm College
- University of New Hampshire
How to Become an RN in New Hampshire: 5 Steps
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
The first hurdle in figuring out how to become an RN in New Hampshire is completing a prelicensure program. Whether you opt for the ADN or BSN, you can expect nursing school to be challenging, with courses in the following areas:
- Mental health nursing
- Pediatrics
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Pharmacology
- Health assessment
Alongside these classes, you’ll get experience in different specialty areas through clinical placements. This is an opportunity to gain real-world practice in administering medications, doing head-to-toe assessments, and performing skills like Foley catheter and IV insertion.
Wondering how to pay for your studies? In New Hampshire, nursing students can sit for the licensed nursing assistant (LNA) exam without completing an LNA course. Working as an LNA not only helps you gain hands-on experience but also strengthens your future RN resume. Find LNA jobs in New Hampshire.
Another way to gain experience and a paycheck during school is through nurse externship programs. These programs are designed specifically for nursing students and offer exposure to a variety of clinical specialties. Learn more about student nurse jobs and externships.
Tip: Worried about getting through nursing school? With weekly exams, skills practicums, and clinical hours, nursing education can be stressful. Learn our tips for being a great nursing student, and remember to seek help from your instructors if you need it.
Step 2: Apply for a Licensure By Exam
The process of applying for licensure typically begins in your final semester of school or right after graduation. You’ll be applying for an RN license contingent upon passing the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need to apply:
- Pearson VUE registration, including a $200 fee
- New Hampshire BON application materials:
- $116 application fee
- Copy of a state-issued driver’s license
- Official transcripts, sent from your school
- Completed criminal background check
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email with an authorization to test. You’ll use this link to schedule your exam date and time.
Tip: Want to work as soon as possible after school? Once you apply through the BON, you can receive a temporary license, allowing you to accept a job and work as you move through the application process. Before you begin working, be sure to review the New Hampshire Nurse Practice Act. Check out new grad nursing jobs.
Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN
A key part of how to become a registered nurse in New Hampshire is passing the NCLEX-RN exam. It’s a nationwide exam that determines whether a nurse has the clinical knowledge and judgment to practice nursing at the entry level. It’s an adaptive exam, with between 85 and 150 questions. Here’s an outline of what’s on the NCLEX-RN:
- Safe and effective care management
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
Once your NCLEX passing results are processed, you’ll officially become a licensed RN in New Hampshire. You can check your unofficial results just two days after your exam through Pearson VUE’s QuickResults program (fee $7.95). Your official results will follow from the Board of Nursing about six weeks later.
Wondering about the best ways to prepare for the NCLEX? Start by checking whether your nursing school offers preparation courses or study resources. Take plenty of practice exams to identify your weak areas and focus your review accordingly. Many students also use NCLEX review apps, like PocketPrep, with daily practice questions to stay consistent.
Tip: Worried about failing the NCLEX? Don’t stress — you’ll have the opportunity to retake it. The state allows applicants to take the NCLEX a maximum of five times, and this rule applies to exams taken outside of the state as well.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
You can find RN jobs in New Hampshire in a variety of settings. Since New Hampshire is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you can also apply for a multistate license, allowing you to work in over 40 participating states, including Vermont, Maine, and Rhode Island.
Wondering what the best way is to start your career? Many new grad nurses begin their careers in acute care facilities. The benefit of working in these areas — such as med-surg, ICU, progressive care, and others — is that you’ll be exposed to a range of illnesses and populations while learning critical thinking and time management skills. Non-hospital nursing jobs are also available for new grad RNs. Areas like rehabilitation, long-term care, and outpatient nursing could also be great places to start your career.
Check out roles with some of the top healthcare networks and facilities in New Hampshire:
- Concord Hospital
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
- Elliot Health System
- Frisbie Memorial Hospital (HCA Healthcare)
- Mass General Brigham
- Monadnock Community Hospital
- Portsmouth Regional Hospital
- State of New Hampshire
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
Once you’ve completed the steps of how to become an RN in New Hampshire, it’s your job to track licensure renewals so you remain eligible to practice. Renewals are due every two years and require continuing competency and practice hours. Learn more with our three-step guide on nursing license renewals in New Hampshire.
How Much Are Nurses Paid in New Hampshire?
The average salary for RNs in New Hampshire is $94,620 per year. Gaining experience in your specialty, pursuing certifications, and practicing leadership skills in your unit could help you negotiate a higher salary.
Location is also a major factor in what you earn as an RN, and nursing professionals in major cities tend to earn more. See roles in the largest NH cities by population below:
Let Great Roles Come to You
If you’re learning about the process of how to become an RN in New Hampshire, you’re probably curious about job options. IntelyCare’s personalized job notifications will send you the latest nursing jobs that align with your location, schedule, and specialty. Learn more today.