In Wisconsin, the nursing profession is regulated by the Board of Nursing, a division of the state's Department of Safety and Professional Services. As is the case with most states, the substantive aspects of obtaining this license concern fulfilling the education requirements, and passing a test – though there are exceptions, addendums, and myriad other procedural aspects. Let's take a look at how to get and keep your Wisconsin registered nursing license!

Obtaining a License

The steps, briefly:

• Obtain a degree from an educational nursing institution approved by the Board of Nursing. In Wisconsin, this can mean either an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree – this differs from other jurisdictions that require all RNs to possess a bachelor's. A complete list of approved programs within the state of Wisconsin can be found here. A national registry of BA and graduate accredited programs is available here.

• Apply to sit for the state exam. This is a fairly simple two part process. First, hand in the application! Here are the appropriate forms. Second, register for the NCLEX exam.

• Take and pass the NCLEX. This is the “big one” so to speak – the test required in all 50 states to become an RN (there is also a licensed practical nurse version).

• Once you pass, you're in! Because the Board already verified your educational credentials, passage of the exam means an automatic license.

Wisconsin has one interesting wrinkle uncommon to many states. Prior to taking the exam, you may apply for a temporary license. If granted, you are what's called a “graduate nurse,” and you may work for a period of 90 days as a nurse, during which time you must pass the NCLEX.

If you already hold a license in another state, and wish to practice in Wisconsin, there are two options. Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, along with 23 others. The process for registration transferrence between these states is very easy – click here for more information. If you hold a license in a non-NLC state, you may still become a WI nurse by “endorsement,” since you have already passed the NCLEX. The application for admission by endorsement is available here.

Maintaining a License

Wisconsin has an unusual system for renewing a nursing license, the result of a law passed in 2009. Every even-numbered year, regardless of when you received your license, all Wisconsin RNs are given a survey about their profession that they must answer. They must also pay an 86 dollar fee. The survey results are meant to be used to give the Wisconsin regulatory authorities information about the specialization and skill level of WI nurses in relation to their location. Happily, the process is an easy one – you'll get a little green card in the mail telling you it's survey time, and how to register for and take the survey online. Don't be late! There's an additional 25 dollar fee for late takers.

Discipline of registered nurses in Wisconsin is handled by Board of Nursing. Wisconsin is one of many (though not all) states that mandate full public disclosure of any complaints or disciplinary actions made against nurses – you can easily look up such info here. Anyone can file a complaint against a registered nurse online. What will get you into trouble as a WI nurse? The usual, of course – crimes, negligence, inability to perform your duties. The full, statutory list of the Rules of Conduct can be found here.

Civil Liability of Nurses

Wisconsin has had an interesting and controversial few years relating to nursing and civil liability – in 2013, the state passed a tort reform law which made state inspections of nursing facilities inadmissible as evidence in both civil and criminal cases. In essence, this makes it harder for plaintiffs to prove nursing negligence (or negligence by doctors). The law has been criticized, as this article makes clear.