The Virginia State Board of Nursing regulates the practice of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in the Commonwealth. It sets education standards, issues licenses, investigates complaints, and enforces disciplinary actions when necessary.
Established under Virginia Code ยง 54.1-2000, the board operates as a state agency responsible for protecting public health through oversight of nursing professionals. It approves nursing programs, reviews applications for licensure, and maintains a public database of active licenses.
Any individual practicing nursing in Virginia must hold a valid license issued by the board. This includes both initial licensure and renewal for existing nurses. The board also handles disciplinary cases involving misconduct, impaired practice, or violations of state law.
The board functions through a combination of policy-making, enforcement, and administrative services. It meets quarterly to review proposed rule changes, approve new nursing education programs, and consider appeals related to license denial or suspension.
Each member is appointed by the Governor and serves a four-year term. Members include licensed nurses, a consumer representative, and a physician. The board's executive director manages daily operations, including processing applications and maintaining records.
For example, in 2023, the board adopted new regulations requiring all nursing applicants to complete a mandatory ethics training module prior to licensure. This change was implemented to address growing concerns about professional conduct in clinical settings.
The board issues several categories of licenses based on education and scope of practice:
| License Type | Education Requirement | Scope of Practice | Exam Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Degree from approved program (ADN or BSN) | Full scope: assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Completion of accredited LPN program | Supervised care: medication administration, important signs | NCLEX-PN |
| Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) | Graduate degree in nursing (MSN or DNP) | Prescriptive authority, independent practice in select areas | NCLEX-APRN (specialty-specific) |
Applicants must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. The board uses results from the FBI National Name Check Program to evaluate eligibility. A conviction for certain felonies may result in denial of licensure.
Non-residents seeking endorsement from another state must provide proof of current licensure and pass a jurisprudence exam covering Virginia's nursing laws and regulations.
Many applicants assume that passing the NCLEX guarantees automatic licensure. That is incorrect. The board reviews each application for completeness, educational accreditation, and compliance with Virginia's requirements before issuing a license.
Another misconception is that the board handles all complaints against nurses. While it investigates allegations of unprofessional conduct, it does not investigate patient safety incidents unrelated to nursing practice. Those fall under the purview of the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
A key distinction often missed: the board does not issue temporary permits for out-of-state nurses working in Virginia. Temporary practice requires a formal agreement between the employer and the board, typically reserved for emergency staffing during public health crises.
Anyone can verify a nurse's license status through the Virginia State Board of Nursing's online license lookup tool. The system displays active status, expiration date, and any disciplinary history.
For example, a nurse in Richmond with license number 12345678 can be confirmed as active until June 30, 2025, with no pending investigations. This service is free and accessible 24/7.
When a license is suspended or revoked, the board publishes a notice in the Virginia Register of Regulations. These notices include the reason for action and any appeal deadlines.
As of January 2024, the board had 147,321 active RNs and 24,689 active LPNs in Virginia. These numbers reflect a 3.2% increase from the previous year, driven largely by demand in rural healthcare facilities.
In 2022, I assisted a nursing graduate from a Virginia community college through her application process. She submitted her transcript, NCLEX score, and fingerprint card. The board rejected her application due to an unverified course credit in pharmacology. After contacting the school's registrar and providing official documentation, she resubmitted and received her license within 14 days.
This case highlights the importance of verifying academic credentials before applying. The board does not accept unofficial transcripts or third-party summaries.
The Virginia State Board of Nursing ensures safe, competent nursing practice across the state. Its role extends beyond licensing-it shapes standards, responds to emerging issues, and maintains accountability in a high-stakes profession.