[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to results from the 2023 edition of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/media/dhpweb/docs/hwdc/nurse/0001RN2023.pdf” target=”_blank”]Virginia’s Registered Nurse Workforce survey[/hen-ui-link], 93% of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/virginia/rn-salary/”]registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-link] in the state reported being very or somewhat satisfied with their jobs. Just 44% of survey respondents reported carrying student debt — substantially lower than the [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/data-research/access-data-tools/national-sample-survey-registered-nurses” target=”_blank”]national average for nurses[/hen-ui-link] of roughly 65% — and only 1% reported being unemployed involuntarily.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If these sound like ideal work conditions, read on for more information on how to get or renew a Virginia nursing license, along with carer and salary trends for the nursing profession in the Old Dominion.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Nurse in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aspiring nurses must first earn either an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) degree from an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accredited nursing school[/hen-ui-link] in Virginia or another state to practice as an RN in Virginia. They must then pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] and, finally, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ApplicantResources/ApplyforLicense/” target=”_blank”]apply for a state nursing license[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Virginia participates in the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nursecompact.com/” target=”_blank”]Nurse Licensure Compact[/hen-ui-link] (NLC), a nationwide initiative that makes it easier for nurses to practice in states other than their home state. To be eligible, nurses must obtain a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nursecompact.com/how-it-works.page” target=”_blank”]multi-state license[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have a multi-state license from a state other than Virginia, you can practice in Virginia without further documentation, provided the other state is also a member of the NLC.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Complete Guide to How to Become a Registered Nurse” href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Virginia Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Virginia BON regulates nursing occupations and provides nurses with professional resources, including: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]License application and renewal forms and guides[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Links to education providers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing license lookup[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Relevant laws and regulations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BON also oversees the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/PractitionerResources/HealthPractitionersMonitoringProgram/index.html” target=”_blank”]Health Practitioners Monitoring Program[/hen-ui-link], a special program for healthcare workers facing physical, mental, or substance use challenges.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Get Your Nursing License in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses seeking licensure in Virginia should review all the requirements, as well as a summary of the laws and regulations that oversee nursing in the state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New graduates must submit verification of their education and clinical hours and pass the NCLEX-RN to receive licensure by examination. Licensed RNs who got their degree out of state can apply for a multi-state license and practice in Virginia, if their original state is, like Virginia, part of the Nurse Licensure Compact.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Licensure for New Nurses in Virginia”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BON requires each aspiring RN to complete a degree, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, successfully complete a criminal background check, and meet other conditions. Nurses who completed their [hen-ui-link href=”/state/virginia/nurse-practitioner-programs/”]nursing school in Virginia[/hen-ui-link] can skip certain steps.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”RN Licensure Eligibility Requirements”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree from an accredited/approved school of nursing. Additional documentation is required if you graduated from a nursing program outside the United States.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A transcript or attestation from your school[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pass the NCLEX-RN examination[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]500 direct care hours for RNs, 400 for LPNs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fingerprint-based criminal background check[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pay a $190 fee for RNs, $170 for LPNs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Proof of residence in a compact state (upon request)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Applying for an RN License in Virginia”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Arrange for a transcript or attestation to be sent directly from your nursing school to the BON[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Make sure that your school documents clinical hours as part of the transcript or attestation if you did not attend school in Virginia.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete a [hen-ui-link href=”https://fieldprintvirginia.com/” target=”_blank”]fingerprint-based criminal background check[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex” target=”_blank”]Apply separately[/hen-ui-link] to take the NCLEX-RN examination.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fill out [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ApplicantResources/ApplyforLicense/RegisteredNurse/” target=”_blank”]the application[/hen-ui-link] and submit a $190 payment.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The process usually takes 30-45 business days to complete.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.license.dhp.virginia.gov/apply/Login.aspx” target=”_blank”]Check progress online[/hen-ui-link] and quickly supply any incomplete items or additional material for the Virginia Board of Nursing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Licensure for Nurses From a Different State”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses from NLC states can practice in Virginia. However, nurses who move permanently to Virginia have 60 days to change their primary state of residence (PSOR) and apply for a Virginia multi-state license. Nurses from non-compact states may apply to the BON for licensure by endorsement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Steps to Apply for RN License”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Send verification of your license to the BON, either directly or, for a $30 fee, through Nursys, the verification system created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. [/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants who are licensed in the United States but completed their nursing education in another country must file additional documentation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Submit your application and $190 fee.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The process usually takes 30 business days to complete.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Check the application progress online and quickly supply items marked incomplete or requests for additional material.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Nursing Schools and Programs in Virginia” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/virginia/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Renew Your Nursing License in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs must renew their license every two years and participate in [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/PractitionerResources/ContinuedCompetency/RNLPN/” target=”_blank”]continuing professional nursing education[/hen-ui-link]. The BON allows nurses to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/PractitionerResources/RenewOnline/” target=”_blank”]renew their licenses online[/hen-ui-link]. [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Continuing education (also known in Virginia as [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/PractitionerResources/ContinuedCompetency/RNLPN/” target=”_blank”]continued competency[/hen-ui-link]) can include 15 hours relevant to nursing and 640 hours of active practice or 30 continuing education hours. Licensees are exempt from renewal one time after the initial licensure by examination or endorsement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Approved organizations, such as accredited colleges or universities, must provide a nurse’s continuing education hours. Education to meet disciplinary requirements does not qualify.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Employment for Nurses in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023 the average annual salary for RNs in Virignia was $88,350. That’s significantly higher than the national RN average salary of $80,010. [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Richmond has Virginia’s highest average salary for RNs at nearly $90,000 per year.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top-Paying Locations for Registered Nurses in Virginia[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Location[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]Richmond, VA[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$89,730[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]Winchester, VA-WV[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$89,280[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]Charlottesville, VA[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$88,610[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]Harrisonburg, VA[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$87,200[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$84,920[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”hospitals”]Best Hospitals to Work as Nurse in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]U.S. News & World Report annually publishes lists of the top-ranked hospitals across the nation and individual states, based on outcome reports and various benchmarks such as nurse-patient ratio, patient experience, and expert opinions. The ranking includes general scores and rankings for treating specific conditions. These are the five highest-ranked institutions in the [hen-ui-link href=”https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va” target=”_blank”]2024 hospital rankings for Virginia[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.inova.org/locations/inova-fairfax-medical-campus” target=”_blank”] Inova Fairfax Hospital[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia, ha 923 licensed beds and employs 7,000 nurses across this and other campuses in the system.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.vcuhealth.org/” target=”_blank”] VCU Medical Center[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] In the capital city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center is a teaching hospital with 820 licensed beds, employing 13,000 nurses.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.carilionclinic.org/locations/carilion-roanoke-memorial-hospital” target=”_blank”] Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This hospital is a linchpin of healthcare in Southwestern Virginia. The Roanoke hospital has 703 beds with an additional 60-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://uvahealth.com/” target=”_blank”] University of Virginia Medical Center[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] University of Virginia Medical Center based in Charlottesville is also nationally ranked in nine pediatric specialties. The hospital has 659 licensed beds and employs 2,598 nurses.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.sentara.com/hospitalslocations/sentara-norfolk-general-hospital” target=”_blank”] Sentara Norfolk General Hospital[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] In military-heavy Southeastern Virignia, Sentara Norfolk General serves the community with a 525-bed tertiary care facility, including the only Level I Adult Trauma Center and burn trauma unit in the Hampton Roads region.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for Nurses in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://virginianurses.com/” target=”_blank”]Virginia Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link] [/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This advocacy organization promotes advocacy and education at the state level, publishes a newsletter, and offers professional development opportunities. The association also conducts two annual conferences. Joining provides membership in the American Nurses Association.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://cvanpd.nursingnetwork.com/” target=”_blank”]Central Virginia Association of Nursing Professional Development[/hen-ui-link] [/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A chapter of the Association of Nursing Professional Development, these professionals offer professional and leadership development opportunities for nurses, including an annual conference. The association also helps nurses search and apply for jobs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://vasn.us/home” target=”_blank”]Virginia Association of School Nurses[/hen-ui-link] [/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professional advocates for school nurses and facilitators of professional development opportunities. This Virginia chapter is an affiliate of the National Association of School Nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://bnacv.nursingnetwork.com/” target=”_blank”]The Central Virginia Black Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link] [/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This association works to reduce health disparities in collaboration with the National Black Nurses Association. Nurses who work within a 100-mile radius of Richmond may apply. It offers professional development activities, networking, and a career center.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become an RN in Virginia?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The length of time depends on your educational pathway — an ADN typically takes two years, a BSN takes four years, and an accelerated BSN takes 12-18 months for eligible applicants.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do nurses make in Virginia?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for RNs in Virginia is $88,350, which is significantly higher than the national average of $80,010.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Virginia a good state for nursing?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a reported job satisfaction rate above 90%, an involuntary unemployment rate of less than 1%, and an average salary significantly above the national average, Virginia could be considered a favorable environment for nursing professionals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many hours can a nurse work in Virginia?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Virginia allows employers to require overtime, but nurses cannot work more than 16 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period. Most employers pay overtime when nurses work over 40 hours per week, and some pay overtime when nurses work more than eight hours each day, when they are not routinely scheduled for 12-hour shifts.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Nursing Programs in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”List of Virginia Nursing Schools” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/virginia/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Virginia” href=”/state/virginia/nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Virginia BSN Degree Programs” href=”/state/virginia/bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Virginia RN-to-BSN Degree Programs” href=”/state/virginia/rn-bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid]