Nebraska nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Nebraska license by endorsement: the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Nebraska Board of Nursing (DHHS Licensure Unit) |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Fingerprints and processing fee ($55 from Aug 1, 2025) go to the Nebraska State Patrol; fingerprints may be taken in any state. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary license, up to 60 days. For endorsement applicants with an active license in another state; valid 60 days or until that license expires, whichever is first. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years |
| Continuing education | Options include 500 practice hours in 5 years plus 20 contact hours in 2 years; or refresher course, specialty certification or portfolio. |
How to get your Nebraska license, step by step
- Check the compact first. If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Nebraska without applying again. If you move your residence to Nebraska, you apply for a Nebraska license as your new home state.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Verify your license through Nursys. Request verification from each state where you are or were licensed. Boards that use Nursys receive it electronically.
- Complete the fingerprint background check. The board requires fingerprints for endorsement applicants. Follow its instructions for where to get them taken.
- Ask about the temporary license. The board offers a temporary license valid up to 60 days while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Nebraska
- Endorsement requires 500 nursing practice hours in prior 5 years, or recent graduation or board-approved refresher course.
- LPNs may need documentation of at least 8 hours of IV therapy coursework.
- RN licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years; LPN licenses expire October 31 of odd-numbered years.
What RNs earn in Nebraska
The BLS median for registered nurses in Nebraska is $38.95 per hour, about $81,020 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Nebraska.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, NE | $40.61 | $84,460 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $38.95 | $81,020 |
| Grand Island, NE | $38.43 | $79,940 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Nebraska · Nebraska state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Nebraska Board of Nursing (DHHS Licensure Unit) web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Documents/EndorsementRNLPN.pdf (endorsement application, background check, Nursys verification, temporary license, state notes)
- dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Nurse-License-Applications.aspx (temporary license)
- dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Nurse-Licensing-Renewal-and-Continuing-Educ (renewal, continuing education, state notes)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Nebraska Board of Nursing (DHHS Licensure Unit) before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
Is Nebraska a nurse licensure compact state?
Nebraska is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
Can I work in Nebraska while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary license, valid up to 60 days. For endorsement applicants with an active license in another state; valid 60 days or until that license expires, whichever is first. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How long does it take to get a Nebraska license?
The Nebraska Board of Nursing (DHHS Licensure Unit) does not publish a fixed time. It depends on how fast your verification and background check arrive, so apply before you accept a start date.
Does Valorem Health help with Nebraska licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
Moving to Nebraska? See what RNs get paid near you.
Tell us your role and city. Within 24 hours you get an email with three things, by employer name. It costs you nothing, because employers pay us.
- 1Pay for your role at other hospitals
The hourly pay at named employers near you, so you see who pays most.
- 2What they are offering now
The pay range and median across current postings, and how many were posted this month.
- 3Roles open for you right now
Every current opening near you with pay, shift and start date. Reply with one click.
Get your free pay report
150+ Registered Nurse roles in Nebraska, sent free by email
Tell us who you are and what you do. We email the report within 24 hours on business days.
Your RN pay reportNebraska · pay published by employers and employer-reported wage offers in federal filings
1Pay for your role at other employers
- Veterans Health AdministrationOmaha, NE · 6 postings$49.47/ hr$31–$67
- CommonSpirit HealthOMAHA, NE · 46 postings$44.10/ hr$28–$53
- Avera HealthO'Neill, NE · 11 postings$40.50/ hr$31–$52
- Gateway Health Technologies, Inc.North Platte, NE · 2 wage offers$37.36/ hr$36–$38
Median pay per hour, with the range each employer published or reported in federal filings.
2What they are offering now
65 RN postings with published pay in Nebraska, 48 of them posted in the last 30 days. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.
3Open now: 65 RN roles
- Medical Surgical RN IIIPermanent$36.00–$52.20/ hour
- Weekend RN ICUPermanent$36.00–$52.20/ hour
+ 63 more in your report. Each one has pay, shift and start date.