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The Washington State Board of Nursing is experiencing a high volume of emails and calls due to the nursing assistant regulatory authority transition. We appreciate your patience as staff work to respond as quickly as possible.

Here are some resources:

Checking your license status

Renewal information

Direct Phone Number: (360) 236-4703

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NEWS AND ALERTS:

WABON is Now the New Regulatory Authority for Nursing Assistants

As of July 1, 2026 Nursing assistants in Washington state transitioned to WABON, as directed by Senate Bill 5051

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NEWS AND ALERTS:

WABON is Now a Continuing Education Provider

Free online courses available! Earn continuing education contact hours by completing the Washington State Nursing Laws and Practice Essentials module. This self‑paced course is free and open to all nurses.

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NEWS AND ALERTS:

Employers of Out-of-State Multistate Licensed (MSL) Nurses

If you are an employer of an out-of-state Multistate Licensed (MSL) nurse who is currently working in Washington state, we ask that you complete the Washington State Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Employer Compliance Form.

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NEWS AND ALERTS:

Applying and Maintaining Your License is Easier with HELMS!

Using HELMS, WABON has made the process to apply for a license, renew, and reactivate your license easier. Review the instructions to access the HELMS portal. WABON no longer utilizes the Online Renewal Services portal.…

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NEWS AND ALERTS:

Know and Understand your Reproductive Rights!

Informational documents about Reproductive, Gender-affirming, and Sexual Assault Care are available to view and download on the Practice Resources page under Practicing Nurses.

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Nurse Licensing

Important Information

Quick Links

RN & LPN Graduate Resources

Are you a recent grad or applying for your first RN or LPN license?

Visit Apply by NCLEX Exam to get started!

Get information and learn how to:

Register for the NCLEX
Verify your education
Have your official transcripts sent 
Apply for your license
Test out of an RN program to become a LPN

Become a Student Nurse Preceptor

Get a monetary incentive while making an impact on the future of nursing!

A nursing preceptor is a practicing licensed nurse who provides:

personal instruction
training
supervision 

to nursing students during nursing clinical rotations.

Visit Student Nurse Preceptor for more information.

COVID-19 Information

Stay up to date with the Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 website.

COVID-19 vaccination requirement

All health care providers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

COVID-19 misinformation statement

Physicians who generate and spread COVID-19 vaccine misinformation or disinformation are risking disciplinary action by state medical boards.