An RN license is a license issued by a state board of nursing that allows a registered nurse (RN) to practice nursing within its jurisdiction. RNs are healthcare professionals who have been licensed by a state board of nursing to provide patient care. To obtain an RN license, candidates must complete an approved or accredited nursing degree or diploma program, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN), and meet other state-specific requirements such as submitting fingerprints and a clean background check. RNs are able to work in a wide range of professions including addiction, cardiovascular, and medical-surgical nursing. All states license registered nurses, and in all states, they are referred to by the same title: Registered Nurse or RN. RN licensing also provides title protection, meaning only individuals holding a nursing license issued by the regulatory body are legally permitted to use certain titles, such as registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, etc. .