Introduction to Nursing Practice and Regulation

Overview

• Completion of a nursing education program is a significant milestone.
• Nursing offers dynamic career options, growth opportunities, and potential for leadership.
• Nurses can significantly impact patient health and are regarded as part of the most ethical profession.

Motivation for Choosing Nursing

• Desire to make a real difference in patients' lives.
• Importance of laws in providing excellent care and maintaining patient safety.

Regulation of Nursing Profession

• Nursing is regulated to ensure safe practice through licensure, state boards, and Nurse Practice Acts.
• Over 4.5 million licensed nurses in the U.S.

Nurse Licensure

• Passing the NCLEX is required to receive a nursing license.
• Licensure is a commitment between the nurse and the public.
• Specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities are needed for patient care.

Responsibilities Post-Licensure

• Nurses must keep their licenses current.
• License renewal processes vary by state, often requiring continuing education credits.
• Consequences of not renewing include fines, discipline, or re-taking the NCLEX.

Multi-State Practice

• Tele-health positions may require licensure in multiple states.
• Nurse Licensure Compact allows practice in member states without separate licenses.

Role of Boards of Nursing

• Boards established to protect public health and welfare.
• Roles include granting/renewing licenses, developing standards, and disciplining unsafe practices.
• Importance of understanding the Nurse Practice Act.

Nurse Practice Act

• Enacted by state legislature and enforced by state Boards.
• Components include standards of practice, licensure requirements, and grounds for disciplinary action.

Preventing Violations

• Nurses must prevent, detect, and report violations such as practice errors, substance issues, and boundary violations.
• Sanctions can include reprimands, fines, or license revocation.

Professional Boundaries

• Importance of maintaining boundaries, especially with the use of social media.
• Ethical dilemmas may arise; the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics serves as guidance.

Advice for New Nurses

• Focus on patient safety and ask questions when in doubt.
• View licensure as a reminder of responsibility to patients.
• Pursue lifelong learning and maintain professionalism.

Resources

• State Board of Nursing and NCSBN website provide guidance and resources.