Read Our Blog

Must Know Rules And Regulations For A Nursing Professional To Get Licensed

Nursing is a field with growing career opportunities. A licensed nurse practitioner in USA can enjoy huge advantages. On this context, everyone interested in making a career in nursing should understand the requirements for getting licensed. First of all, there remain the state level requirements and national level requirements, both of which differ from each other. In fact, the rules associated with licensing are also consistently changing.

There are legislative modifications in certain states in this regard. These changes are made to make the process of licensing more convenient. At the same time, emphasis is being given towards training the APRNs in more effective fashion. However, there are other states those have not gone for any such changes. Hence, it is always suggested for every nursing practitioner to stay updated about these changes

Necessary academic requirements and specialisation:

To be a professional LPN in USA one needs to fulfil the educational needs, and other constraints for a certificate to be issued. First of all, the person needs to be a graduate in nursing studies with all fundamental knowledge about the profession. Graduation stage is important as this is where the student can decide about its desired domain. For example, it has to focus whether interested in paediatrics, gynaecology, or anything else, as per the associated age group. More number of students is showing interest in domains like female health, psychiatrist, etc. However, irrespective of the domain they choose, it is most important to ensure that the same is accredited as per the state and national laws.

Essential state laws:

Nursing as a career in the USA is getting popular day by day. Post graduation, these students have to get the national certification. Good news is that there are many agencies in the US to issue certification. But, every state selects the certification as per its constraints to accept. Especially, state agencies give preference to national organisations in this regard. On this context, the criterions of NCSBN are essential to be followed strictly. All the certification agencies often try to fit with NCSBN model.

Once the conditions are fulfilled, the states often approve the examination process conducted by the agencies. In case of any inconveniences, the agencies are asked to take help of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Other than that, one may also take help of American Board of Nursing Specialities.
For certificate, a student has to first prove his/her educational qualification. In fact, students may also seek for some time to produce the needful. But, it is important to follow the timeline strictly to get the certificate on time.

RN to APRN

To start career in nursing, RN licensure is essential even prior to APRN authorization. In fact, a nursing professional is expected to have both the licensure. Even if someone is having RN certification at present, he/she can get upgraded to APRN later. However, in general, both RN and APRN license can’t be issued by one state. It is true that around 50 percent of nursing professionals in the USA do possess the RN certification only. A nursing professional can only work as a RN in another state; it may not work as APRN always.

At present, it’s a fact that there is zero operational APRN Licensure Compact. But, this is expected to be changed in near future.

Additional requirements of states:

As explained above, the states often have their own constraints for the aspirants. There are some states those demand fingerprint based background check of the student, even if the student has already passed these tests at RN phase. Similarly, there are other states demanding a potential APRN fulfil a thoroughly supervised project. Well, it is wrong to understand that states deliberately try to create issues for the practitioners. In fact, states always encourage nursing studies by providing greater scopes to them. There are also some states those have passed legislations letting the practitioners to take part in collaborative projects for greater scope.

In addition, there are other states where a student has to put applications distinctively for different authorisations. Overall, every state has its own regulations, which a student needs to follow along with the national standards. Moreover, the board of licensing of the states prepare their constraints keeping the value of the profession in mind.