Where (what state/territory) do you intend to become licensed by examination, and is this a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
I intend to become licensed by examination in New Jersey, and New Jersey is pending implemention to become a compact state. According to the NCSBN website, until 2021 pending implementation, NJ residents cannot hold a multistate license, someone with a compact license can practice in NJ, but NJ nurses cannot go the opposite way right now. The other state I am considering practicing in is New York, and they are not a compact state and if I get a job there I would need to apply for licensure by endorsement for that state.
How is the application completed and submitted (web-based, manual/paper-based, or either), and does the application you are filing require official transcripts, verification sign off by the director of the program, or both?
Paper applications are not accepted, online application is on the board’s website and I upload all supporting documents required. I need an online application, 2’’ x 2’’ passport style photo, birth certificate or passport, letter of nursing program completion, background check and successful completion of NCLEX. I am unsure at this moment if I need to file official transcript as it sounds like I can just have a letter of nursing program completion.
Does the state where you intend to become licensed require criminal background checks and/or fingerprinting? If so, what is the process?
Yes, obtaining fingerprinting I need to go through Identogo and to receive a service code I need to click don’t know my service code to receive a new one. Criminal background checks will be done and information on this will be mailed out to each applicant.
Reflecting on presentations from the Attorney General’s Office and the Medical Professionals Health Program, consider the following:
Describe any provisions for impaired nurses in the state where you intend to become licensed as described on or linked from the State Board of Nursing website, including any mandatory reporting requirements for suspected impairment, disciplinary measures, and resources for recovery.
All applicants have to report all arrests and/or convictions, even if they have been dismissed. If you have ever had that done then all supporting documents must be uploaded right away or then licensure will be delayed.
Some of the most commonly occurring legal issues that impact nursing and nursing practice relate to informed consent and refusing treatment, licensure, the safeguarding of clients’ personal possessions and valuables, malpractice, negligence, mandatory reporting, abuse, and unsafe practices. How will you protect yourself and your license from these legal issues?
I will protect myself by knowing the rights of delegation, knowing the scope of the profession that I am delegating to. Knowing that when I delegate I am still responsible for that care and I would need to check on the job to protect myself and the public. Another thing would be to obtain professional insurance to protect myself as well as knowing what my facility will protect me on. Knowing policies, rights and procedures of my facility regarding all things and how I can advocate for myself will protect from legal issues. If I ever had a question if something arises before it is done, I will feel comfortable asking charge nurse or nurse manager to clarify and then go up the ladder to find out if necessary. Documenting all of my care to cover myself and place proof on what I have done and not falsely charting.
The New Jersey Board of Nursing has provisions for reporting suspected drug diversion or impairment (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Applications/Reporting-Form-For-Drug-Diversion-and-Impairment.pdf#search=substance%20abuse) as well as resources to support recovery for nurses with substance use disorder (https://njnurses.org/page/716 ).