Renewal
Disciplinary Action Reporting Requirement
Failure to notify the Maryland Board of Nursing of misdemeanor or felony convictions, or any disciplinary action from another state may result in loss of licensure. If you can answer "Yes" to any question regarding discipline, you will not be able to renew your license online. If you can answer "Yes" to any question regarding discipline including those about misdemeanor or felony convictions you must complete a paper renewal application.
Practice
Traditional and Non-Traditional Nursing Roles
Nurses acquire their basic knowledge, skills, and abilities while completing a nursing program. Then, as they begin working as registered, licensed, or vocational nurses, they build upon that basic knowledge and become more efficient and knowledgeable. Traditional nursing roles include providing direct client care, acting as a nursing program instructor, and working as a nurse administrator, however, there are other activities performed by nurses which use nursing knowledge and skills and may not fall within the traditional nursing roles. Volunteer positions, as well as caring for a family member or friend qualify as nursing practice in some states even if compensation has not been received. One state which recognizes volunteer positions as well as taking care of a relative is Texas.
All nurses need to comply with the Nursing Practice Act, Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, as well as any laws, rules, or regulations applicable to the nurse's area of practice. RNs and LPNs must know and follow the rules and regulations in the state in which they are practicing for both paid and volunteer nursing positions. Professional boundaries and client confidentiality should also be top priorities. An example of a nurse who may use her specialized nursing knowledge, skills and abilities is when a nurse researcher performs health related research in support of improved practice and patient outcomes. Other examples of non-traditional nursing roles include health education, utilization review, health information technology, policy and rule writing, consulting, and writing for nursing publications such as journal articles, books or continuing nursing education programs.Licensure
Can I take the NCLEX in a different state?
The NCLEX can be taken in any state convenient to you. The results will be directed to the board of nursing where you applied for your authorization to test (ATT) and licensure. You should apply for a license in the state where you intend to legally reside and practice.
Exam
Can I take the NCLEX in a different state?
The NCLEX-PN exam is administered on a computer at approved test sites throughout the United States. First, the nurse graduate chooses a test center where to take the examination. Since all states administer the same exam, it is not required that a candidate sit for the examination in the same state in which he or she applies for licensure. Each exam is individualized according to the responses given to previous test questions but all exams follow a standard plan. A minimum of eighty-five (85) questions must be answered by a candidate in order to determine a pass or fail status. Some candidates may be answering items for up to five hours in order to finish the test. Every question is multiple choice and each item needs to be answered in order to move to the next one. Candidates with disabilities need to notify the test center in order to receive special accommodations. The NCLEX-PN exam has no more than 205 questions but you can pass with only 85 if you answer correctly. Those who fail the test can take it again but must wait at least forty-five days to retest.
Education
Who offers LPN training programs?
LPN programs are usually offered in technical centers, private vocational schools, and community colleges. These educational programs prepare individuals to function as entry-level nurses upon graduation. Graduates of state-approved LPN programs are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination and obtain a practical nurse license. Each state has its own licensing requirements and LPNs must be licensed before they can start practicing. Most full-time LPN programs require one year of study. There are schools which offer part-time programs and these may take two years to complete. Check with the particular school or technical center you are interested in to find out what options they offer, how long it takes to complete the training, and what it costs. Practical nurses have opportunities for career growth by furthering their education and becoming registered nurses with an associate or baccalaureate degree.
Career
Where do LPNs work?
Licensed practical nurses have very good job options and the job can be both emotionally and financially rewarding. There are numerous job openings for LPNs as well as several paths for career advancement. Some of the settings which employ licensed practical nurses are nursing homes, mental health agencies, rehabilitation centers, health clinics, physician's offices, correctional facilities and home healthcare agencies. Job opportunities also exist in the army reserve, community centers, schools, and industrial - occupational health. Acute care hospitals tend to use mainly registered nurses and nursing assistants.
Long-term care facilities such as nursing homes are one of the biggest employer of practical nurses. It is common for nursing homes to post available LPN positions on the facilities' website as well as in local newspapers. Practical nurses who work in long term care settings are responsible for client assessment and monitoring, developing a plan of care in collaboration with other health care professionals, supervising nursing assistants, providing direct patient care, and administering client medication. Doctor's offices, clinics, and rehabilitation facilities are another large sector of employment for licensed practical nurses. Graduates of practical nursing programs may find job opportunities in their favorite nursing specialty such as psychiatric, maternity, pediatric, medical - surgical or geriatric.
Organizations
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) mission is to produce evidence to make health care safer, higher quality, more accessible, equitable, and affordable, and to work within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and with other partners to make sure that the evidence is understood and used.
National League for Nursing
Dedicated to excellence in nursing education, the National League for Nursing is the preferred membership organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. NLN members include nurse educators, education agencies, health care agencies, and interested members of the public. The NLN offers faculty development programs, networking opportunities, testing and assessment, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives.