1. 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 in the state of Maine. Maine is in fact a nurse licensure compact state.
2. 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?
The application is completed and submitted online. The application for Maine does not require official transcripts but does require verification sign off by the director of the program.
3. Does the state where you intend to become licensed require criminal background checks and/or fingerprinting? If so, what is the process?
Maine does require criminal background checks. The process to get your background check is relatively simple. The first step is to go to maine.gov/boardofnursing and select “I want to obtain a criminal background check”. After that, follow the directions on the screen for fingerprinting and background checks. The results are only valid for 90 days so it is important to time it correctly for when you go to sit for your exam.
4. Reflecting on presentations from the District Attorney’s Office and the Medical Professionals Health Program, consider the following:
a. 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.
As stated in the Maine state board of nursing, nurses in Maine are mandated reporters. If there are rules and regulations that are not met, including those who fail to comply, will be disciplined in a way they see fit. Maine has 2 programs to help with substance abuse the first one being Substance Use Disorder in Nursing and the MPHP.
b. 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 plan to protect myself and my license from these legal issues by always obtaining informed consent before starting a procedure, allowing the patient to make the final decision on whether or not they want treatments that are recommended and accepting the fact that their answer may be “no”. Another way I will protect myself is to always be honest and care for all my patients equally.
