As of now I haven’t thought fully on which state I plan on attaining my license since my focus has been mostly on finishing the year and passing my classes. As of now I am leaning towards Maine, because it is supported with a numerous amount of states over Massachusetts. With that said, Maine is a compact state allowing nurses to live in another state and still being able to work In Maine which is beneficial for me since I don’t know where I want to live yet as well.

In order to obtain a valid license you can do an online application and must complete the application by uploading a photo and signature. furthermore, submit a school seal and administrator signature and court documents with detailed explanations. This state also requires criminal backgrounding and fingerprinting. I know I will need to continue to research the application process and try and find a time to sit down and really think about my future and where I want to start. Making these big decisions can cause anxiety and stress, so I tend to try and focus mostly on my schoolwork rather than the where I meant end up after graduation. In order to do the criminal background check you can go online and select wanting to obtain a background check and follow the instructions for finger printing. Results are only valid for ninety days so it’s important to obtain the check in a relative timely manner with your application.

Disciplinary actions and violation of the law means an investigation of all complaints are required such as; patients or family member, employers, co-workers, NBDP, and other state boards. The Maine health security act requires report to the specific health care providers board if employment is terminated, registration in lieu of termination during an investigation, and suspension of privileges to practice. The process of a complaint is a notice of complaint being sent to the licensee within sixty days of obtaining and nurses are required to respond in writing within thirty days. Moving forward the complaint can be either dismissed, non-disciplinary actions can occur and violation of NPA.

Some of the most commonly occurring legal issues that impact nursing and the practice relate to informed consent and refusing treatment, license, malpractice, negligence, mandatory reporting, abuse and unsafe practices. In order to protect myself and the ones I am treating for I need to make sure I am following both state laws and hospital policies. I also need to ensure I am taking the precautions when needed and filing all required documents to prevent future problems. In conclusion, I am going to have to be up to date with the policies and laws as well as what is to be done if something is ever needed.