Just out of curiosity...........what do all of you think about the feasibility of there being a National Nursing License, for RN's?
What would some of the "pros" and "cons" be?
I live and work in Minnesota and if I'm not mistaken (correct me if I'm wrong because I haven't really researched it thoroughly), but we can work in North and South Dakota, and Wisconsin on our Minnesota License, without having to be licensed in those states.
I am licensed in seven states because I was married to a "Nomad" for twenty years (divorced now thank God).........but only keep my Minnesota License active.
It just seems to me that we could be issued a National License because the standards for licensure are comparable state by state, are they not?
It would sure make it easier for all of us as a profession because of our mobile society.
your comments are well-taken brandy and i understand what you are saying.
those of us who either graduated from, or at least "remember" the days of the diploma programs recall that it was a period in time for nursing when the "mindset" was for preparing nursing students to come out of school and be able to function (with a minimum of fear and intimidation) in the hospital environment almost immediately.
we're talking 30 and 40 years ago and such a "mindset" was realistic given the "stage" of development we were in where medicine, science, research and technology are concerned.
with the explosion of advancing technology, along with our knowledge in science and medicine, came the need for our profession to keep up. that's why our preparation moved into the college and university arenas. and rightfully so.
i know for myself, having had the benefit of the college program, that my knowledge base has served me well in terms of making judgement calls in my work setting when it has been demanded of me. this is where the real "difference" lies when we start comparing "programs" of preparation. i'm not one to "bash" anybody's program (a.d. vs b.s.n.), because regardless of our program of preparation, it is the actual experience we gain when we start working that is the "tell all."
and we must not overlook the fact that "personalities", temperment, and motivation of each of us plays a vital part in the kind of nurse we end up becoming.
some of us view nursing as "just a job to do, get the pay check" and "i'm outta here!" nurse's in the profession who fit that description stick out like the proverbial "sore thumb."
Brandy, I didn't in any way mean that any of us were underprepared, just that some programs emphasize diff areas and for some it will make a diff in their experience. Every student has a diff level of learning and comfort and ability==I guess my point is that it is a shame we don't know these things going into the programs.
Absolutely! And I know you didnt mean that we (BSN) students are not prepared :)
preparedness (is that a word?? :)) varies so much. It really does depend on the program, not the degree that comes out of it. I have worked with one ADN new grad who absolutely could run circles around me :) She was awesome! But she also attended a very well respected nursing school and studied her rear-end off.
It also depends on attitude, and the willingness to learn. No matter how good a program is, if the student isnt motivated to learn, then the information is wasted.
Even though I attend the top BSN program in the area, there are some students here that I probably wouldnt trust to take care of a houseplant, let alone a patient. Somehow they squeak by because they are extremely good with the theory, but not the application. Clinicals are worth 50% of the grade, Didactics are work the other 50%.
So yeah, the quality of the education is more important than the quantity. And quality can be affected by attitude and a motivation to learn. If you have both, its even better :)
Now, back to your regular topic, I would really like to see more states join together and have "area" license acceptance. I live right on the Mississippi river in missouri, and i would love to be able to cross over to illinois to do some PRN work without having to file for another license. Would really add to my options!
Since their last upgrade, more difficult to find info here. I have found that if you click on nursing regulation on right side list, you can find more info. Karen
Basing licensure to state of residence, rather than state of practice, may increase the opportunity for employers to use mutual recognition as a strike breaking tool.
Not to contradict Jenny P but Iowa went with the interstate compact in either July of 2000 or January 2001. Which ever it was if you have an Iowa liscense you can practice in a compact state. If you have a compact liscense you can practice in Iowa. Your liscense is required to be in your state of residance.
Rosy, thanks for the info. I hadn't studied up on the interstate Compact for a bit over a year and the last I remember seeing about it was probably June of last year, and I believe that at that time there were maybe 9 or 10 states that were either members or almost memebers of the compact. I guess I hadn't realized that Iowa was a member; although I do remember that Wisconsin and South Dakota were involved and members.
I used to be on our MNA Nurse Practice Commission, which is why I was so interested in this; but had to be off of it for over a year because of the term limits for Commission members. So I'm a bit rusty on some of my information.
NRSKarenRN, thanks for the info also. I appreciate the web site listings for this.
STATE BILL # STATUS DATE OF LAST ACTION IMPLEMENTATION DATE BILL TEXT
Arizona S 1321 Signed by Governor 7/1/2002
Arkansas S 28 Signed by Governor 7/1/2000
Delaware HB439 Signed by Governor 7/1/2000
Georgia-RN HB 968 Bill introduced
Idaho HB4 Signed by Governor 7/1/2001
Illinois HB 2400 Currently in Senate
Iowa HF 2105 Signed by Governor 7/1/2000
Maine LD 2558 Permission to implement Compact by rule 7/1/2001
Maryland S 590 Signed by Governor 7/1/1999
Mississippi H 535 Signed by Governor 7/1/2001
Nebraska L 523 Signed by Governor 1/1/2001
New Jersey A 3302 Introduced
North Carolina S 194 Signed by Governor 7/1/2000
North Dakota SB 2115 Permission to implement Compact by Rule. Signed by Governor
South Dakota H 1045 Signed by Governor 1/1/2001
Texas H 1342 Signed by Governor 1/1/2000
Utah S 146 Signed by Governor 1/1/2000
Wisconsin A 305 Signed by Governor 1/1/2000
The dates are when the multistate compact went into effect.
These are the latest states to join the multistate compact. North Dakota is expected to join in 2003-2004 a as soon as the work out the rules.
Hope this answers a few questions. Also you must be a resident of one of these states for your license to be a multistate license. reciprocity in one of these states with a residence in another state that is not a member will not allow you to work in the other states on that license. You will still need to get reciprocity then in the states you wish to work in if not residing in a member state
I like the idea. I do know that I beleive S. Dakota you have to have a BSN to be an RN. They do not recognize the ADN.
It would be possible though difficult to do nationwide. The reason that there are differences is because each state has its own standard. If you change the standards so it's the same everywhere. what happens to the nurses that practice in a state where the standard is new? And where do you draw the line for the standard. Just food for thought.
I have a question for anyone who can help. I attend school in MA. and am moving to florida after i graduate( god willing) and i am curious what would be better to take my boards here or there? I have no idea what to do. if you have any advice i'd appreciate it :)
What about a national license, but being required to register in each state you work in? The state could collect a small fee to keep them happy. That way each state knows who is working there and can prevent those who have lost their license from just moving somewhere else to practice.
:) 
WriteStuff
115 Posts
:)
brandy,
your comments are well-taken brandy and i understand what you are saying.
those of us who either graduated from, or at least "remember" the days of the diploma programs recall that it was a period in time for nursing when the "mindset" was for preparing nursing students to come out of school and be able to function (with a minimum of fear and intimidation) in the hospital environment almost immediately.
we're talking 30 and 40 years ago and such a "mindset" was realistic given the "stage" of development we were in where medicine, science, research and technology are concerned.
with the explosion of advancing technology, along with our knowledge in science and medicine, came the need for our profession to keep up. that's why our preparation moved into the college and university arenas. and rightfully so.
i know for myself, having had the benefit of the college program, that my knowledge base has served me well in terms of making judgement calls in my work setting when it has been demanded of me. this is where the real "difference" lies when we start comparing "programs" of preparation. i'm not one to "bash" anybody's program (a.d. vs b.s.n.), because regardless of our program of preparation, it is the actual experience we gain when we start working that is the "tell all."
and we must not overlook the fact that "personalities", temperment, and motivation of each of us plays a vital part in the kind of nurse we end up becoming.
some of us view nursing as "just a job to do, get the pay check" and "i'm outta here!" nurse's in the profession who fit that description stick out like the proverbial "sore thumb."
bonnie c., rn