So my hospital is telling me that CMS is now requiring all licensed RNs in the ICU to have a copy of their diploma or transcripts on file in HR proving they graduated from nursing school.
If you have a license, doesn't the state issuing the license do a background check and make sure the requirements (graduation) are met prior to issuing a license?!
If CMS is nationwide, then we should all have to do this correct?
Is everyone diggin their diploma out to copy when they have been licensed for 20 years?
Some are requesting it here in Georgia. The facility I'm with now asked for mine a year ago when I started. They ultimately got a copy from the board of nursing instead of waiting a week for the official ones to arrive in the mail.
The bad apples make it worse for the future. And to be honest, I don't see the big deal about providing this information. I had to give my hospital a transcript showing my degree for my HR file, I think all hospitals should have their nurses' proof of education on file also. It's not like they are looking at your grades or anything.
California Board of Nursing Enforcement have unearthed many fake documents from nurses. Some of them from this country but majority are from foreign country. One of the guys I worked with before (we were both LVNs back in 2007) boasted that he got his diploma from (asian country). He applied to take the RN boards and was granted an ATT. The CA BON received an anonymous tip that the person faked his diploma and transcript. The boards took note, reexamined his documents and found that at the time he was at his supposedly BSN-course, he was also here in the states taking a VN-class. His ATT was withdrawn and his LVN license was even revoked.
I have never been asked for a transcript but I do keep copies with me just in case...
I hope there is a little weeding out. This type of thing, is probably a lot more common than you'd think. There are so many nurses that are playing straight for these jobs, why not get rid of the ones that are not. That goes for all support staff as well.
I.....have never been asked for this.....yet. I had a house fire YEARS ago and it's gone. I've been out of school 34 years. I wonder what the school would charge for them of if they even have them.
Too funny....I have to check this out.
They charged me about five bucks. I had to get a copy of my bachelor's degree to attend nursing school and obtain credit for my prereqs (and it is VERY old. And yes, they could still find it). Its five bucks per official transcript, and they send it to the school of your choice (or to you, or to your employer, or to whomever).
Also, most universities will allow you to go to their website and download your unofficial transcript for free. Its great to do just to have a copy, but most colleges/businesses will want the official copy sent straight from the school.
Honestly, I don't see this as a big deal. And if it weeds people out, so much the better. Improved pt safety and a better profile for nurses who legitimately hold the title. I'm working very hard to become licensed. And nursing school is no picnic. If someone is faking a diploma, then firing them is the least that should happen.
Specializes in Medical Oncology, Alzheimer/dementia.
The 1st job I had out of nursing school wanted a copy of my license, diploma and official transcripts. I still owed my school $300.00 at the time, so they wouldn't release my official transcripts. I thought it was dumb...like how could I be licensed by the state if I hadn't graduated from school? My BON wouldn't let me register NCLEX unless the school sent them my statement of graduation.
The job I have now didn't ask for this. Just for a copy of my license & CPR. But then I read about the ones who get through the system, it's scary.
Kunzieo
199 Posts
Yup, all the PICU trained nurses on my unit had to show their HS or college diploma- for very vague "laboratory" reasons as well :?