NP learning in a restrictive state

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Specializes in EMS/Community Health.

Will going through NP school in a state that doesn’t allow independent practice, schedule II prescribing, and other similar restrictions impact my ability to get a license in, or make transitioning to a less restrictive state difficult?

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Specializes in Home Health, Primary Care.

In a nutshell, no. Any candidate sitting for the boards in any state will be taking the same board (within a certifying body) in another state. Preparation is not dependent on the autonomous practice laws for a given state. I'm being prepared in the state of TX by a school in another state and if I decide to move to Nevada, I'll be straight (at least after I get enough experience and reach an adequate comfort level to practice independently). ?

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

Agree that it shouldn't matter. However, moving to another state as I have done in the past forces you to learn a whole set of rules and regulations from how to get licensed, to how prescriptive authority including controlled substances are handled, to knowing what documents are needed in terms of collaboration with physicians if that is the requirement.

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Few, if any, states are totally independent, from my understanding. At the minimum, they require a period of supervision or collaboration until the NP has a certain amount of experience. So the education is no different.

With regards to Scheduled drugs, you'll have to learn the rules and regs which apply to that state. It is not rocket science, and shouldn't impact your ability to get licensed or get a position.

Filling out certain types of paperwork will also be on a case by case basis. In my previous position, I was good enough to appear as an expert witness for the state in court, but I couldn't sign for somebody's accomodation for GED testing.

Don't expect these rules to make any sense, and you will be better off.

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On 9/4/2019 at 3:41 AM, Oldmahubbard said:

Filling out certain types of paperwork will also be on a case by case basis. In my previous position, I was good enough to appear as an expert witness for the state in court, but I couldn't sign for somebody's accomodation for GED testing.

This has always baffled me as well?

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