Licensing and Professional Organizations In Nursing

Licensing for a nurse as it helps to determine if the applicants have met the minimal qualifications and have skills to offer safe care to patients. The purpose of professional licensing is to identify if someone is prepared and competent to serve as a nurse. Licensing organizations act on behalf of the public as it is difficult for them to find sufficient information to identify who a qualified health care practitioner is thus exposing them to unsafe service.A license by a government entity such as the state board of nursing gives the public assurance that a nurse has met all predetermined standards.

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Licensure also benefits nurses as they get legal authority to practice and use nursing titles. Only the licensed nurses have authority to use titles like RN (registered nurse) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

Licensing Professional Organizations In Nursing

Nursing licensing requirements vary according to state, but National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) coordinates the registration to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements.NCSBN is an independent non-profit organization through which all boards of nursing act together or seeks guidance on common interest matters concerning nursing licensure, examinations, public health, and welfare.NCSBN develops legal and sound nurse certification and licensure exams consistent with the most current practice.NCLEX-RN, NCLEX-PN, and medication Aide certification exam are some of the exams that this body administers. (APRN).

Qualifications for nursing licensure

Licensed practical nurse (LPN) and a registered nurse (RN) should meet these minimum requirements to get licensure from any state board.

The timeframe for getting a practicing license will vary, but state boards allow those on the waiting list to start practicing for a limited time pending certification. They can invalidate the temporary credential to exam failure or malpractice.

Professional Organizations in Nursing

Nursing professional organizations are not for profit bodies that seek to further the interests of the professional nurses and public interest. They contribute to accountability by encouraging professional practice and disseminate views by the professional society. The main professional organizations in nursing are:

American Nurses Association (ANA)-ANA is the most famous national level nursing association for professional registered nurses (RNs). Some of the divisions also accept LPNs especially for states without a specific organization for practical nurses.The benefit of joining ANA is that it allows nurses to access free or discounted opportunities to continue their education, it is also an opportunity for individual nurses to access professional and social networking. Liability insurance and additional financial perks are other reasons for joining AMA.

National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN)-The NFLPN is the primary national nursing organization for LPN and LVNs. It offers certifications in gerontology and Invites also offer professional development in various areas. Practical nursing students who make remarkable achievements can seek recognition through NFLPN Student Honor Society.

Specialty Professional Organizations in Nursing

American Association of Critical Care Nurses-One of the largest nursing professional organizations serving nurses working with the critically ill patients usually in hospital settings. Members can take unlimited online continuing education courses and pay less fee to take certification examinations. Nurses can begin pursuing certifications after getting two years' experience. Membership might not be a requirement, but it helps them to make significant savings, Access to nursing literature databases with many full-text articles and scholarship opportunities are other benefits for members.

American Association of Critical Care Nurses-One of the largest nursing professional organizations serving nurses working with the critically ill patients usually in hospital settings. Members can take unlimited online continuing education courses and pay less fee to take certification examinations. Nurses can begin pursuing certifications after getting two years' experience. Membership might not be a requirement, but it helps them to make significant savings, Access to nursing literature databases with many full-text articles and scholarship opportunities are other benefits for members.

The American Assembly for men in nursing (AAMN)-A professional organization that helps this underrepresented population in nursing in connecting with peers. Membership is open to RNs, LPNs and nursing students. The AAMN has mentorship programs and sponsors essay-based scholarships.

Licensing and professional organizations in nursing have an essential role for professionals and the general public. Licensing bodies set the qualifications for nurses to ensure that the public gets service that meets determined standards. Professional organizations in nursing enable nurses to enjoy peer recognition, network, stay current in their specialty and communicate their issues.