After graduation, I plan on sitting for my licensure by examination in Massachusetts. Originally, I had planned on staying in Maine but after talking to my family as well as thinking through some logistics I have chosen to sit in Mass. By living and working in Massachusetts I can stay at my parents’ home for a few years and save some money to pay off my loans and then potentially be able to buy the property of my own. I have never been a huge fan of the idea of renting, so by living at home I am able to save money to be able to gain the opportunity to buy a house of my own. Luckily my parents are super supportive and are the ones that advocated for this idea. Unfortunately, Massachusetts is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state which is another reason I had wanted to sit in Maine. I like the idea of the compact states and the versatility and opportunities it provides. I am excited to work in Mass and have started looking at different positions. Where I live provides me with the ability to commute into Boston relatively easily as well as work in a lot of smaller community hospitals. I truly think that going back to Massachusetts is the right step for me and will provide me with the experiences I need to grow as a nurse. I can defiantly see myself coming back to Southern Maine at some point in the future and continue my career up here.
The application is Mass is a web-based application process. The application requires the applicant to submit an official transcript as well as the verification sign-off by the director of the program. An applicant has to have a good moral character by state law and has graduated from an accredited nursing program. If an applicant has a criminal background, then they would need to submit documentation for evaluation by the nursing board. A criminal background check and fingerprints are required to be on file and then renewed every three years. The nursing school director will also need to complete the certificate of graduation form and need to send that to Nashville, TN at the professional credential Services. The application has a $230 fee and requires the submission of a passport-style photo. There is then an additional $200 fee to register for the NCLEX and once the Massachusetts Board of Nursing provides clearance the applicant is able to test. Once authorized, the test taker has 90 days form the authorization date to schedule their exam.
Massachusetts has the standard of conduct that states that a nurse has a duty to report any abuse that is happening to a patient, diversion of a controlled substance, as well as nurses using substances while working. If a nurse suspects any of these situations are happening, they need to submit a report to the Executive Director of the Mass Board of Nursing that explains what they have seen and a declaration that they are being honest. It is also good to know that as a nurse there is a Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program that is available to nurses that have substance issues. I think this program is really important for nurses to know about because if they are struggling and want help, they are able to go through this program while also knowing that with compliance they are able to return to practice. On the other hand, if a nurse knowingly does not report abuse, diversion of a substance, or a nurse working under the influence, they may have to pay a $1,000 fine as well as face disciplinary actions by the board of nursing for failing to report these behaviors.
As a Registered Nurse, protecting my license is something that will be important. I have to be aware that my actions can directly impact my ability to work as a nurse and that sometimes you might have to do things, like reporting co-worker wrongdoing, in order to protect the patients as well as yourself. One of the easiest ways to protect your licenses is to document everything that you do in as much detail as possible to ensure that even if questioned, you have the rational and proper reason why something was done. Documenting might seem tedious at times but ultimately it is one of the most important ways to protect yourself. You can have proof of documentation for informed consent, refusal of treatment or medication (as well as wasting if needed), and where a client’s possessions are. It is also important to make sure that you are always working within your scope of practice and knowing the guidelines and protocols at your hospital for reporting abuse and other issues that may arise. If you practice following the guidelines and protocols as well as with the patient’s best interest at the forefront, then there should be no need to have to protect your license because it will never really be under fire.
Julia, it looks like you are well-informed and well-prepared for licensure!