Attaining and Protecting Your Professional Nursing License

I intend on getting my nursing license in the state of Massachusetts. Massachusetts is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state. The application can be completed online and requires both official transcripts and verification sign off from the director of UNE’s nursing program. Massachusetts also requires applicants to complete the Child Protective Services (CPS) Background Record Request Form, which is attached to the official application, and upload a passport photo along with the application. The MASS.gov website has various links and handouts on how the application process is completed however, it definitely seems overwhelming. It is important to complete the application process with full honesty and admit to any diagnosed disabilities or potential criminal charges such as OUI on the application. If not, the applicant can face punishment for not fully disclosing the truth. The state of Massachusetts requires all nurses that become licensed in the state to be responsible for reporting any forms of abuse such as child abuse, elder abuse, elder abuse in nursing homes, and abuse of a person with disabilities. There is a document on their website that explains our duty to report any and all abuse. The website also expresses that a fine and disciplinary action will occur if there is a failure to report such abuse. In some instances, such as failure to report child abuse, jail time and potential discontinuation of licensure will occur. Protecting my nursing license is something I need to think about everyday as a Registered Nurse. In order to protect my license I will make sure to document everything I do no matter what to ensure that there is never any question if I administered a medication or preformed a nursing task. I also will ensure that I properly administer medications using the appropriate medication rights and that I waste medications per institutions protocols. Keeping up with new and changing protocols for my institution is also a way to stay on top of things and ensure I am always complying with new updated institution protocols to protect my license. Being aware of completing any required continuing of education assignments that he institution requires and renewing my nursing license on time will also ensure I protect my nursing license.