I look forward to the upcoming NCLEX-RN application process over the next few months. I intend to become licensed as a registered nurse by examination in the state of Maine. Although Maine is a Nurse Licensure Compact State, I do plan to stay and practice in Maine at this time. The state of Maine requires a two step application process that should be completed simultaneously. First, an Application for Licensure by Examination with the Maine State Board of Nursing must be submitted online through the Maine State Board of Nursing website. This application requires a passport-type photograph that includes a signature and date of the photo taken as well as a school certification with verification by an administrator’s signature. A transcript will not be required as UNE is not an out of state program. Additionally, this application requires a criminal background check and fingerprinting, which can be completed on the Maine State board of Nursing website. These results are only valid for 90 days so it is important that the student not complete this step too early in the process.
The second part of the application process requires the student to register for the NCLEX exam through the Pearson VUE website. Once the Maine State Board of Nursing gives its authorization, the student will then receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) notice from Pearson VUE, at which time the student will schedule the exam.
The class presentations from the Attorney General’s Office and the Medical Professionals Health Program were very eye opening as I embark on my journey to becoming licensed as a registered nurse. After further research, I found that the Maine State Board of Nursing website includes a downloadable document labeled the Impaired Nurse Toolkit that includes information regarding nursing and substance abuse. This document helps readers understand substance abuse in the nursing profession including the process of diversion, the reporting procedure, and the discipline process. Additionally, this document includes material about the Medical Professionals Health Program, which is a program that supports medical professionals with substance abuse disorders. This program welcomes those who are seeking help voluntarily as well as those who have been mandated by Maine’s licensing board. While the hope is that a nurse struggling with substance abuse disorder will seek assistance on their own and that it will not get so far as to interfere with the work environment, this is not always the case. According to the Maine State Board of Nursing website, any nurse suspicious for unprofessional conduct of another licensed nurse is required to compose a letter describing these concerns to the Maine State Board in Nursing in Augusta, Maine.
Nursing is an incredibly rewarding profession, however nurses may be susceptible to legal issues related to informed consent, refusal of treatment, licensure, malpractice, negligence, abuse, unsafe practices, and much more. It is imperative that nurses remember their roles and responsibilities to their patients, their community, and to themselves. As a registered nurse, I will protect myself and my license from such issues by practicing continuous self reflection, being attentive and perceptive to every situation, and always placing an emphasis on the client’s best interests.
