For getting my nursing license I plan to take the exam in Massachusetts. After doing some research I found out that Massachusetts is not a nursing compact state which means I would have to reapply for a license for other states. The application process is fairly straight forward, and all of the information can be found on the Massachusetts government website. There is a link that lets you apply for licensure right on the website and tells you everything that you would need to get certified in the state. In order to get licensed, one needs to graduate from a board-certified nursing program, have passed the NCLEX exam, and to be of good moral character defined by the state law. In order to be considered good character you do need to submit a notarized criminal offense record information form as well as consent to a background check that is done by the Massachusetts Department of Family and Children. If something is found in the background check, you will be required to provide additional paperwork in regard to the findings.
In Massachusetts they have a program that is designed to help any nurse that may be experiencing any substance abuse impairment. It is a program known as SARP, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program, that is designed to help maintain the professional standards of nursing by monitoring participants’ ongoing recovery to make sure their return to practice is safe. When joining the program, the nurse is consenting to toxicology screenings, individual therapy, and monitored practice. These are all done with the goal to make sure the nurse is continuing safe practice. The program is voluntary, but it is designed as an alternative to disciplinary actions for any nurses with substance abuse issues.
When it comes to protecting my license from the commonly occurring legal issues, I am going to make sure I get malpractice insurance. Many of our professors and guest speakers have really emphasized how important it is to get this insurance. In most cases they said it has been the best money they have spent when it came to their career because it really protects you from potential legal issues. While one would like to think the hospitals would be the ones to protect us if anything was to happen that may not always be the case.
