A distinction that can be made between nursing licensure and certification is that licensure is

1) Certification:
- Steps of certification: 1) become informed about specific requirements in chosen specialty 2) contact the ANCC or specialty nursing organization offering certification to determine the educational experiences and examination requirements. 3) Contact the state board of nursing for information about legal requirements for practice in a specialty area.
- When certified, nurses have to have mandatory continuing education to ensure that they are competent to continuing practice.
- Nurses and nursing students should become aware of continued competency initiatives to be prepared for future licensure requirement changes.
2) Nurse Practice Act: Each state has its own nursing practice act and its own scope of practice and it defines what nursing is in that state.
- First, each act includes statements that protect the health and safety of the citizens in that state.
- Second, each act protects the legal title of RN.
- Sunset legislation- laws found in many states to ensure legislation are current and reflect the needs of the public.
- Nurse practice acts are updated and revised to the states discretion, and each nurse is required to know the nurse practice acts in the state that they are practicing in.

3) Licensure
- Requirements: 1) Submission of evidence of graduation per state by transcript of coursework, diploma, and letter from the dean. 2) statement of mental and physical status. 3) (some states) background checks. 4) (some states) background of misdemeanors even ones that have been expunged.
- ALL nurses are expected to complete the NCLEX
- Most hospitals today are not allowing temporary permit to practice. Hospitals only allow it when nurses are moving from different states (licensure of endorsement)
- Permissive licensure: educated for minimum of 2 years, not required to become registered. Could not claim the RN title. Got rid of the permissive licensure 1947.
- Mandatory licensure- 1947. ALL nurses must be licensed. Movement to standardized nursing license testing procedures. 1982- First NCLEX exam.
4) Models- Mutual Recognition Model- Provide a common definition of nursing practice, develop an equivalent education standards and uniform testing (like the NCLEX). Nursing Licensure compact formed so nurses don't have to apply for multiply licenses in more than one state.
- Consensus Model: provides guidance for states to adopt uniformity in the regulation of APRN (advanced practice registered nurse). Variation of consensus model between states.
5) Special Cases for Licensure
- Nurses have to be licensed in only one state to practice across the country.
- Foreign nurses have to take a special examination before they can apply for a license to practice in this country.
- Military and government nurses don't have to obtain nursing license in each jurisdiction they just have to take the NCLEX and stay current on their license.
- International Educated Nurses- Must be able to prove their education and then take and pass the NCLEX. They also have to be able to take a special examination administered by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.
6) Role of regulatory boards to ensure safe practice
- Board of nursing major responsibility is addressing concerns about specific nursing practice. Review whether a nurse violates the Nurse Practice Acts, and they assign appropriate disciplinary action.

What is the primary distinction between licensure and certification quizlet?

Which of the following is a primary distinction between licensure and certification?

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