Nurse license process

By Metro Creative

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, nurses are the second largest group of licensed professionals in the United States. While laws vary depending on where nurses work, many nurses must have their licenses renewed at certain intervals.

State boards of nursing, sometimes referred to as “BONs,” were established to oversee and assure the safe practice of nursing in an effort to protect the public’s health. Part of the responsibilities of a BON is to evaluate licensure applications, and some BONs, depending on the state laws, will handle license renewals as well. The goal of license renewals is to ensure licensed nurses are up to date on the latest best practices and procedures.

In addition, nurses who have not practiced in some time but want to return to practicing may need to take a refresher course to ensure they can still serve as competent nurses.

In states where renewals are required, nurses who continue to practice without renewing their licenses may be subject to discipline. Nurses are urged to stay abreast of the licensing laws where they practice and to contact their BON if they have any questions about the licensure process.

— Metro Creative