I intend to become licensed in Maine which is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.  Upon graduation, I will apply for my nurse license on the Board of Nursing Maine.gov website (Esquibel, 2022).  It is required to have UNE notify the state that I have completed the program successfully in order to be eligible to take the NCLEX; transcripts are not required since I am completing my ABSN in Maine (Esquibel, 2022).  The application process involves a criminal background check as well as fingerprinting which will be conducted after the submission of my application (Esquibel, 2022).  After I complete and submit my application, I will register for fingerprinting through the Board of Nursing Maine.gov website at a designated location (Esquibel, 2022).  Fingerprints are available and valid for 90 days, so it is important to consider the date I get fingerprinted to ensure the results are valid when I take the NCLEX exam (Esquibel, 2022).

            When I begin my practice as a nurse, it is important to fully understand the obligations and responsibilities that a nurse must uphold in order to maintain patient safety.  By adhering to all rules and regulations according to the Board of Nursing, I can help protect and maintain my nurse license (Esquibel, 2022).  As we’ve learned throughout the ABSN program, the code of ethics provides the foundation for every nurse action, and includes “non-maleficence, beneficence, justice, and autonomy” (Gaines).  By applying this criteria, I can protect my license and ensure that I am safely performing within my scope of practice for the betterment of my patient’s wellbeing.  A part of this responsibility includes utilizing effective communication skills and advocating for my patient if they decide against the recommended treatment plan.  By also understanding tasks that can be delegated will also help prevent unprofessional conduct that could put my patients at risk for complications or injury (Esquibel, 2022).  I must also ensure that I am trained in the equipment used, as well as tasks that I am responsible for as a nurse per facility protocol (Esquibel, 2022).  By thoroughly understanding the expectations and safe procedural practices that the facility has established will prevent errors from occurring. 

         While there are policies to help safeguard patients as well as the healthcare team, there can be instances when the nurse strays from their responsibilities and uses drugs or alcohol while working or defer medications that were prescribed to a patient.  In these situations, there are organizations such as the “Nurse Health Program,” and the “Medical Professionals Health Program” for individuals who are in need of assistance (Esquibel, 2022).  Reaching out to either organization does not result in disciplinary action through the Board of Nursing, and they are meant to help support those recover from drug or alcohol use prior to any reports being made (Esquibel, 2022).  As a future nurse, it is important to be mindful of my fellow team’s safety, as well as the patients.  If I encounter a situation where a colleague is thought to be impaired, I must notify my supervisor immediately to help initiate the referral process to supportive resources.  This is also acting as an advocate for not only my colleague but also their patients. 

            If a complaint report is made to the Board of Nursing, the board must follow up on the complaint to determine what, if any, disciplinary action needs to take place (Esquibel, 2022).  Reports can be made through the Maine.gov Board of Nursing website (Esquibel, 2022).  Mandatory reports must be made when a nurse has either resigned or was terminated due to unprofessional conduct, malpractice, or incompetence that the board will need to investigate further (Esquibel, 2022).  If a complaint is made, it is important to be honest of any errors so that the board can consider all facts of the situation prior to making a decision (Esquibel, 2022).  While the thought of having my license under review at any point in my career is quite anxiety inducing, it is important to remember the ways in which I can protect and maintain my license and speak up if an instance ever occurs when I am uncertain of the task being asked of me.  This communication will allow me to gain a better understanding of my practice while keeping my patients safe. 

Esquibel, K. (2022, April 1). Maine state board of bursing. Transition to practice, University of

New England.

https://brightspace.une.edu/d2l/le/content/45297/viewContent/704172/View

Gaines, K. (n.d.). What is the nursing code of ethics? Nurse.org.

https://nurse.org/education/nursing-code-of-ethics/