I intend to become licensed by examination in the state of Maine, which is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Nurse Compact states refer to states that all share an agreement that allows a nurse to practice in other states that are also a part of the compact agreement. For example, if I become licensed in Maine, I would be able to practice in New Hampshire and not have to apply for another license in that state. 

The application is completed and submitted online, via the Maine.gov website. The website is easy to navigate and understand, which is a huge relief! Paper applications are no longer accepted in the state of Maine. The license application requirements are listed on the website, and includes uploading a current photo, a signature page, supporting documentation, and a non-refundable application fee of $75 and are to be sent to the Maine State Board of Nursing. Other requirements include transcripts from schools if applying out of state, which I will not be. The school (UNE Nurse Administrator of the Nursing Program) must complete the Certification of School Form online, and applicants must undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting. The instructions on how to obtain a criminal background check is posted on the Maine State Board of Nursing website, and the results are only valid for 90 days. It is a requirement to be issued a U.S. Social Security Number before being issued a Maine RN License. There is an area on the website that also allows you to check the status of your license application. 

Guy Cousins from Maine Medical Professionals Health Program opened my eyes to an issue that I didn’t even realize was an issue – substance use and abuse in healthcare professionals. I guess I think of healthcare professionals as the heroes who save those who struggle with substance abuse, and are untouchable when it comes to addiction themselves, which is far from the truth. I think this program that they created is an amazing resource to healthcare professionals, especially because I feel like the notion that healthcare professionals are untouchable from addiction is a common thought amongst individuals, which could create a barrier for them to receive the help they need. Another issue I did not think much about was nurse impairment. In the State of Maine, specifically on the Maine State Board of Nursing website, there is a resource titled, “The Impaired Nurse” and includes a toolkit one can use if you suspect another nurse is impaired due to some sort of substance abuse that renders them from being able to provide safe and competent care to patients. Nurses are mandatory reporters in Maine, and proper education in symptoms of impairment are needed beforehand so they can make a proper claim regarding a coworker. Nurse impairment and drug diversion are violations upon which the Board of Nursing may take action against, as they are examples of unprofessional conduct and goes against the nursing practice.

One of the biggest takeaways I have from nursing school and guest speakers is to get your own malpractice insurance. I feel like this is the simplest yet most effective way of protecting your own license. Nurses are faced with legal issues every day in their practice and unfortunately hospitals do not protect their nurses as much as they should when it comes to legal and insurance issues. Another way I will protect my license is by documenting everything and being completely upfront and clear with patients and my coworkers. This will help prevent any miscommunication that could potentially cause harmful effects to myself or my patients. I will advocate for my patients’ safety, but also for my own. I want to educate myself on all the nursing protocols for my hospital and make sure that I feel comfortable providing care to my patients. Every hospital has their own protocols regarding nursing and patient care, mandatory reporting, abuse, informed consent and refusing treatment, etc. I also will stay up to date with the Maine State Board of Nursing and the nursing scope of practice, because nursing is always evolving. I will stay up to date with evidence-based practices in nursing to provide safe and quality patient care and protect my license while doing so.