Thinking about where I plan to practice with nursing is something that has been hanging over my head for so long now as I have been unable to make up my mind and am not sure where I will end up in my future. I am flexible and have options to be in Maine, Massachusetts, Connectiicut, and/ or even go to the south. As of right now, I plan to stay in Maine and to get my license in Maine as it is a compact license state and I can transfer it to Massachusetts or other states if need be. I am still applying for jobs and looking for places to live as I am have no set plan. Time is beginning to run out and I am getting nervous.

Maine’s application is done virtually on the web. This application has a fee, a photo and signature, a school seal and administrator signature, CBC, documents for accomodations, a registration with Pearson, and a criminal background check with finger prints. For the compact license you do need to pass an english proficiency exam. For the criminal background check, Livescan is used to submit fingerprints with a $52 fee to process these prints electronically. You have 90 days to use the fingerprints before they expire. This process is understood and isn’t seen everywhere.

Looking at the presentations from the past few weeks, we learned and know that all nurses in Maine are state mandated reporters and are required to investigate complaints by patients, family, employers, coworkers, other health care providers, NPDB, and other state boards like MSBON. When there is suspicion of fault in practice or use of faud, incompetence, unprossional conduct, criminal convictions, or misuse of alcohol or drugs in the job. Complaints are recieved to the board and then processed and sent to the licensee, response required in 30 days whether wanting ongoing further investigation, a board review and legal counsel. The board decides whether the case is dismissed or if a letter of concerned is issued, or if a violation of NPA happened. There may be a loss of license based on voluntary, revocation, or suspension, or the lcense may be kept with a warning, censure, reprimand or penalty/probation. Reecovery resources can be found on the maine.gov/boardofnursing website and through the Nurse Health Program and Medical Professionals Health Program.

In my practice I will ensure that I prevent the possibility of malpractice or my license being revoked by ensuring I care for myself outside of the job and performing self care. I will also ensure to check my work and practice over beforeperforming actions to ensure I am doing the job correctly and safely. Patients safety is a priority. I will be an advocate for my patients and protect them at all costs.