Nurse

:This article focuses on the training and regulation of nurses. See the article Nursing for more information on the practice of nursing. For information on the television show Nurses, see Nurses (TV series).

Legal regulation

Government regulates the profession of nursing to protect the public.

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Australia

Canada

UK

All UK nurses are listed on a register and are regulated by the Nursing & Midwifery Council. Nurses need to re-register every three years and are required in this time to have demonstrated that they have kept up-to-date by undertaking a set number of hours of professional development and nursing practice.

Related Topics:
Register - Nursing & Midwifery Council - Professional development - Nursing practice

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US

In the US, the individual states have authority over nursing practice. The scope of practice is defined by legislative and regulatory laws which are administered by State Nursing Boards.

Related Topics:
US - States - Nursing practice - Legislative - Regulatory - State Nursing Board

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Many states have adopted the Model Nursing Practice Act and Model Nursing Administrative Rules created by the National Council of State Nursing Boards (NCSNB). In addition, many State Nursing Boards model their licensure requirements on the Uniform Core Licensure Requirements which set forth competency development and competency assessment principles.

Related Topics:
Model Nursing Practice Act - Model Nursing Administrative Rules - National Council of State Nursing Boards - Licensure - Uniform Core Licensure Requirements

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Nurses may be licensed in more than one state, either by examination or endorsement of a license issued by another state. In addition, the states which have adopted the Nurse Licensure Compact allow nurses licensed in one of the states to practice in all of them through mutual recognition of licensure.

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Licenses must be periodically renewed. Some states require continuing education in order to renew licenses.

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