To gain entry to nurse practitioner schools in California you need to meet strict requirements that are predetermined by the Registered Nursing Program of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The Board of Registered Nursing is a state governmental agency that was set up to protect the public by regulating the practice of registered nurses. The Board is made up of four members of the public and five registered nurses. These professionals have experience in direct-care, advanced practice, nurse administration and nurse education. The members of the Board are appointed by the Governor and the Legislature jointly. They serve a term of four years and can be re-appointed, but not more than two consecutive terms.
How are consumers protected?
By regulating nurse practitioner schools in California, the Board of Registered Nursing protects consumers in a variety of ways:
- they set the educational standards for nursing programs
- they approve the approximately 100 nursing programs across the state which meet the standards
- they evaluate licensing applications based on completion of education requirements, passing a national licensing examination and performing a background check on applicants
- they issue and renew licenses
- they issue certificates
- they take disciplinary action if necessary
- they manage a diversion program for nurses whose practice might be compromised because of chemical dependency or mental illness with a view to rehabilitation
- they operate a 24-hour toll free licensing verification system and an online license verification system
Who does the Board regulate?
The Board of Registered Nurses can regulate those who have completed a course at one of the many regulated nursing schools in California. The specific positions that are controlled and certified by the board are:
- certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
- certified nurse midwife (CNM)
- clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- critical care nurse (CCRN)
- nurse practitioner (NP)
- public health nurse (PHN)
Nurses also work in a variety of institutions, but they are all regulated by the board. These institutions are health departments, health maintenance organizations, home health agencies, hospitals, private practice, schools, skilled nursing facilities. It does not matter where you wish to practice nursing, you must be licensed by the Board and adhere to their regulations.
Services for applicants
There are a variety of services administered by the Registered Nursing Program in the state of California.
Licensure by Examination: This service is for first time candidates who have completed a program at one of the nurse practitioner schools and wish to apply to take the examination.
Reapply for Examination: You may have previously taken the National Council Licensure Examination in California, but did not pass.
Licensure by Endorsement: If you are already a with one of the many types of nursing degrees but from another state or territory, then you can be licensed by California as well.
Reinstatement of a Lapsed RN License: If your license has lapsed for more than eight years, then you will need to retake the examination.
Fingerprint Information: There are a variety of ways to submit your fingerprints, using a live scan process or a manual fingerprint process.
Advanced Practice Certification: If you are already licensed as a registered nurse, but are seeking certification in a form of advanced practice.
Continuing Education Provider Numbers: The Board also takes applications for continuing education.
The enforcement program
The Board also administers an enforcement program in their mission to regulate nursing degrees in California. They take in complaints, perform investigations, take legal action if necessary and monitor any probation required.
Anyone can file a complaint against a registered nurse or an applicant who is suspected to have violated the Nursing Practice Act by engaging in any behavior that is not up to professional standards. The most frequently received complaints are related to patient care and chemical dependency.
While you study for the nursing degrees in California you will also undertake medical ethics classes which will address these issues and encourage you to adhere to the regulations.