In order to perform the duties of a Registered Nurse (RN for short), one must attain certain criteria. Included in this criteria is attending an accredited and recognized Nursing School. The school/college can be public (CUNY/SUNY), private, online or in person. It is generally a two year diploma (ASN) or a four year degree (BSN), and once you have completed the rigorous curriculum, you should ideally be ready to take your licensing exam- the NCLEX, administered by Pearson Vue. This exam is the determining factor of whether or not you are a Registered Nurse or just a nursing school graduate. The RN license and registration are mailed to the home and this individual is now eligible to begin employment as a Registered Nurse!
Personally, I disagree with the idea that the NCLEX licensing exam should be given intermittently, in order for nurses to maintain their licensure. Not all people are excellent test takers- some have the knowledge but lack the practical skill set or being RN’s, while others may be fantastic RN’s but don’t test easily. Also, we should take into account that the RN working in Labor and Delivery for the last five, ten or twenty years is most likely not current or up-to-date with Med- Surge or Oncology or Geriatric nursing practices.
Alternatively, I feel that allowing RN’s to renew their licensure with proof of attaining a predetermined amount of Continuing Education (CE) credits would be a better solution. There is a vast amount of ongoing research as well as a massive amount of published research, and actual in person seminars that provide current up-to-date information and evidence based practices. These CE’s and CE seminars are more beneficial than just going in and taking an exam. The scope of nursing is so vast and extends so far that many nurses would be at risk for losing their licensure if this NCLEX Re-examination to maintain licensure were implemented. Consider the School RN’s or those in specialties or those doing insurance claims from behind a desk! I do agree that some form of requirement to maintain licensure needs to be implemented but insisting that RN’s retake the NCLEX would not be my route of choice.
