Professional Nursing and State-Level Regulations NRSE 6050
In research from NursingLicenesure.org (2020a), in Mississippi an APRN must earn a degree at the master’s level which includes clinical experience and be nationally accredited through an agency approved by the Board and pass national certification examination. The program must be designed to prepare nurses for intended role, however those who graduated by the end of 1998 will not necessarily have degrees at the graduate level while those who graduated post-1993 will need to demonstrate that they completed programs that include concentrations in the specialties for which they are seeking.
APRNs graduating by the end of 1993 will not have completed programs specific to their role and will need to show that they have completed accredited APRN programs. Meanwhile in Missouri, according NursingLicensure.org (2020b), an APRN is a licensed RN with a qualifying Document of Recognition. These APRNs are recognized based on national advanced practice certification specific to the desired population focus and must meet educational requirements set by the agency. The nurse must complete an advanced nursing program which includes 500 hours of supervised clinical practice.
It is the accountability of the APRN to make sure they are aware of the regulations according to the state in which they are gaining certification and employment. For instance, Missouri and Mississippi are both either restricted or reduced in the APRNs ability to practice. If they could have full practicing power, they would be able to fully prescribe any medication needed for their patients without having to have their hands held by the collaborating physician.
“Restricted NP practice limits their ability to provide care in areas that lack access to primary health-care providers” (The impact of Nurse Practitioner Regulations on Population Access to Care, 2018). It would make treating patients easier when they are not seeking approval. In either state, it would be wise for the APRN to review and become familiar with the regulating board for the practicing state and to read the Nurse Practice Act within that state.