My intent is to become licensed in the state of Maine, which is a Nurse Licensure Compact State. I have accepted a job at SMHC on the Medical-Surgical/Oncology floor starting with completion of the NCLEX. The application process includes and online application and fee where a photo needs to uploaded with a signature page. A School Seal and Administrator signature is needed as well. Transcripts are not needed if the program was completed in the state that the license is being obtained. Criminal background checks are necessary but results are only valid for 90 days. This can be done online through the Maine Department of Public Safety. Fingerprinting also needs to be submitted, this can be done by registering online through IdentoGO with a fee for the process as well. I can then take the NCLEX after obtaining a date and time as well as an ATT letter.

Mandatory reporting for an impaired nurse in the state of Maine includes reporting within 60 days with pertinent information including a description of the adverse action, name of the practitioner involved, the date, location, and description of the event or events giving rise to the adverse reaction, and identification of the complaint giving rise to the adverse action. Organizations should already have guidelines in place and well documented to provide parameters with respect to levels of discipline imposed for categories of offenses. Referrals to an Employee Assistance Program may be made but only after disciplinary action is taken. The Maine Professionals Health Program is also available to nurses who are impaired.

In order to protect myself from legal issues I will also make sure to document fully with every aspect of care given, whether it’s refusal or just documenting on rounding. In order to protect patients, I will also be a mandatory reporter, so anything that I see that is unjust to a patient I will report. I will always follow HIPAA guidelines in order to protect patient privacy. No matter what, documenting is in the best interest to protect both myself and the patient.