I intend on becoming a licensed RN in Massachusetts, and Massachusetts is not a nurse licensure compact state. The application process consists of two parts which are completed together.
First, I must apply for a Massachusetts Licensure online and then register for the NCLEX-RN exam. The application for the Massachusetts board of registration in nursing can be submitted and completed all online. Applicants must graduate from an approved and accredited nursing program (diploma, associate, or baccalaureate degree) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. My nursing school Director will need to complete the Certificate of Graduation form and need to send that to: Professional Credential Services Attn: MA Nursing P. O. Box 198788 Nashville, TN 37219.
I must register to take the NCLEX exam in addition to applying for licensure, which can also be done online, or I can call Pearson VUE NCLEX. The application itself costs $230 and the NCLEX registration costs $200. Once the Massachusetts Board of Nursing provides clearance to test with Pearson VUE, I will receive an authorization to test. This notice allows me to schedule my exam within 90 days from the authorization date.
Massachusetts requires a criminal background check and only one fingerprint needs to be on file which is also renewed every three years. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112, sections 74, 74A, and 76 require you to provide specific documentation for GMC evaluation if you answer yes to questions related to criminal or disciplinary history. A notarized CORI Acknowledgement Form is required for all applicants for nursing licensure and advanced practice authorization. All nurses who directly observe another nurse engaged in the abuse of a patient must report that nurse to the Board. Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 111, Section 72G requires that nurses who have reasonable cause to suspect patient or resident abuse, neglect, mistreatment, and/or misappropriation of their property must report the situation. To protect myself and my licence from these legal issues I will stay up to date with the Massachusetts CMR and follow and obey all laws and never commit any actions of maltreatment/neglect/malpractice/abuse.
Attached is the Massachusetts CMR standards of conduct: 244 CMR 9 (mass.gov)
Allie, does the Massachusetts Board of Nursing have provisions to support recovery for impaired nurses?