| |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home > The Norman Knight Nursing Center for Clinical & Professional Development > Educational Offerings> RN License Renewal Questions.. | ||||
 |
print page | |||
|
You must
have a valid license to practice at the MGH
|
||
|
1.
|
When do I need to renew my license? | |
|
|
||
|
2.
|
What do I need to have my license renewed? | |
|
|
||
|
3.
|
What qualifies for continuing education contact hours? | |
|
|
||
|
4.
|
Does the Department of Nursing orientation, inservice or required training qualify as continuing education? | |
|
|
||
|
5.
|
Can college courses be used as continuing education? | |
|
|
||
|
6.
|
What are other examples of acceptable continuing education? | |
|
|
||
|
7.
|
If I am a presenter at a continuing education program, may I get contact hours for the presentation and preparation that went into it? | |
|
|
||
|
8.
|
What is considered evidence of my having attended programs and earned contact hours? | |
|
|
||
|
9.
|
How long will it take to receive my new license? | |
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
1.
|
When do I need to renew my license? | |
|
|
You must renew by your birth date on even numbered years. . |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
|
||
|
2.
|
What do I need to have my license renewed? | |
|
|
You need to have earned 15 contact hours of continuing education within the two years immediately preceding renewal of your license. A contact hour is 50 consecutive minutes of an organization learning experience. It is the responsibility of each nurse to maintain an authenticated record of continuing education offerings completed, and to submit evidence of the required number of contact hours for that specific registration period upon request of the Board. These records should be kept for two consecutive registration periods. |
|
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
|
||
|
3.
|
What qualifies for continuing education contact hours? | |
|
|
Continuing education, as defined by the Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN), consists of "planned, organized learning experiences designed to augment the knowledge, skills, attitudes for the enhancement of nursing practice, to the end of improving health care to the public". |
|
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
|
||
|
4.
|
Does the Department of Nursing orientation, inservice or required training qualify as continuing education? | |
|
|
No. Orientation or other programs held to describe the standard operating procedures of the institution are not considered continuing education. |
|
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
|
||
|
5.
|
Can college courses be used as continuing education? | |
|
|
Yes, college courses that are "within the framework of a curriculum leading to an academic degree in nursing, or relevant to nursing or any course within that curriculum that is necessary to an individual's professional growth and development" are acceptable. One semester credit is equal to 15 contact hours. |
|
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
|
||
|
6.
|
What are other examples of acceptable continuing education? | |
|
|
CE may be attained in various ways but must consist of a planned program of learning, which contributes directly to the professional competence of the nurse. Examples include: seminars, workshops, self-study, or planned and supervised clinical experiences. Specific criteria that must be met are listed in the BORN Rules and Regulations. |
|
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
|
||
|
7.
|
If I am a presenter at a continuing education program, may I get contact hours for the presentation and preparation that went into it? | |
|
|
No. You are presenting education to others and are not considered the learner in this situation. |
|
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
|
||
|
8.
|
What is considered evidence of my having attended programs and earned contact hours? | |
|
|
When you attend a program offering contact hours, you receive a certificate stating the name of the program, date(s) it was held, and number of contact hours awarded. Similar information should be maintained for programs that do not offer contact hours. |
|
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
|
||
|
9.
|
How long will it take to receive my new license? | |
It may take as long as 3 weeks to process your new license, so it is important to complete your application as soon as possible. If you have moved since your last renewal, make sure you change your address through the BORN website at http://www.state.ma.us/reg/boards/rn/default.htm |
||
|
|
