I plan on staying and working in Maine, which is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. I am from northern Maine but would love to stay in the Portland area after graduation. The application for Maine is online and requires a school seal and administrative signature. Maine also requires a criminal background check and finger printing. This process is done through the Maine State Board of Nursing website and is valid for 90 days.
When it comes to substance use, those in Maine (health care providers or health care entities) must report incidents within 60 days. There must be a description of the incident, name of the person who did it, the date it happened, the location, the event(s) leading up to the incident, and the name of the reporter. Organizations are required to have disciplinary actions documented for different levels of offenses. These are guidelines so that each individual situation can be fully looked at and discipline can be decided based on that. After discipline and documentation have been completed, the employee should be referred to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Maine has an incredible resource, Medical Professionals Health Program (MPHP). This program includes clinical coordination, monitoring, and advocacy. This program has around a 75-85% success rate. MPHP helps with recovery, wellness, advocacy, and more! This program looks good to potential employers and may help you get your license returned after it has been suspended/revoked. Other resources are the ANA branch in ME, AANA, National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and Maine State Board or nursing.
One of the most important aspects to help me protect my license is documentation. I understand that if it is not documented it did not happen. I also realize that if I were to not document what I did with a specific patient on a specific day, there is no way I would be able to think back and remember every little piece of care I provided. I want to have detailed notes and proof showing that I have done everything I possibly can for each patient. I have also learned about HIPPA many times throughout my schooling at UNE. I understand that confidentiality is extremely important, and I must follow rules to ensure I keep my patients’ information safe and secure. I practice this in clinical and will always do the same in my career. We have also spoken many times about consent and a patient’s right to refuse. As much as I may think that a specific treatment is necessary or the best, the patient and/or the family may not agree. Whether this is a cultural, religious, or personal reason, it is not my place to talk anyone into anything. I will be respectful of people’s choices and ensure they are fully educated and know the risks/benefits of the procedure. Lastly, I know how important mental health is and how stressful the job of a nurse is. I am thankful that we have taken the time to cover substance abuse, what it may present like, and resources for help. I will be mindful of this while practicing as a nurse. Not only in my coworkers, but in myself as well. It’s too dangerous to have the mindset that it can never happen to you.
It looks like you are well-informed and prepared to attain and protect your license!