Journal of Nursing Regulation (JNR) Article: Barriers to Licensure for Military Spouse Registered Nurses

Journal of Nursing Regulation (JNR) Article: Barriers to Licensure for Military Spouse Registered Nurses

A new article published in JNR notes that although nursing is among the most common professions for military spouses, after a military move 89% of spouses did not relicense. Researchers aimed to, “better understand the military spouse registered nurse (RN) landscape as it relates to employment and the feasibility of licensure innovation.” After reviewing 191 surveys and 14 interviews completed by military spouses, researchers noted multiple challenges with licensing and found that:

  • More than 35% of the surveyed RN sample indicated they considered leaving the field of nursing due to constant licensing issues.
  • Stakeholders and nurses aligned on the need for a unified platform that could assist with licensing; and
  • Preliminary feasibility was obtained for license innovation.

Researchers concluded that, “Enhancing compacts or allowing special regulation for this population is critical not only to improve patient health outcomes, but also to support military families and the unique challenges they face as a result of frequent relocations.” 

LeadingAge Washington will once again be supporting the Nurse Licensure Compact Act (NCLA), SB5274 and companion HB1264. The COVID-19 pandemic served to magnify the need for the NLCA. The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) is pushing the compact this year. Stay tuned for ways you can help advocate for this important change to nurse licensing in WA State.

 

Questions?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804

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