Does the Board of Nursing (BON) have any recommendations for newly licensed LVNs or RNs as they begin their nursing practice?
The newly licensed nurse is in a transitional process and as a novice practitioner, the new LVN or RN is inexperienced and not fully integrated into his/her nursing role and setting. Based on this belief, the Board provides the following guidance to newly licensed LVNs or RNs:
- The newly licensed LVN must ensure that he or she has appropriate supervision. The LVN has a directed scope of practice, which means the LVN must have a registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, physician, physician assistant, dentist or podiatrist as a supervisor of his or her clinical nursing practice.
- It is recommended that a newly licensed nurse not practice in independent settings, such as group homes, assisted living facilities and home or school health, where access to a clinical supervisor is limited for a period of 12-18 months post-licensure. This allows the newly licensed nurse sufficient practice experience in more structured settings and the opportunity to assimilate knowledge learned in school consistently into practice.
- It is recommended that a newly licensed nurse not hold a position as a charge nurse or nurse manager for a period of six (6) months, unless a lesser time period is mutually agreed upon by the newly licensed nurse and the supervising nurse based upon the evaluation of competency of the newly licensed LVN or RN.
- The Board believes it is essential for newly licensed nurses to seek and receive direction, supervision, consultation and collaboration from experienced nurses during the transition into nursing practice. In any practice setting where newly licensed LVNs and RNs are employed, experienced nurses should be willing to supervise and mentor novice nurses.
- Once licensed, direct supervision should be continued for a period of six months, or a lesser time period if agreed upon by the newly licensed nurse and the supervising nurse. Competence to perform without direct supervision should be mutually determined by the newly licensed nurse and the supervising nurse and should be demonstrated and supported by documentation.
- Newly licensed nurses are permitted to perform any function that falls within the scope of nursing practice for which they have received educational preparation and have demonstrated minimal competency.
References:
- Nursing Practice Act (NPA), Section 301. 002(5) (2012).
- Nursing Practice Act (NPA), Section 301.353 (2012).
- Texas Board of Nursing. (2012). Rules and guidelines governing the graduate vocational and registered nurse candidates or the newly licensed vocational or registered nurse. Retrieved on 1/10/12 from http://www.bon.texas.gov/practice/grads.html
- Texas Board of Nursing. (2011). Position statement 15.27, the licensed vocational nurse scope of practice. Retrieved on 1/10/12.
- Texas Board of Nursing. (2011). Position statement 15.28, the registered nurse scope of practice. Retrieved on 1/10/12.