Why is theBONstructureand processsocritical toNewJersey?

The BON hasitsmainpurposeto protectthe publicfromharmby ensuring minimumqualification andcompetencies forRNs,LPNs,APNs,SexualAssault, Forensic Nurses,Home-Makers/HomeHealthAides.Failure to do soimpactsquality of careandsafety ofourconsumers.Ashealthcareevolves,nursesandother providersaremoving at a rapid pacefroma structured environment intothecommunity.

Therefore,the Stateneedsan efficientmeans toadapttothechanging environment, providing theguidanceand regulationsnecessaryto ensure aproperlytrained,skilledand safetyconsciousworkforce.The BONisresponsibleto ensure thatthe NursePracticeAct(which guidesnursing practice) andotherregulationsarein-linewiththe evolving rolesofthosethey licenseorcertify.

TheBoardoverseesover200,000licensed nursesandcertifiedhomemakers andhomehealthaides inNJ. Delays in licensureor certificationsnotonly impact the individual,butmostimportantlytheworkforcevacanciesimpact thecareofconsumersinNJ.Commitmenttodevelopmentof astaffingpattern thatadjustsforfluctuationsin activity isessential as wemoveforwardto meetthisneed. Forexample,attimesofgraduation or largelicensurerenewalsthereneedsto beadditionalseasonalpositions orovertimetoaccomplishthisveryimportant task.

The BONisdesignedso thatprofessionalsregulate theprofessiontherefore,it isimportanttohavenurseshired thatoversee each ofthe functionsoftheBoardof Nursing tobettermeettheneeds ofthenursing workforce. Redefining thestructureto ensurethis isimportant.

What is theBoard of Nursingresponsible for?

TheBoardof Nursing is responsibleto:

Evaluatelicensureapplications

  • Newgraduates
  • Internationallyeducatednurses
  • Endorsementsfromnurseslicensed inotherstates

Renewaloflicenses/certifications

  • For RNs,LPNs,APNs,SexualAssault,ForensicNurses,Home-Makers/HomeHealthAides
  • Monitorscontacthoursforthosewhereit’s arequirement

Imposesdisciplinaryactionto include: reprimand,probation,restrictpractice,suspendorrevoke. Issuesinclude:

  • Incompetentpractice
  • Unethicalpractice
  • Criminalconvictions

ApprovalorclosureofNursingEducationPrograms(alllevels)PromulgatesRules/Regulations

Howis theBoardofNursingorganized?

1ExecutiveDirectorwhichis vacantas of8/11/1715 volunteermembersappointed bytheGovernor

TheNJCCN Boardand AdvisoryCouncilisrepresented bythefollowing entitieswho areconcernedaboutthefuturestate oftheBoard ofNursing.Theyinclude:

Home Care and HospiceAssociationofNJConsumers

NewJerseyHospitalAssociationPracticalNurseEducatorsCouncilof NJStaffNurse

NewJerseyStateNursesAssociationNewJerseyLeague forNursing

New JerseyBaccalaureateand HigherDegreeProgramin NursingNew JerseyCouncil of Associate Degree NursingPrograms Association of Diploma Schoolsof ProfessionalNursing HealthcareAssociationofNewJersey