STANDARDS, LAWS AND CONTINUING EDUCATION OF NURSING LICENSURE STUDY GUIDE EXAM 2025 How Licensure Protects Consumers Ensures only properly trained nurses enter the profession, Prevents unlicensed individuals from practicing as nurses, Provides a process for disciplinary action against unsafe nurses, Sets legal standards that all nurses must follow. Licensure The legal process by which a government authority grants permission to individuals to practice a profession after meeting specific qualifications. Importance of Licensure Protects the Public - Ensures nurses meet established standards of practice. State Boards of Nursing (BONs) Establish and enforce nursing licensure laws. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Develops the NCLEX exam to assess nursing competency.Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Provides basic nursing care under RN supervision. Requires completion of a state-approved LPN/LVN program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Registered Nurse (RN) Responsible for comprehensive patient care and critical decision-making. Methods of obtaining an RN license Diploma Program (Hospital-based training). Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Includes Nurse Practitioners (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), and Nurse Midwives (CNM). Requirements for APRN A Master's (MSN) or Doctoral (DNP) degree in an advanced practice specialty. Standards of Licensure Completion of an Approved