The difference between licensure and certification in context of registered nursing
Search the Florida Board of Nursing Website and save a copy of the Florida Nurse Practice Act.
Search for the American Nurses Association (ANA) Guidelines for Professional Nursing Practice.
1. Discuss the difference between licensure and certification in context of registered nursing.
2. Compare and contrast the roles of the ANA and Florida Board of Nursing. Each student should compare/contrast at least 3-different roles (don't repeat roles of another student) of the ANA and the Florida Board of Nursing. (You should navigate to the ANA & FBON websites - see links below).
3. Describe the purpose of the Florida Nurse Practice Act.
4. Compare/contrast the Florida Nurse Practice Act with the ANA Guidelines for Professional Nursing Practice.
Sample Solution
- Licensure and certification in context of registered nursing
- Comparison and contrast of the roles of the ANA and Florida Board of Nursing
| ANA | FBON |
| Represents the interests of the nursing profession at the national level. | Licenses and regulates the practice of nursing in Florida. |
| Sets standards for nursing education and practice. | Enforces the Florida Nurse Practice Act. |
| Provides continuing education and professional development opportunities for nurses. | Investigates complaints about the practice of nursing. |
| Administers the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). | Issues and renews nursing licenses. |
- The ANA is a voluntary organization, while the FBON is a government agency.
- The ANA focuses on representing the interests of the nursing profession, while the FBON focuses on regulating the practice of nursing.
- The ANA sets standards for nursing education and practice, while the FBON enforces the Florida Nurse Practice Act.
- The ANA provides continuing education and professional development opportunities for nurses, while the FBON investigates complaints about the practice of nursing.
- The ANA administers the NCLEX-RN, while the FBON issues and renews nursing licenses.
- Purpose of the Florida Nurse Practice Act
- Registered nurses must be licensed by the FBON in order to practice nursing in Florida.
- Registered nurses must meet certain educational and experience requirements in order to be licensed.
- Registered nurses must practice within the scope of their education and training.
- Registered nurses must maintain their competence through continuing education.
- Registered nurses must report any violations of the Florida Nurse Practice Act to the FBON.