State Nursing Boards ensure competency through several methods:
- Licensure Examinations: Nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain a license. This exam assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for safe and effective practice. - Continued Competency: BONs require nurses to complete continuing education courses and sometimes additional competency assessments to renew their licenses. - Regulatory Compliance: Nurses must comply with state laws and regulations, which are regularly updated to reflect current best practices in healthcare.