Why did the Nursing Commission develop such a continuing competency requirement?
The public expects nurses to practice with reasonable skill and safety throughout
their career. The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) is the agency
responsible for protecting the public by regulating the competency and quality of
nursing practice. NCQAC does this by establishing and monitoring licensure and standards
of practice, continuing competency, and discipline (RCW 18.79.101).
At the present time, nurses demonstrate competency only when they are first licensed
after graduating from an approved nursing program and passing the licensing examination
(NCLEX). There is no mechanism in place currently for nurses to show that they are
competent throughout their career. The Continuing Competency Program provides a
foundation for nurses to document their current and ongoing competence.
I am a retired nurse, so am concerned about meeting the practice hour requirements.
What are some activities I can use to “count” towards these practice hours?
- Volunteer hours at a community clinic
- Provide home care for a family member
- Flu shot clinics
- Parish nursing
- Blood pressure screening
Do all of my continuing education hours need to be ANCC approved?
No, they do not. You can use in-service hours, CPR renewal, other educational offerings,
and academic coursework in additional to other educational options such as providing
an educational presentation at a local meeting/organization.
My birthday is June 1st. Can I count practice and/or continuing education hours
towards my requirements if those hours occur prior to my 2011 June birthday?
No. All the required hours begin with your 2011 birthday date. Nothing may be counted
retro-actively.
What happens if I don’t meet the active practice requirement?
Nurses who have not practiced for 36 months or more, or who have not met the 531
hour requirement in 36 months, may apply for Inactive license status. You may need
to complete a commission-approved nurse refresher course or other commission-approved
remediation prior to applying for an active license and returning to practice from
inactive status
What happens if I don’t comply?
The commission will first offer technical assistance for nurses found to be non-compliant.
Nurses who continue to fail to meet the program’s requirement will be subject to
disciplinary action. This includes fines, completion of remedial activities and/or
denial of re-licensure.
