THE GREAT STATE OF

KENTUCKY

Derek works as an Acute Pain Nurse Clinician at the University of Kentucky. In his free time he does volunteer work with a rescue team that operates in the rural areas of Eastern Kentucky where he also serves as a board member of a local rescue squad. He is a CPR and First Aid Instructor for the community as well. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Derek received his RN and BS degrees from the University of Kentucky and MBA with emphasis in healthcare administration from Morehead State University.

Derek is currently working towards becoming an acute care nurse practitioner.

 

A quote,

 

"As rapidly as the face of nursing is changing, we too must change how we think and practice."

 

November 2006

Over the past few months, nurses in Kentucky have seen some dramatic changes from the Kentucky Board of Nursing. It remains to be seen how the new direction will affect nurses in the long term, but many believe the changes are a step in the right direction.

 

The most notable change is that of annual license renewal. Until last month, all Kentucky RN's were required to renew every October in even numbered years while LPN's renewed in odd numbered years. In October of 2007, all Kentucky nurses will have to renew annually. While some feel this is more bothersome, it should encourage nurses to maintain the 14 CEU hours rather than rush at the last moment every other year to garner the former requirement of 30 hours. The board has also become more internet friendly, allowing renewal, as well as licensure verification, online.

 

Perhaps the most popular change is that of compact licensure. On June 1, 2007, Kentucky will join 20 other states that belong to the Compact Licensure Agreement. This agreement allows nurses to practice in CLA states under their current home state licenses without applying for licensure by endorsement. The agreement does not apply to advanced practice nurses.

 

Not only here in Kentucky, but throughout the country, nursing is making positive steps to make our profession more vibrant and viable.

 

Derek Calhoun, RN, BS, MBA

 

Reporting from your state

 

"As Nurses it is our
responsibility to meet the
shortage head on, take
charge of our future and
to see that their future
is better than our past"