The word "nurse" is a universal term used in many ways. When used as a verb and in medical terms "to nurse" means to provide care for a sick person. Many people, trained and untrained can provide that care or "nursing" care. "Nurse", the noun in the true sense of the meaning, applies to a person trained to look after sick and injured people, especially someone who works in a hospital, clinic, home or long term care (nursing home) facility administering the care and treatment that a doctor prescribes. Hospital nursing is just one of the many areas where nurses practice. Other practice settings include clinics, health-related industries, home care, hospice, offices, public health, schools, occupational settings, and health and wellness centers.
Nurses are an important part of the healthcare environment, providing care in a number of ways for up to 24 hours a day 7 days a week in many different settings. The following information is a very basic description of who provides nursing care and at what level that care is provided.
There are only three types of nurses specifically educated and trained to provide nursing care. They are classified under the title "nurse" as follows: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN) and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) which includes Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and, though not recognized in Florida, but in many other states, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
In the State of Florida the title "nurse" is protected and cannot be used by individuals other than those previously identified.
Home Health Aide (HHA) and Nursing Assistant (NA) / Patient Care Tech (PCT) are trained to assist the nurse in providing assistance with nursing care, but are not nurses.
More information regarding each career is available on the Florida Health Careers website.
CE Broker is an electronic tracking system, for Florida healthcare professionals CE records. As of January 1, 2004 all CE providers must submit applications and renewals electronically to the Department of Health at www.cebroker.com
At this time subscription is not mandatory for healthcare professionals. The fee for nurses to subscribe is $35 per biennial licensing period. More information about the CE Broker System is available on the Florida Department of Health web site at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/Publications/cebroker.htm
Where can I find information about a career in nursing?
I am currently working as a nurse in another state/country how can I transfer my license to Florida?
All questions regarding licensure should be directed to the Florida Board of Nursing. Their website is http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing
Information specific to applying for licensure from outside the United States is available at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/nursing/nur_foreign.html
I am a CNA newly relocated to Florida, could you please tell me how I can transfer my certification to Florida?
Questions regarding CNA certification should be directed to the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant Registry. Their website is: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/cna A list of Frequently asked Questions from the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant Registry.
Do you have any information regarding refresher courses in Florida?
Listed below are organizations that offer refresher courses:
The Bert Rogers Schools offer refresher courses online. Unfortunately they do not offer a clinical component. You may consider contacting hospitals in you areas to see if they have preceptor programs (such as those offered for new graduates): http://bertrogers.com
You may also want to contact nursing schools in your area to see if they offer refresher courses.
Can you tell me more about loan and other financial assistance programs available for nursing students?
There are several opportunities in Florida for scholarships, grants, and loans for student nurses and nurses desiring to further their education.
Additional national scholarship and loan information is available on the financial aid page of the Bureau of Health Professions web site at: http://bhpr.hrsa.gov
More loan and scholarship information is available on our Internet Resources page under "Loans, Scholarships & Grants".
Where can I obtain a copy of the Nurse Practice Act?
The Nurse Practice Act may be found in Chapter 464 of the 2002 Florida statues: http://www.flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute.