The nationwide nursing shortage hit Illinois and the problem is there are not enough young nursing professionals to replace the number of retiring baby boomer nurses. In a recent survey, a third of the currently working nurses age 55 and older plan to retire within the next five years.[i] Research shows that even fewer nurses are able to fill the need for Ph.D. nurse educators. The problem is not the lack of interest in the nursing professions, there is a shortage in education program capacities. The nursing schools are full. With concerns of state budget cuts in education, gaining admittance to state nursing education programs may become increasingly difficult. Private nursing schools can be a good alternative, and for those willing to go so far as the Ph.D. programs, private school tuition may be a solid future investment.
There are several nursing professional options in Illinois. No matter where you may be in the progression of your nursing career, you will be in demand for many years to come. In addition to the required education, a nurse professional must apply to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to obtain the required state license to practice nursing in the following regulated areas of nursing in Illinois.
Professional Nursing Professions Licensed by IDFPR[ii]:
- Registered Professional Nurse (RN)[iii]
RNs primarily administer medication, treatments, and offer educational advice to the patient.
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)[iv]
LPNs provide basic nursing care and are responsible for the comfort of the patient.
- Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)[v]
APNs assist other medical professionals and manage patient care, and many specialize in fields such as pediatrics, oncology and family medicine.
- Continuing Education Sponsors are licensed to provide continuing education to licensed nurses.[vi]
- APN CE Sponsor
- LPN CE Sponsor
- RN CE Sponsor
- APN Controlled Substance[vii]
Physicians may delegate limited authority to prescribe controlled substances to Advance Practice Nurses with the APN Controlled Substance credentials.
Illinois laws such as the Nurse Practice Act[viii], identify what specific aspects of healthcare are allowed or limited by each specific nursing license.
In addition to assistance with the nurse professional licensing process, Illinois nurses may also need legal assistance with various business aspects of nursing careers such as employment contract and collaborative practice agreement review and negotiation.
Michael V. Favia & Associates, P.C. is a health law and litigation firm in Chicago representing individuals, healthcare professionals and organizations with civil legal matters as well as professional licensing and regulation. We help Illinois nurses with any and all issues with the regulation of their professional license with the IDFPR.
Chicago health law and litigation attorney Michael V. Favia and his associates in several locations and disciplines, advise and represent private individuals as well as healthcare professionals in all types of litigation and administrative matters involving licensing and regulatory agencies.
Michael V. Favia and Associates, P.C. represents individual physicians and health care organizations in the Chicago area with a variety of legal matters. With offices conveniently located in the Chicago Loop, Northwest side and suburban meeting locations, you can schedule a discrete meeting with an attorney at your convenience and discretion. Michael V. Favia & Associates is available at (773) 631-4580. Please visit www.favialawfirm.com and feel free to “Like” the firm on Facebook and “Follow” the firm on Twitter. You can also review endorsements and recommendations for Michael V. Favia on his Avvo.com profile and on LinkedIn.
[i] Modern Healthcare, Nationwide nursing shortage hits Illinois, by Adam Rubenfire, May 27, 2015.
[ii] Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Regulated Professions, Nursing.
[iii] All Nursing Schools, Registered Nurse vs. Licensed Practical Nurse.
[iv] See HNiii above.
[v] All Nursing Schools, Advanced Practice Nursing.
[vi] Nurse.org, Nurse CE and CEU: Continuing Education for RNs.
[vii] IDFPR Controlled Substance Licensing.
Image Source: http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/05/16/2020411/doctors-oppose-more-authority-for-nurses/
[viii] Illinois Nurse Practice Act, 225 ILCS 65.
