District of Columbia Board of Nursing: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction

The District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DCBON) is responsible for regulating the practice of nursing in the District of Columbia. It protects the public’s health and safety by ensuring that nurses are qualified and competent. The DCBON has several key responsibilities, including:

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Licensure: The DCBON issues licenses to nurses who meet the requirements set forth by the District of Columbia Nursing Practice Act.
Discipline: The DCBON investigates complaints of misconduct against nurses and takes disciplinary action when necessary.
Continuing education: The DCBON requires nurses to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their licenses.
Advocacy: The DCBON represents the interests of nurses in the District of Columbia.

Functions of the DCBON

The DCBON has a number of important functions, including:

Setting standards for nursing practice. The DCBON sets standards for nursing practice in the District of Columbia. These standards are designed to ensure that nurses provide safe and competent care.
Issuing licenses to nurses. The DCBON issues licenses to nurses who meet the requirements set forth by the District of Columbia Nursing Practice Act.
Investigating complaints of misconduct against nurses. The DCBON investigates complaints of misconduct against nurses and takes disciplinary action when necessary.
Requiring nurses to complete continuing education courses. The DCBON requires nurses to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their licenses.
Representing the interests of nurses in the District of Columbia. The DCBON represents the interests of nurses in the District of Columbia.

How to Obtain a Nursing License in the District of Columbia

There are three steps to obtaining a nursing license in the District of Columbia:

Complete a nursing program. You must complete an accredited nursing program that meets the requirements of the DCBON.
Pass the NCLEX exam. The NCLEX is a national licensing exam that all nurses must pass before they can practice.
Apply for a license from the DCBON. You can apply for a license from the DCBON online or by mail.