HJAR Sep/Oct 2019

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  SEP / OCT 2019 21 in completing a well-rounded investiga- tion. However many times the nurse fails to respond during the investigation, dur- ing negotiations, or attend the hearing. This makes the outcome of the case based on the facts gathered during the investigation, and may not contain every critical piece of information. What direction do you think Arkansas Board of Nursing is headed to provide ideal service to communities? ASBNmoved to a new licensure and dis- cipline database in early June. We have al- ready seen better communication between the agency and the licensee. The board is committed to protecting the public by en- suring the nursing workforce is comprised of safe and competent nurses. What do you recommend to young people considering a career in nursing? I have been a nurse for many years and still love the profession. One thing the nurs- ing career offers that most other professions don’t offer is the wide variety of employ- ment opportunities. However individuals considering entering the profession should realize that it is hard work and not always good hours. Does Arkansas have an alternative disci- pline program for nurses? Yes. TheArkansas program is theArkan- sas NursesAlternative to Discipline Program (ArNAP). It is a program for nurses who acknowledge they have a drug or alcohol problem or addiction, and choose to enter ArNAP in lieu of discipline. The program is nonpublic and the nurse enters voluntarily. Nurses who successfully complete the pro- gramwill not have a permanent disciplinary flag on their license. n “One thing the nursing career offers that most other professions don’t offer is the wide variety of employment opportunities.”