The Natural State's Top 10: Most Valuable Nurses Benefits

Arkansas's highlights for nursing professionals include a clear pathway to full practice authority for APRNs, its status as a Nurse Licensure Compact state, and flexible continuing competency rules. 

Here's the full WeSalute ranking for the top ten professional resources and benefits for nurses in Arkansas:

1. Pathway to Full Practice Authority (APRNs): This is a career-defining benefit. Arkansas law (Act 412 of 2021) provides a pathway for Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNPs) and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) to earn full, independent practice authority after 6,240 hours of practice under a collaborative agreement.
2. Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Membership: Arkansas is a member of the NLC. This is a primary benefit, allowing RNs and LPNs who hold a multistate license to practice in any of the 40+ other compact states without needing to obtain an additional license.
3. Flexible Continuing Competency: Arkansas offers great flexibility for license renewal. RNs and LPNs must complete one of the following every two years: 15 practice-focused contact hours, a current certification in their specialty, or at least one college credit hour of a nursing course.
4. State Loan & Scholarship Programs: The Arkansas Graduate Nursing Education Student Loan and Scholarship Program is a high-value benefit that provides loans and scholarships to nurses pursuing advanced degrees who agree to work as educators or APRNs within the state.
5. The Arkansas Nurse Practice Act: This is the single most important legal document for every nurse in the state. It defines the legal scope of practice for LPNs, RNs, and APRNs, and outlines the rules for delegation and professional conduct. All nurses are responsible for knowing and adhering to its contents.
6. APRN Prescriptive Authority Rules: Arkansas has specific CE requirements for APRNs with prescriptive authority. They must complete 5 contact hours in pharmacotherapeutics every two years, with 2 of those hours dedicated to prescribing rules and laws in Arkansas.
7. Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA): ARNA is the state's premier professional organization. As a joint member of the American Nurses Association (ANA), it provides legislative advocacy, critical career networking, and access to CE and discounts on professional resources.
8. Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP): For nurses who want to teach, the federal NFLP is available through Arkansas universities. It offers loan cancellation of up to 85% for graduates who take on full-time faculty positions, directly addressing the state's need for nurse educators.
9. Professional Liability Insurance: While many employers provide malpractice coverage, nurses are strongly encouraged to carry their own individual liability insurance policy. This provides personal protection for their license and assets in the event of a lawsuit or board complaint.
10. Specialty Certification: Obtaining an advanced specialty certification (e.g., CCRN, PCCN, FNP-C) is a primary way to advance your career. It is recognized by the state as a valid method for license renewal and is supported by professional organizations like ARNA.

It is critical to contact the Arkansas State Board of Nursing for all official information on licensure, scope of practice, and continuing education. Professional associations like ARNA are the primary resource for advocacy, networking, and career development.

Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN)

Contact Information:

Address:
1123 S. University Ave., Ste 800
Little Rock, AR 72204

Phone: 1-501-686-2700

Return to the WeSalute State Nurses Benefits Guide