The Show-Me State's Top 10: Most Valuable Nurses Benefits

Missouri's highlights for nursing professionals include its membership in the Nurse Licensure Compact, substantial state-funded loan forgiveness programs, and no mandatory continuing education for active RNs and LPNs. Here's the full WeSalute ranking for the top ten professional resources and benefits for nurses in Missouri:

1. Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Membership: Missouri 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.
2. No Mandatory CE for RNs/LPNs: A major benefit for work-life balance: The Missouri State Board of Nursing does not currently require Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses to complete continuing education contact hours to renew an active license.
3. Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP): This high-value state program offers forgivable loans to repay existing educational debt. Licensed RNs and APRNs can receive awards (up to $35,000 for Bachelor’s/Master’s and $65,000 for Doctoral degrees) in exchange for a two-year service obligation in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).
4. Nurse Student Loan (NSL) Program: Distinct from the repayment program, this benefit is for current nursing students. It provides loans (up to $5,000/year for RN students) that are completely forgiven if the graduate works in a designated underserved area in Missouri for one year per award.
5. Restricted Practice for APRNs: Missouri is a restricted practice state. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) must practice under a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. State law requires the collaborating physician to be located within 75 miles of the APRN's practice site.
6. Missouri Nurses Association (MONA): The MONA is the state's premier professional organization. Membership is a joint membership with the American Nurses Association (ANA), providing strong legislative advocacy (actively fighting for full practice authority), networking, and discounts on ANCC certification.
7. Mandatory CE for APRNs: While RNs are exempt, APRNs licensed after 2010 must complete 60 hours of continuing education every two years. This ensures advanced practitioners remain current in pharmacology and clinical management.
8. Chart Review Requirements (Collaborative Practice): For APRNs, it is critical to know the specific oversight rules. Missouri law requires the collaborating physician to review a minimum of 10% of the APRN's charts every 14 days to maintain the collaborative agreement.
9. The Missouri 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 specific geographic and oversight rules for collaborative practice.
10. Professional Liability Insurance: While many employers provide malpractice coverage, nurses—especially APRNs working under strict collaborative rules—are strongly encouraged to carry their own individual liability insurance policy for personal protection of their license and assets.

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

Missouri State Board of Nursing

(within the Division of Professional Registration)

Contact Information:

Address:
3605 Missouri Boulevard 
Jefferson City, MO 65109

Phone: 1-573-751-0681

Return to the WeSalute State Nurses Benefits Guide