The Tar Heel State's Top 10: Most Valuable Nurses Benefits

North Carolina's highlights for nursing professionals include its foundational role in the Nurse Licensure Compact, a uniquely flexible continuing competence model, and robust student loan forgiveness for those serving in rural areas. Here's the full WeSalute ranking for the top ten professional resources and benefits for nurses in North Carolina:

1. Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Membership: North Carolina 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. Flexible Continuing Competence (RNs/LPNs): The North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) offers one of the most flexible renewal systems in the US. Nurses are not restricted to just taking classes. They can renew by choosing one of many options, including:

   ○ 30 contact hours of CE
   ○ National certification in their specialty
   ○ 15 contact hours of CE plus 640 hours of active practice
   ○ Completion of a Board-approved refresher course

3. North Carolina Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS): This high-value state program provides financial aid to qualified students enrolled in nursing (and other health) programs. Recipients sign a promissory note to work in North Carolina in a designated critical employment shortage profession to have the loan forgiven.
4. North Carolina Loan Repayment Program (NC LRP): Distinct from FELS, this program targets working professionals. It offers up to $60,000 in tax-free loan repayment to Nurse Practitioners and Certified Nurse Midwives (among others) who commit to a four-year service obligation in a rural or high-need community.
5. North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA): The NCNA is the state's premier professional organization. Membership is a joint membership with the American Nurses Association (ANA), providing strong legislative advocacy, networking, and discounts on ANCC certification.
6. Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research: While an academic center, this is a critical resource for the profession. It houses the Program on Health Workforce Research, which provides the official data on nursing supply and demand used by the state legislature to fund nursing education and address shortages.
7. Restricted Practice for APRNs (Collaborative Practice): North Carolina is currently a restricted practice state. Nurse Practitioners must maintain a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) with a supervising physician to practice. The CPA must outline the drugs, devices, and treatments the NP may prescribe or order.
8. APRN Continuing Education Requirements: Unlike the flexible RN options, Nurse Practitioners must complete 50 contact hours of continuing education every year. This must include at least 1 hour specifically on controlled substance prescribing if the NP has prescriptive authority.
9. The North Carolina Nursing 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 establishes the rules for delegation and collaborative practice.
10. Professional Liability Insurance: While many employers provide malpractice coverage, nurses—especially APRNs managing collaborative agreements—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 North Carolina Board of Nursing for all official information on licensure, scope of practice, and continuing competence. Professional associations like the NCNA are the primary resource for advocacy, networking, and career development.

North Carolina Board of Nursing

Address: 
4516 Lake Boone Trail 
Raleigh, NC 27607

Phone: 1-919-782-3211

Return to the WeSalute State Nurses Benefits Guide