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

Ohio's highlights for nursing professionals include its recent implementation of the Nurse Licensure Compact, a unique "Category A" continuing education requirement, and a generous loan forgiveness program for nurse educators. Here's the full WeSalute ranking for the top ten professional resources and benefits for nurses in Ohio:

1. Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Membership: As of January 1, 2023, Ohio is an active 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. Mandatory "Category A" Continuing Education: A distinct Ohio requirement: All RNs and LPNs must complete 24 contact hours of CE every two-year renewal period. Crucially, at least 1 hour must be "Category A," which is specifically approved training on the Ohio Nurse Practice Act and Board rules.
3. Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP): This is a high-value state financial aid program. It offers low-interest loans to nursing students that can be cancelled (forgiven) at a rate of 20% per year (up to 100% total) for those who work as a full-time nurse or nurse instructor in Ohio after graduation.
4. Volunteer's License (Reduced Fee): Ohio offers a special, low-cost "Volunteer's License" for retired or non-working nurses who wish to donate their time to indigent and uninsured populations. This allows retired nurses to maintain their professional status and serve their community without the full cost of active licensure.
5. Ohio Nurses Association (ONA): The ONA is the state's premier professional organization. It functions as both a professional association (providing CE and advocacy) and a labor union (offering collective bargaining) for nurses at major facilities like The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
6. APRN Standard Care Arrangement (SCA): Ohio is a reduced practice state. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) must practice in collaboration with a physician under a written Standard Care Arrangement (SCA). This document outlines the prescribing parameters and referral process.
7. CE Flexibility (Volunteer Hours): A unique benefit for renewal: Ohio allows nurses to use volunteer service to meet a portion of their CE requirements. Up to 8 hours of the 24-hour requirement can be satisfied by providing uncompensated healthcare to indigent persons.
8. The Ohio Nurse Practice Act (ORC 4723): 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 specific "Category A" education rules.
9. Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) Nurse Portal: The state utilizes a centralized digital portal for all licensing and renewal activities. This system allows for efficient license verification, application tracking, and CE reporting (if audited), streamlining administrative tasks for working nurses.
10. Professional Liability Insurance: While many employers provide malpractice coverage, nurses—especially APRNs working under a Standard Care Arrangement—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 Ohio Board of Nursing for all official information on licensure, scope of practice, and continuing education. Professional associations like the ONA are the primary resource for advocacy, union representation, and career development.

Ohio Board of Nursing

Address: 
17 South High Street, Suite 660 
Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: 1-614-466-3947

Return to the WeSalute State Nurses Benefits Guide