What does licensure protect the public from?

Licensure serves as a critical mechanism to protect the public by ensuring that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice in the nursing profession. This process requires that nursing candidates meet specific educational and competency standards, pass rigorous examinations, and adhere to ethical and legal requirements. By doing so, licensure helps to instill confidence in patients and the healthcare system as a whole, assuring them that the individuals providing care have the necessary knowledge and skills.

When licensure is in place, it helps to prevent unqualified workers from entering the field, thus reducing the risk of inadequate or harmful patient care. This protection is vital, as patients rely heavily on healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective treatment. Therefore, the primary goal of licensure is to uphold professional standards and protect patients from the consequences of receiving care from those who lack the requisite qualifications.