Alabama Board of Nursing launches new nursing support technician credential
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Credential will help ensure patient protection, alleviate workforce challenges by standardizing titles, training for nursing support staff
Special to the News
The Alabama Board of Nursing announced the new nursing support technician credential (NST-C), a first of its kind regulatory structure for certified nursing support technicians (NSTs). The credential will be regulated and licensed by the Alabama State Board of Nursing.
The NST-C’s primary goal is to ensure patient protection by standardizing the titles and training of NSTs while increasing access to the profession. The credential will establish consistent educational training and certification requirements with a standardized curriculum plan. It will also create an industry recognized title along with a scope of practice and standards of practice for those licensed by NST-C and allow NSTs to perform duties without delegation from a nurse.
“This is an important pilot model towards strengthening the health care industry in Alabama, with potential for replication nationally,” said Peggy Benson, executive officer for the Alabama Board of Nursing. “Not only does the NST-C ensure that supportive personnel receive similar core training and competency validation, it serves as a stepping stone from the NST-C position to a fully licensed LPN or RN and removes barriers for an entry point into nursing professions.”
This initiative will be instrumental in addressing nursing workforce burnout, as it alleviates stress for nurses at the bedside by allowing them to direct patient care through supervision rather than delegation. The NST-C has the potential to fill over 2,000 current vacancies in Alabama by providing entry-level training at the high school level or in an approved postsecondary program. By unifying support staff under one credential, the NST-C enhances the performance of the entire care team by ensuring that services provided to patients are performed by competent, certified caregivers at all levels.
“For the past ten years, the Alabama Board of Nursing has been committed to leading the way for a nation facing an ongoing nursing shortage,” said Benson. “The NST-C gives us an opportunity to lead and create a dynamic shift in the nursing industry, and we are proud to explore creative, innovative, and sound approaches to address the industry’s toughest challenges.”
As the first state to implement the NST-C, the Alabama State Board of Nursing is committed to sharing its experiences and expertise, as well as the products of its efforts, with any states who are interested in implementing the NST-C. The NST-C is a trustworthy, easily implemented credential that states across the country can replicate to ensure entry-level healthcare professionals are certified to provide the highest quality care to patients at their experience level.
For more information on the NST-C, visit abn.alabama.gov.
