It’s National Nurses Week and the Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs is joining the salute to frontliners who have gotten us through the pandemic over the past year.
Officials at LARA says, “Working on the frontlines, behind masks and face shields, Michigan’s 187,000 licensed nursing professionals have been the symbol of strength and health to all of us and especially to those isolated in nursing homes and hospitals. With strong dedication to their profession and the people they care for, licensed nursing professionals have gone above and beyond to care for their patients during pandemic times, often substituting for absent patient family members while isolating from their own families. It is with a great debt of gratitude that we recognize these hardworking healthcare professionals every day, and especially during National Nurses Week.”
Orlene Hawks, Director of LARA, says, “Now more than ever, we need to support our nurses who work selflessly in Michigan hospitals, nursing care facilities and all healthcare settings,” adding, “From administering tests and vaccines to caring for those in need, it is important to appreciate and recognize the critical work nurses do by honoring them and appreciating them not just this week but also every day.”
During the pandemic, LARA has prioritized the licensure of health care professionals such as nurses. Since March of 2020 to date, LARA has licensed 15,870 new nurses in the state of Michigan. The steadfast commitment of the nursing community to meet the needs of patients needs to be commended. Through their broad range of work settings, roles and tasks, the collective effort of Michigan nurses shows us the amazing strength and dedication of those who work selflessly for the greater good.
LARA continues to work with health care stakeholders and Michigan schools that graduate nurses to equip graduating students with knowledge about the licensing process and make it easier to apply online using the Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS). That partnership with the nursing schools helps to ease the stress of licensure and makes the process more efficient by knowing what documents and information are required when applying for a license. For more information about licensure and the state’s Board of Nursing, you can visit online at LARA – Nursing (michigan.gov) at this link:
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_72600_72603_27529_27542—,00.html
To help keep Michigan healthy and show your support for Michigan nurses and all health care workers, LARA encourages all licensees and Michiganders to get shots in the arm to protect against and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
