Level Definitions

REGISTERED NURSE I
Novice
Limited experience with the situations at hand. Guides practice by rules and theories with minimal ability to use discretionary judgment. This level requires the graduate nurse to have completed education from an accredited school of nursing and have a valid temporary practice permit.

REGISTERED NURSE II
Competent
Experience with real situations; able to apply meaning to current situations by referring to past situations in practice. Recognizing aspects of past situations, treats all aspects as equally important and may occasionally need assistance setting priorities. This level requires a Pennsylvania license as an RN, the satisfactory completion of unit-specific competency requirements and committee membership on one of the variety of unit based teams available.

REGISTERED NURSE III
Advanced
Able to view actions in terms of long-range goals. Able to consciously determine which aspects of real and potential situations should be considered important and which can be deferred. Possesses the ability to manage multiple demands of patient care. This level requires an RN to have 2 years experience as a professional nurse. The nurse must have one of the following: Certification in specialty of practice; BSN; a minimum of 6 credits per year toward BSN. In addition, advanced competency must be acquired as defined by the area of specialty, the nurse must also have documented outcome improvement from his/her activity in recent team/council membership, be a current member in a professional organization and have participated as successful preceptor.

REGISTERED NURSE IV
Master
Views situations as a whole and is able to recognize when the abnormal exists. Experience has taught nurse how to modify plans in response to atypical events. This level requires a BSN and at least 3 years experience as a professional nurse. This nurse meets all the requirements for levels I-III, plus has documented success in participation on special projects and serving as a peer consultant/resource.

REGISTERED NURSE V
Expert
Applies research and best practice models to determine appropriate action. Utilizes extensive background, experience, and intuition to problem solve in an efficient manner. This level requires a MSN and at least 5 years experience as a professional nurse. This nurse meets all the requirements for levels I-IV, plus has documented success in developing/revising practice standards, leading clinical research projects, educating nurse preceptors and serving as a professional mentor to colleagues.