The NDBON has extended the allowance of general facility orientation (not nursing orientation) and work in other non-nursing roles prior to completing temporary permit or work authorization requirements or issuance of full license.

In consideration of continued nurse staffing shortages and the urgency for facilities to hire and train nurses, the NDBON, at the April 23, 2026 meeting, approved an indefinite extension of an allowance that nurses may begin general (non-nursing) orientation prior to obtaining a temporary permit, work authorization, or full nursing license in the state.

The NDBON initially approved the allowance of nurses to participate in general non-nursing facility orientation in 2021, and reaffirmed it annually in response to requests from state stakeholders.

Note: The NDBON opinion (October 25, 2018) that any nursing-specific orientation for a nursing position is considered practice remains in effect and as such may be subject to practice without licensure law/rules.