I'm an LPN who graduated in 2007 from nursing school. I haven't worked much because of my kids (they're little & I'm a SAHM), and it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to work much until they're a little older. I'm trying to work on my RN degree part time though since I'm not able to work. I live in the state of Virginia and was wondering if I need to do anything with my license since I'm currently not working, and don't plan to for a few years... Do I keep my license active, or go on inactive status? I don't think I have to have continuing education classes in the state of VA. I've tried calling their state board in the past, and it's hard to get through to anyone to talk to...

Hi- your saturation sounds very similar to mine except that I am older than you! I put my LVN license on inactive status until my youngest was in 1st grade. I live in Ca. and I still had to pay licence fee but did not have to have CE credits. Then when I was ready to became Active-I just called my State board and changed my status, then when my renewal came up I had to complete the required CE hours.

If you think you might work, even sporadically (like for immunization clinics or a shift here or there in home health), you might want to consider keeping your license active. Suggest you think about doing immunization clinics or signing on with a home health agency where you only work when you want. That would help with the experience factor when you are ready to return to working full time.

Yes- I had worked for 2 years at SF General on the Med/Surg unit. Then I got preggers with my daughter and son and was out of the field for 10 years. Although I did maintain my CPR and took a few other classes of interest to me. I also volunteered for Special Olympics and PTA. When my youngest started Kindy I signed up with a home care agency that served the elderly. The work was well within my scope of practice despite being out of the field. I had my 2 years of Med/Surg experience and passed all their hiring tests. I did have to brush up on my medications and calculations! Then after a few years of doing that part time I signed up with an agency that I loved that also was home care. They closed the home care division that I was working for and I just recently took a private client that I work weekends with and signed up with Maxim for a few week days.(but I do not recommend them!) I have never had any problem finding work but I will say that having those 2 solid years at SF general definately helped as did keeping my skills current.

That being said-staying home with my kids was the best decision I ever made! You will never get that time back and they really do grow so fast. Nursing will always be an option for you-the agency that I was with was more than willing to offer refreshers to me on things I had not done in a while-like straight cath a male and ped. trach care. The good agencys will offer that support and training to you. Do you have any work experience under your belt? What were you doing?

Oh ok, thanks for your reply. I will try to contact my state board soon and see if they can tell me what I need to do. Had you worked any when you decided to go inactive?I haven't worked much, and worry that when I do try to find a job, I won't be able where I don't have much experience & am basically still a new graduate....

I was a beautician before becoming an LPN, but only worked a year at that part time. I didn't like being a beautician, so I became an LPN. I got pregnant as soon as I got my LPN license, lucky me! lol So I couldn't go to work. My CPR card just expired as well, unfortunately... I couldn't find a local CPR class when I needed it. I live in a rural area, and it's hard to find CPR classes when you need them on demand! lol I plan to get it renewed soon though, and I am currently working on my RN degree. I am taking a class towards that this spring. I think I may try working a flu clinic in the near future as well. I think I'll keep my license active if my state permits it. That would just be easier for me I think.... Thanks for your advice.

BON ot West Virginia you have to have 12 contact hours a year. go to their web site- it has all that info there.

Thanks, but I live in VA., not W.V.