License is Expired

[cmh1118, BSN]

I'm asking for my sister.

Her LVN license officially expired in 2014. She hasn't worked since 2011. After having twins, she took off a few years, and just honestly forgot to renew her license. Now that they're in kindergarten she wants to return to work.

On the delinquent application it asks if you've worked in the past 4 years and for the employer's info. Do they call your past employer? She technically worked a few days but is worried if she says "no" she'll have to retake the NCLEX. She obviously will not lie but is just anxious about testing again. I know there's a section for expiring 4+ years but hers technically has not. She's kept up with CEU's.

Any advice? Has anyone gotten their license updated after years of not working WITHOUT having to retake the NCLEX?

Thanks!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I've never heard of anyone having to retake NCLEX after initial licensure. More likely is that she'll be required to take a refresher course. However, what she needs to do is contact the state BON and find out the requirements.

[cmh1118, BSN]

Thank you. Getting anyone on the phone is quite hard. I can attest to that, the Texas BON isn't known for having the best "customer service". But she's tried and will continue to.

She was just worried about having to test again. This week she will be calling again, just wanted to ask here as well. Thank you!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

CA requires you to retake the nclex if you've been out of practice more than 8 years

[caliotter3]

I just looked on the website. According to a paragraph on the form that she must fill out, she must apply for a six month temporary permit, complete an approved refresher course, or extensive orientation, or another education course, complete a requirement for the TX Jurisprudence Exam, and pay the appropriate fee. It is all spelled out there on the form, which is easily accessible on the website.

[cmh1118, BSN]

Thanks, but that's under the section of "INFORMATION FOR NURSES WHOSE LICENSES HAVE BEEN EXPIRED FOR FOUR YEARS ORLONGER"

Hers has only been expired for 2 years.

[caliotter3]

The information is still on the form. If she does not understand it, then she will need to contact someone at the Board to explain it to her.

[cmh1118, BSN]

I understand; she was just curious to hear from someone first-hand. She called numerous times last week and was on hold for over 45 minutes, and has even emailed the board. Just checking here in the meantime.

[historylovinglpn]

When I left nursing (only left for about a year and a half) I went full time into personal trainer and let my license expire. I didnt' expect to come back. Alas, I did and faced having to get in contact with the board. I eventually took a train from Chicago to Springfield to talk to someone in person because I could never talk to someone on the phone. Didn't have to do a refresher course or take the NCLEX again. HAd to do 20 CEU's (on top of the ones I will have to do this year!) and pay an expensive late fee. Took 6 weeks after doing my CEU's and sending my check to get my license renewed. I WILL NEVER let it lapse again!!!!! eVen if I go back to personal training.. I will ALWAYS renew my license. LESSON LEARNED!!! I'd say if she can't talk to someone on the phone, SHe may have to actually go talk to soemone in person. For me that meant a half day on the train, then a half day back. You have to do what you have to do.