AANP NP boards Advice

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I graduated this spring with an MSN FNP degree. Due to some unforeseen personal reasons, I am planning on doing some travel nursing as an RN for at least a year. Since I'm not planning on practicing as an NP for at least a year, what do you guys recommend as to when I should take my boards? Most people tell me to get it over with, and the highest chance of passing is when I'm still in the zone, but I don't want to have forgotten everything by the time I'm ready to actually practice.

Also, when it comes to renew the NP license, don't you need a certain amount of clinical hours to renew? I'm a little confused on my research. Based on my research, I need to renew my AANP certification every 5 years, but don't you also need to renew the NP license every 2 years (along with the RN license)? I can't seem to find any information on the 2 year renewing criteria. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Once you pass the national boards you are on the "clock" which is 5 years during which you need to have amassed 1,000 practice hours plus your CME requirements for advanced practice.

Your APN license needs to be renewed according to your state requirements and may or may not require APN practice hours.

So if you aren't going to work for at least a year as an APN you will need to balance the 5 year clock with retaining the information your learned in order to pass the boards.

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Specializes in Neurology, Geriatrics.

Just to give my personal opinion - I think I would take the boards now. Once you pass the exam, you don't ever have to take it again. You'll get it out of the way, and won't have to worry about it next year - one less thing to stress about. In regards to the 1000 practice hours within 5 years, that translates to 200 hours per year, which you could easily do even if you don't practice as an FNP for a year. If you work, say 36 hours per week, you'll work 144 hours in just a month. All details aside, it's really a personal choice. But just think of how good it will feel if you've passed the exam already and you don't have to worry about it when next year rolls around. :)

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I agree with above, take it now and get it over with. The boards are not difficult but think of all you can forget in a years time

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For some reason when I read 1000 practice hours, my mind kept thinking 10,000 hours. Thanks for all your advice! :)

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