Can you cancel your license

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Lets say you move to another state and do not plan on ever coming back to the previous one, can you cancel your license? Or terminate it as if you were never a nurse in that state?

Yes, I meant get rid of it for good. I am no longer using the license and now working on a career change. I don't want anyone to know I ever did this for a living. It's not a major issue, I just wanted to know if was a possibility.... It's mainly for privacy reasons and also the fact that my personal info is being shared with the public.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Yes, I meant get rid of it for good. I am no longer using the license and now working on a career change. I don't want anyone to know I ever did this for a living. It's not a major issue, I just wanted to know if was a possibility.... It's mainly for privacy reasons and also the fact that my personal info is being shared with the public.

Unfortunately, that's not going to happen.

You could contact the BON(s) and ask if your information can be hidden if your nursing license is not active. Otherwise, see if you can change it to a P.O. Box if they publish more than just city/state.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Home Health, ECF.
Extra Pickles specifically stated not letting a license lapse or expire because of having to retake NCLEX. I don't think anyone is misunderstanding the post.
What if you don't renew your license, and it expires, would you have to take the NCLEX if you wanted to renew your license ? I never had to take the NCLEX because I graduated in 1972. I'm retired but don't plan on returning to nursing !
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What if you don't renew your license, and it expires, would you have to take the NCLEX if you wanted to renew your license ? I never had to take the NCLEX because I graduated in 1972. I'm retired but don't plan on returning to nursing !

It depends on the state. I don't think many states require re-taking the NCLEX. As stated prior, depending upon how long the license has been expired, in my state you would have to take an approved nurse refresher course and do precepted clinicals.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Home Health, ECF.
It depends on the state. I don't think many states require re-taking the NCLEX. As stated prior, depending upon how long the license has been expired, in my state you would have to take an approved nurse refresher course and do precepted clinicals.
So it sounds like an RN who let her license lapse wouldn't have to take the NCLEX. It does make sense to take refresher courses. We would be grandfathered in I guess ?
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Specializes in OB/GYN, Home Health, ECF.
That depends on the state. In my state, you do not have to retake the NCLEX no matter what. After a certain amount of time with an expired license, however, you DO have to take a BON approved refresher course, and provide proof of 80 hours of clinical time worked under the supervision of a current RN preceptor. The renewal fee payed to the BON is high, and you have to take any BON mandated CEU courses that are required of current RNs. The refresher courses can be very expensive.
I have heard that in some states like Maryland and Florida, you would have to repeat the NCLEX. Does anyone know if hat is true ?
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So it sounds like an RN who let her license lapse wouldn't have to take the NCLEX. It does make sense to take refresher courses. We would be grandfathered in I guess ?

Again, it depends upon the state. Someone stated that in CA, you'd have to re-take NCLEX again (possibly depending upon how long license is expired).

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