Can you lose your license for not using it?

[chiariwarrior]

Can you lose your nursing license because of not using it? I graduated and became an RN in 2011. I had about 6 months experience in ICU and then I was forced to quit because of health problems. I have since had 6 surgeries and have not been able to return to work. Then main problems i have is Elhers Danlos Syndrome and Intra Cranial Hypertension. My body is recovering from the last two years of spinal and brain surgeries, but slowly. It has already been almost three years since I have worked and I am figuring that it will be atleast two more years before my body is ready for me to go back.

My question is can I lose my license for not using it? Do i have to go back to work in a specific time frame or i will lose it? I have had a few different people tell me different things so I thought I would see what yall said about it. Thanks! I know this is gonna be an up hill battle to get back into nursing bc i didnt have much experience before having to quit.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

As long as you pay the renewal fees and complete the correct number of CEUs required by your state board of nursing, you should not lose your license for being away from the sphere of paid employment.

However, many people in your situation opt to change their nursing licensure status to 'inactive.' This can typically be done with the next renewal.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

Check with your state BON. My state has a practice requirement: 400 hours in 2 years or 960 hours in 5 years. A colleague who works per diem and has health problems was not allowed to renew her license because she didn't work enough hours. She has to take a refresher course and work under supervision before she can get her full license back.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

It depends upon the state, but in some states, even with your valid license, if you have not worked for a certain number of years, you may need to take a refresher course and put in some clinical hours with a preceptor to get it reactivated. Check your BON web site.

[chiariwarrior]

Thanks y'all! I will do that. Sure wish life would have turn out like I had planned, but apparently God had other plans for me. Praying I get to use the license that I worked so hard to get eventually.