Can LPN lose a license by not practicing for a year?

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I am a new nurse and planning not to practice for a year... Am I going to lose my license?

NurseDirtyBird

425 Posts

Most likely not. You'll have to check with your state BON. In my state, along with several hours of continuing education, you have to log a certain amount of practice time...within the span of three years. One year is no big deal.

However, I suggest keeping up with some kind of continuing education during that time so you don't lose everything you spent all that time and money learning.

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nursel56

7,078 Posts

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Yes, check with your state BON. In my state there is no work requirement to renew, and you can put your license on "inactive" status when you will need to take your CEU hours and other requirements before you can work as an LPN/LVN. Hopefully you can find the info you need to contact them here:

List of Boards Of Nursing for Nurses | Nursing Students

mermcm83

116 Posts

I think not. I know nurses who have never practiced, but keep their licenses on stand by

Specializes in Peds Homecare.

What state? I went a year before, no consequences, and no CEU requirements in NYS, other than infection control every 3 years.

Braemer24

5 Posts

Thanks for the info....I am from B.C I guess you're right to do some continuing education...really appreciate it nursedirtybird:-)

Braemer24

5 Posts

I think you're right.... I will just check here in my place...really appreciate it...thanks

Fiona59

8,343 Posts

You need to check with CLPNBC. I know that here in AB you NEED to work roughly 1300 hours every three year period to keep your permit. Failure to WORK means you have to do the return to nursing course.

There is NO continuing education in any province in Canada that I've ever worked in. The renewal paperwork asks what have you plan on doing to keep/improve your competencies but as long as you can phrase it rightr and have paid employment you're golden. Usually you say something like "improve my assessment of diabetic patients". You can then answer the next year that you attended an inservice provided by a CNE or read an article, etc.

Canadian requirements are different fro American.

Oh, and you'll need to provide future interviewers with a reason you stayed out of the job market. But from what others have said, the BC market, particularly the lower mainland is bleak. We've been getting new grads from BC all over AB.

Braemer24

5 Posts

You're right Fiona59...some of my classmates are already there in Alberta working....just finished and passed the exam last May but been searching for an LPN jobs for 3 months but its really hard to get one here in BC

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I am from B.C.

We have a 'Nursing In Canada' forum that deals with issues and requirements specific to nurses who live and work north of the U.S. border. Click on the link below if you wish to read more.

Nursing in Canada

bubbles907

20 Posts

Specializes in pediatrics.

i believe you just need to keep the certifications current and i think it will be ok

Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

It'll depend on your state. I sat for my NCLEX-PN, then continued on with school for my RN. Never worked a day as an LPN---didn't make a bit of difference

I am a new nurse and planning not to practice for a year... Am I going to lose my license?
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