Can RNs renew their license when they haven't work as an RN for a while?

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If an RN worked for a care giver company as a care manager (totally non-medical), would the RN loose qualification to renew next his/her RN license?

I had an interview today at a caregiver company and a person interviewed me asked the question because he said that the law was changed recently and in order for CNAs to renew the license, they should be working at hospital or skilled nursing facility or nursing home, etc. So, he was wondering if an RN can still renew the RN license when an RN doesn't work as an RN for a while.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

The laws and licensing requirements are specific to each state. Contact the BON for your state.

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

No, you don't lose your right to renew. Otherwise, many new grads who haven't yet secured employment, would be screwed. As long as you keep you CEU's up to date and license current, you are all set. Peace!

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What Chin up said - although there may be a rogue state somewhere in the country with that kind of weird requirement.

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Thank you for your advice. I went to the BON site. They say that all RNs who wish to maintain an active license are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education for license renewal. I am not sure if I will be hired but it is good to know that as long as I complete 30 hours of CE I can still renew the license even if there is no opportunity for me to work as an RN right now and I need to get a different type of job.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

It is fortunate that you are in a state that does not require continuing practice. NE requires a mnimum of 500 hours of professional practice over a 5 year period, in addition to CEUs for renewal. A nurse who does not meet the continuing practice requirement can not renew without a refresher course.

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.
It is fortunate that you are in a state that does not require continuing practice. NE requires a mnimum of 500 hours of professional practice over a 5 year period, in addition to CEUs for renewal. A nurse who does not meet the continuing practice requirement can not renew without a refresher course.

Wow, thanks for the info! Peace!

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Hi. I agree that you need to contact your nursing board. My experience is once a RN always a RN, unlike LPN/LVN who has to work so many hours under a RN in order to renew and keep their license. I have not worked in almost two years due to a work injury. I completed my ceu's per my states requirment, answered the questionaire, and sent them a check. Good luck.

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People, it depends upon the state. You cannot make blanket statements about what will be case for any particular person. In certain states, failure to practice for a given amount of time means that in order to return to practice with an active license, a renewal course and performance of a certain number of clinical hours under the supervision of an active RN may be required. Check with your BON.

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Specializes in Peds Homecare.
Hi. I agree that you need to contact your nursing board. My experience is once a RN always a RN, unlike LPN/LVN who has to work so many hours under a RN in order to renew and keep their license. I have not worked in almost two years due to a work injury. I completed my ceu's per my states requirment, answered the questionaire, and sent them a check. Good luck.

What state do you live in? There is no such requirement in New York State. I don't work under anyone else's license, I have my own.

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