Did you keep your RN license and why?

[DelightfulNP]

Hi everyone,

I am a newly licensed FNP and I am currently job hunting. I was just wondering if any of you kept your RN license even after securing an NP job. A part of me feels like I don't know what the future holds for my NP career so I wonder if having my RN license is a smart move.

Thanks

[djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP]

I could be mistaken, but you need to maintain an RN license to keep your np license. It may vary state to state, but you are an advance practice Registered Nurse. The former is the foundation for your training and therefore the first priority. Most states lump the two into the same license. Others require two separate but required licenses. I've never heard of one being accepted I lieu of the other. Should probably check with your state to see what they require.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

In IL its no choice, you MUST have an RN license in order to obtain an APRN license.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I could be mistaken, but you need to maintain an RN license to keep your np license. It may vary state to state, but you are an advance practice Registered Nurse. The former is the foundation for your training and therefore the first priority. Most states lump the two into the same license. Others require two separate but required licenses. I've never heard of one being accepted I lieu of the other. Should probably check with your state to see what they require.

I'm pretty sure this is how it works in my state, too.

[elkpark]

Every state requires that advanced practice nurses maintain active RN licensure in addition to their advanced practice licensure/certification. Do people not learn this kind of stuff in school? The basics of how your licensure works?

[djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP]

Every state requires that advanced practice nurses maintain active RN licensure in addition to their advanced practice licensure/certification. Do people not learn this kind of stuff in school? The basics of how your licensure works?

Bear in mind we are into territories where people move into advance practice with never even working as an RN in any capacity outside short months of clinicals. Some people are so far removed from nursing it's disgusting that nurse is remotely near their title. Some of these providers don't even consider the importance of their RN license.

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

Yes, it's a smart move to keep your RN liscense because you'll lose your APRN liscense without it.

Edit: OP is from Canada. I admit, I know know nothing about APRN licensing there. Sorry for the possibly unwarranted snark.

[elkpark]

Edit: OP is from Canada. I admit, I know know nothing about APRN licensing there. Sorry for the possibly unwarranted snark.

Oh! Ditto ... (Where did you see something about Canada?)

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

Oh! Ditto ... (Where did you see something about Canada?)

In another one of their threads.

[DelightfulNP]

Hi folks

Thanks for the responses. I am relocating from Toronto, Ontario, Canada to the US, hence my ignorance re: NP licensure. Here in Ontario, RN and NP licenses are two separate entities and one can chose to resign their RN license if they wish (mainly to avoid the cumbersome renewal process and fees).

thanks

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

I'm pretty certain each state requires you to maintain your RN license as a NP. That = $$$$ for the state board of nursing. Nurses truly looking out for their own...

[elkpark]

Hi folks

Thanks for the responses. I am relocating from Toronto, Ontario, Canada to the US, hence my ignorance re: NP licensure. Here in Ontario, RN and NP licenses are two separate entities and one can chose to resign their RN license if they wish (mainly to avoid the cumbersome renewal process and fees).

thanks

Well, if you're coming to the US, then the answer is simple. Yes, you'll have to maintain active licensure as an RN (in whatever state you'll be in) in order to be licensed and able to practice as an NP.