expired license...do I really want to relearn it all?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 1, 2008

Well, you've got a few questions. One, can you re-take the Boards and pass after 12 years? Maybe. I think you'll only know that if you get yourself one of those NCLEX review books that are stuffing the bookshelves nowadays. Sit down with a pile at Barnes and Noble, rifle through them, and see what you think. If you can pass the sample tests, you should be fine. Also, a review course or refresher course might not be a bad idea: see if there's one in your area.

Next question: Hospital life hasn't "improved" in 12 years at all IMO. However, it sure has changed! This is based on conversations with relatives, friends and co-workers who have been at it longer than I. And there HAVE been many changes, of course depending on what area you are used to practicing in. Basic nursing probably hasn't changed much if at all, but the equipment does move on. Shouldn't deter you from re-entering job market, though: if a new grad can learn all of the funky equipment in my med-surg unit, you certainly can!

Last question: will anyone hire you? Of course. Once you have a fresh new license, naturally, you can demonstrate you are also "up" on nursing; at least as much as a new grad would be and they hire THEM, right? Plus, you AREN'T new. You do have experience, and much of it still applies today just as it did then. Equipment changes, people do not.

So, gather up your books and your positive attitude and self-determination, and go for it! :)

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Aug 2, 2008

Some states do not require you to retake the boards, it can vary from taking a refresher course, to just paying the late fees. Check with your local board.

BinkieRN, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2008

some states do not require you to retake the boards, it can vary from taking a refresher course, to just paying the late fees. check with your local board.

after 12 inactive years? i seriously doubt you could pay a late fee. that would be a dangerous practice imho. we're not talking registering a puppy here. you should take a refresher course no matter what. i think you'll have to take alot of ceu's.

nursing has improved. charting is now all computerized and most places have medication scanning which makes it simpler and safer however it seems the patients just get sicker and sicker and need more care.

you can do it! :nurse:

pagandeva2000, LPN · Aug 2, 2008

I also think that you should investigate by calling the BON of your state. I have yet to hear that anyone has had to retake NCLEX (but I haven't spoken to people throughout the 50 states, either). But, if you do, at least, you'll know for sure.

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Aug 2, 2008

after 12 inactive years? i seriously doubt you could pay a late fee. that would be a dangerous practice imho. we're not talking registering a puppy here. you should take a refresher course no matter what. i think you'll have to take alot of ceu's. "
it depends on the state, my home state of ma you have to show 7.5 ceus per year and pay the fees. i agree it is dangerous but that is the law. i have heard other states require a refresher, ( which i think is necessary).

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 2, 2008

In NY, there are no CEUs needed for licensure, or renewals. Just need an infection control course q4 years. I'm floored that anywhere would allow someone to re-register after 12 years without some type of test to determine competency.

Vegas RN, MBA · Aug 2, 2008

In Nevada you can register with a college, complete classes, complete a preceptorship working whatever shifts your preceptor works, and perhaps obtain your licence.

My real question is, why did you let it lapse? I agree with staying home and raising your children, but why did you not work the minimum hours required (in most stsaes, it's really minimum)? It seems to me that one shift a week would have met the requirements, by far.

BinkieRN, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2008

My real question is, why did you let it lapse? I agree with staying home and raising your children, but why did you not work the minimum hours required (in most stsaes, it's really minimum)? It seems to me that one shift a week would have met the requirements, by far.

That's not the subject at hand. For whatever the reason she let her license lapse and she's wanting advice to or if she should reinstate it. My mother kept the minimum hours for 8 years to keep her license active :smokin: It was like 8 hours a month.

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Aug 2, 2008

For some nurses they get burned out and think that they'll never return to nursing, I have seen some nurses who have been out eof nursing 20+ years and return ( of course they did a refresher course). Divorce is the number one reason for the return, being a RN is the only way they can make a livealbe wage.

Smallbear · Aug 2, 2008

My story is similar, except I never did succeed in actually having the children (spent many years trying, alas, not to be). After being out of nursing for 13 years, I just recently successfully retook my state board examination.

The exam is a LOT different than when you and I took our first boards! I was done in a half hour and, frankly, I thought that meant I flunked. I got a couple of the NCLEX study books, read them cover to cover, and got tripped up (so I thought) on some of the newer medications, so I'd recommend a good up-to-date nursing drug book as well as the review materials.

Don't expect a job to be handed to you once you get the boards passed and the license resuscitated, tho. Apparently, the nursing shortage isn't bad enough that anyone wants experienced nurses who took time for family that lasted more than a year or two. I am having a LOT of trouble finding anyone willing to take a chance on me. I'm in the position of having to find SOMETHING to earn money at in the VERY near future, I have NO money to go back to college for semesters to "relearn" stuff I know I still know. So, unless someone in the greater Los Angeles area is willing to let me show them how much I know, I'm going to be staying out of nursing and going to flip burgers or something. Nursing shortage? HAH!

(a disgruntled Small Bear who really needs her coffee!)

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 6, 2008

Sorry to hear that, smallbear! I guess the need for nurses is really variable; in my neck of the woods you'd find a job. I'd think there'd be some kind of testing to pass, skills evals or something to prove you know what you know....you know?

Everyone at my facility has to pass a calculations test upon hiring, and from there it's basic nursing knowledge that's determined in orientation. If you pass the preceptor's eval, you're in. If you don't seem up to snuff, you're not. But someone with a long background in nursing, even if it's been inactive for a decade, should still do fine on them, I'd think.