Paper License....

Nurses General Nursing

Published

So...I think I did something stupid. I just became licensed as an RN in my state, and have no clue where my paper license is now. I think it's possible I might have thrown it out (or possible that DH might have thrown it out) when cleaning like mad in preparation for company that is staying with us for two weeks. At the very least, it's lost in the house somewhere.

My state does online verify, and you can find my license number and info on the state's website by searching my name.

How big of an issue is it that I don't have the hard copy?

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Specializes in med/surg, tele, OB.

My experience...No one askes for your paper copy anymore... I have always been verified online. And I believe that soon, they won't even issue paper copies anymore. When I renewed my license, I didn't get an updated copy. I don't think you need to worry about it! But you might guilt the hubby into dinner out of it :rotfl:

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My experience...No one askes for your paper copy anymore... I have always been verified online. And I believe that soon, they won't even issue paper copies anymore. When I renewed my license, I didn't get an updated copy. I don't think you need to worry about it! But you might guilt the hubby into dinner out of it :rotfl:

Lol @ guilting DH- I tried to subtly imply that it was his fault that I couldn't find it and he wasn't having it! Even if he did put it in the trash, I had it in my hands and then set it down somewhere other than my important document folder, so....

At least I had it long enough to take a pic to send to my parents, heh.

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Specializes in Peds Homecare.

In all my 30 years of being a nurse, I have had only one nursing license. When I pay my renewal, it is a registration certificate. The two are not interchangeable, they are different pieces of paper in my state. I hope you didn't loose yours. Although you can be verified online, I am glad I have mine for sentimental reasons.

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Some states aren't even sending them out anymore! Texas being one of them.

No worries, though. I have been licensed in 6 different states and no employer has ever asked for the paper proof.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Hospice, Float pool, Med/Peds.

I don't have a paper proof anymore. When I renew, I get nothing... It is all online now... Don't worry.

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Specializes in L&D, PP, Nursery.

In my state (PA) we do get a paper license. Both of my employers said they had to have an original hard copy so I had to order a duplicate at a little extra cost. They both told me I couldn't practice if they didnt get the hard copy by the time my license expired. Online verification wasn't sufficient. I guess it depends on the state you practice in!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Nsg QA.

I don't think it's a big deal. I've been an RN for 25+ years and I have not needed to produce my copy. I started graduate school almost 2 years ago and I sent a copy of my license that I got from my state BON. If I need my license number for CEUs, I don't have to produce the license itself. I'm thinking - no worries.

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Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

I got a plastic card. That's not what everyone gets? We copy it and give it to the employer each time it is renewed.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

no paper license issued in Texas anymore. Have to verify online.

Well, I don't know about new grads. They might get one, but it is not valid after a certain date.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

In the state of SC they no longer give you a paper license even for new grads.. It is all done online now..

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In my state (PA) we do get a paper license. Both of my employers said they had to have an original hard copy so I had to order a duplicate at a little extra cost. They both told me I couldn't practice if they didnt get the hard copy by the time my license expired. Online verification wasn't sufficient. I guess it depends on the state you practice in!

Oh poo. I'm in PA. Was this recently that they wanted the paper license?

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