In California: Is it a Good Idea to Put RN License On Inactive Status Due To Illness?

[Neferet]

It is a good idea to place my Rn license on inactive status due to illness? I live in California.

I've already read the California BRN's information on it, but want to know what you guys think.

I've recently experienced a lot of medical problems, leading to me being unable to fulfill the requirements, so I quit my job recently.

I cannot focus or concentrate or multitask anymore like I usually do. Doctors don't really know what's going on, and we're still waiting and testing. It may be months or years until I can fully function. I don't know.

I planned to renew to active status initially. I already have the book for my CEs, but cannot study due to poor concentration and symptoms.

Will it hurt my RN license or career if my license is on inactive?

And if I decide activate it, will it be an easy process based on what you know? And does it require more than what the website actually states?

I have the money to pay for the renewal, just not the health and strength to do the CEs.

And one last question. Do you have to practice as an RN to actually keep your license? I've heard once that you can loose your license if you do not work as a nurse. Is it true?

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Each state is different, but there is usually a required number of practice hours that have to be met in order to keep one's license in good standing. In Oregon it's something like 900 hours in a two-year period; your mileage may vary.

I'm sorry this is happening to you. You have my sympathies! It's hard to practice nursing when one has physical and/or mental health challenges. Like you, I struggle with whether or not I should stay in (I have some mild short-term memory deficits and issues with concentration/focus). I do have a great sticky-note system, and if I didn't have a smartphone I probably couldn't find my tush with both hands and a traffic cop directing signals . But between the two, I'm making a go of it, and it helps to have accommodations worked out with my boss so I can make the best use of my work time. Are you absolutely sure you can't practice, even in a lower-stress area or one where you can work part-time? You would probably have no problem reactivating your license once you get better, but you would certainly have to take a refresher course (with its attendant expense) before you could do so.

Not sure if any of this is helpful, but I thought you should know that you are not alone in this predicament. I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do.

[nursel56]

As far as the CA BON is concerned, an inactive license just means that your license is current, but you can't practice as an RN until you meet the CE requirement. You pay your renewal fees on the same schedule as you would for an active license.

As far as future employers are concerned they will evaluate whether the elapsed time not working would in their view make you an unsuitable candidate for their needs.

I kept my LVN license on inactive for a long time. I felt paying the fees was well worth not having to take the NCLEX again! Best wishes!