Inactive RN License for 11 years....now what?

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I could use some advice. I'm 44 years old. Graduated with a BSN in 1995. I worked for 13 years all in the Critical Care (mostly thoracic ICU) setting. I quit nursing in 2007 to be a Momma. I live in Arizona. In this state once your license has been inactive for over 7 years you are required to take a refresher course. I am considering doing so, however I've been considering getting my master's degree in nursing. Does anyone know if my RN license has to be active in order to obtain a master's degree? Also, any ideas of what I might do without going through the refresher course? Going through some major life changes and considering my options. I might want to explore something entirely different but I'm not sure what I might be able to do and use my BSN as a stepping stone. I'm up for any and all ideas! Be creative! LOL! Thanks for your help! :cool::nurse:

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All the graduate nursing programs I have seen require an active RN license. What are your reservations about taking a refresher course?

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Specializes in Case manager, float pool, and more.

I am getting my MSN now and my program requires an active license and must be employed at least part-time. You may want to check out different programs available in your area and check out what your BON says as well. Either way a refresher course may still be required.

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Nothing specific holding me back. I just wasn't sure if it was necessary if I was going to get my MSN. In AZ we are required to do 180 hours of clinical preceptorship which I'm not super excited about. LOL!

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That's good to know, Crush, BSN. Thank you! I was hoping to bypass doing the refresher course if possible. Darn it! Considering other career choices that I could build upon my BSN degree....just not sure what else I could do. Not sure what to do when I grow up!

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Specializes in Case manager, float pool, and more.
That's good to know, Crush, BSN. Thank you! I was hoping to bypass doing the refresher course if possible. Darn it! Considering other career choices that I could build upon my BSN degree....just not sure what else I could do. Not sure what to do when I grow up!

I would be sure to see what the school you choose requires too. The counselor you talk to may have better information. I am not familiar with AZ requirements but it sounds like you may have to meet the refresher requirement either way from what you wrote.

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

All NP programs require active RN license by definition. Even University of Phoenix :)

On top of it, better programs require specific courses being taken within specified time frames, usually 5 to 10 years. Sometimes they also want these courses to be taken in specified colleges and with minimal acceptable grade.

My advice would be to decide what do you want to do with your Master's first, then find a program(s) you like, request a meeting with admission officer and start from there. With that, you might be able to find refresher course and whatever other coursework you might need to re-do in the same school and make transition smoother - or, at least, avoid 80th level hassle with transferring/accepting/evaluating your refresher credits.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

Google PHES ( professuional health education services)

Yvette DON the bomb!

Since you situation does not involve discipline..you. Can do it by correspondence..

Your BON will have list of approved refresher courses...

Best wishes, & welcome back

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I don't know about refresher courses in your state but if you are talking about getting a Masters at least consider the NP route. I work besides a bunch of MSN Nurses right now who don't make any more money then me. Being an NP is a different story. They all make more money than me.

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...I was hoping to bypass doing the refresher course if possible. Darn it! Considering other career choices that I could build upon my BSN degree....just not sure what else I could do. Not sure what to do when I grow up!

Well, a lot has changed in 11 years so look at the refresher course as an adventure!

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If you are going through some major life changes, decide what is your biggest priority now.

I you need money ASAP, look into a refresher course, reactivate your license, find a nursing job and build some savings. If you want to get a masters or explore other career options, you can do it while making a good living in the meantime.

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