Keeping Prior Licenses?

[bano.bsn]

Hi All,

I am currently in a Accelerated BSN program that ends next year. I currently have a phlebotomy license that will expire in the Fall. Being a broke nursing student, I am debating whether to renew it?

My only thinking is that it might look good on my resume to have some experience prior to my nursing degree. But then again I am thinking it's not really necessary to keep it b/c I will have my RN license.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[roseglasses]

I was a certified pharmacy tech and i just let it go for the same broke reason. I can still say i was a chpt before nursing

[rn/writer, RN]

Being able to work as a phlebotomist is not what you're knocking yourself out for now, but it might keep the wolf from the door if it takes you a while to find employment as a nurse.

How much are we talking for the license renewal?

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

Personally, I would never let a license lapse until I had my new one in my hand. Nothing is ever a sure bet and you never know what could happen tomorrow. What is the saying? A bird in the hand. . .

[caliotter3]

For some strange reason, or maybe not a strange reason, you may have occasion to seek employment in the future and need the license because your RN license will not fit the bill. Unlikely, but possible. Besides, it does look nice on a resume.

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

I would keep it until your RN is in hand AND you have landed a job as an RN. These are tough times and in many areas, new grad RN jobs are hard to find. You might need that license to fall back on until you get a job as an RN.

[bano.bsn]

Thanks for all the replies!

I think I will fork out the dough and keep the license (I think its around $50 plus 6 units of Continuing Education). I guess its sad that today I may have to worry about not getting an RN job right away! Better safe than....poor and without a job!!:wink2:

[rn/writer, RN]

Thanks for all the replies!

I think I will fork out the dough and keep the license (I think its around $50 plus 6 units of Continuing Education). I guess its sad that today I may have to worry about not getting an RN job right away! Better safe than....poor and without a job!!:wink2:

Sounds like a wise move. $50 is a lot when you're strapped, but it has to be cheaper than obtaining the license all over again.

Eventually, you will be a licensed RN with a decent job, but your phlebotomy qualifications may tide you over until that happens. In a tight economy, every skill, talent, certification, and license counts for something.

I wish you the best.