License question

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

Well it has been awhile but I am back with a new question. I am a new grad that graduated May 2007 though. I only worked two months before leaving my first job d/t pregnancy complications and then did not return because I had my baby (whom I am now taking care of!). I may have to attempt to return to the RN workforce (if I can) d/t financial hardship. However, I have a question regarding renewal of RN license. I get this varies by state but for my state these are the rules according to the board (look below). My q is: I have my license so even if I don't practice w/i 2 years for 960 hours I DON'T have to take a refresher course, right? It says an update of knowlege is necessary but I guess only if you don't have your license?

Also....say I can't get a job after being out so long..what would I do to obtain the 960 hours to keep my license active? It says volunteer, but where? How can you "volunteer" within the scope of nursing practice..is that even legal? :confused:Has anyone done that?

And, finally...do you think I should take a refresher course after being out of nursing since July 2007? Or do you think I could just refresh myself. I still have all my stuff. I thought about applying for jobs, seeing what happens, and then deciding. I suppose I will look even less appealing than a NEW new grad lol

Thanks!

5. What about new graduates that have not had any practice?

New graduates must be licensed within 2 years of graduation or they will be required to

complete a refresher course upon passing NCLEX®. Because of the steep learning curve

for new graduates as they enter practice, new graduates that do not practice at the level of

their academic program within 2 years are considered by the Board to be in a vulnerable

position. The Board has determined that an update of knowledge and skills is necessary

after 2 years of non-practice for these individuals.

6. What is the practice requirement?

The Board requires licensees to practice in some manner for at least 960 hours every 5

years, either as an employee or volunteer, to renew or obtain licensure. This equates to

24 weeks of full-time practice every 5 years.

7. Why is the Board implementing a practice requirement at this time?

In the past, the Board required an applicant to complete a refresher course if the license

was inactive for five or more years and the applicant did not show evidence of active

practice in the application. The practice requirement extends the older rule to licensed

nurses and provides for the specific amount of practice to ensure that all nurses are

current in their practice.

8. What activities qualify as practice?

"Practice" is interpreted liberally. Any job or position that requires or recommends an

RN or LPN license would meet the criteria as will any activity performed as an employee

or volunteer that is within the legal scope of nursing practice. In addition to bedside

nursing, such activities as teaching nursing, supervising care, consulting, clinical

experience in a nursing program, serving as a volunteer with a nursing organization or

volunteering in health screenings will also qualify as practice. In most instances, caring

for family members would not qualify. Call Pamela Randolph at 602-889-5209 or Judy

Bontrager at 602-889-5204 if there are questions related to care of family members.

9. What is in the legal scope of RN and LPN practice?

The legal scope of practice is detailed in statute ARS 32-1601(13) and (12) which are

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

#5 - New graduates must be licensed within 2 years of graduation

My take on this is # 5 does not apply to you for you were licensed within the 2 year time frame.

#6 - The Board requires licensees to practice in some manner for at least 960 hours every 5 years...

This equates to 24 weeks of full-time practice every 5 years.

#6 doesn't apply for you've not been 5 years inactive as a licensed nurse.

# 8 - serving as a volunteer with a nursing organization or

volunteering in health screenings will also qualify as practice.

Yes, volunteering as a nurse is legal as long as within your scope of practice. Many retired nurses keep their licenses active as volunteers. You will need to contact your BON to see what applies if you choose this option.

The way I interpret this, you are o.k. for now.

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

Thank you Siri.

I know I am OK for now but I just figure if I NEED 960 hours to keep my license active by 2011, I probably should start working for $$$ now before they all want me to take a refresher and even then a job is not guaranteed, you know? What I don't get is at first it says if you have not taken NCLEX in the last two years you need to do a refresher. But then it goes on to say if you have not practiced as an RN in the last two years you need a refresher? I am afraid that if two years goes by without me working as an RN the board will say I am required to do a refresher. Or are they just recommending that? First they are talking about just getting your license, then about actually practicing at the level of an RN? Hmmm. Do you see?

I'll try the job route first. I just don't know if I have to do that before July 2009? If not, figure out where to volunteer, stat. Weird. Guess employers would love that lol:rolleyes:

thx again!