LPN Freaking Out!!!

U.S.A. Nevada

Published

So I originally got my LVN/LPN license in Cali in Spring 2012. In August of 2012 I moved to NV. I've been working full time since then. Last week I was gathering up all my documents/information so I can submit my application for school enrollment (going for my RN). When I went to the nursing website to print out a copy of my license it said it was expired since 3/12/14. I freaked out and by the end of the following day I had taken all the required classes/CECs and paid the fees to get reinstated. (I honestly didn't know it expired on my birthday. I thought they were active for 2 years). California even sent me a letter months before my license out there was going to expire. I thought all states did that as well. I just received a letter stating I violated the Nurse Practice Act since I've been working with an expired license & an investigation might occur. I am completely freaked out at the moment. It was an honest unknown mistake and now I fear this is going to be on my record. I worked 1.5 months with it being expired. Has this happened to anyone else??? Is this going to stay on my record indefinitely? HELP!!!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Does NV issue paper licenses (which would indicate the expiration date)? While not fully their responsibility , did your employer not notice your expiration date ? Do you have malpractice/ ? If so (and everyone should) call them ASAP for advice but you are likely obligated to since you received a notice of violation from the BoN.

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Specializes in Public Health.
Does NV issue paper licenses (which would indicate the expiration date)? While not fully their responsibility , did your employer not notice your expiration date ? Do you have malpractice/ liability insurance? If so (and everyone should) call them ASAP for advice but you are likely obligated to since you received a notice of violation from the BoN.

No. Online licensing only. They don't send reminders anymore. Most employers will remind you but they don't have to.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Still personal responsibility that is taken very seriously by BoNs especially if you worked while expired. I think some employers remind nurses as a courtesy though they may have issues letting a nurse work with an expired license

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Thanks for your responses. I already called and talked to my "Investigator". It's going to be a $300 fine, mandatory online violation class & it's going to stay on my record forever :-(

What a bummer. Listen learned!! I'm hoping it doesn't carry on to an RN license. I would like that to be my fresh start. Geez, the letter the BON sends sure does make me feel like a criminal. Oh well...

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

It may carry to your RN license, especially if a single BoN for RN & LPN. A classmate was refused a CHHA certification by the BoN and her nursing license also carries the citation.

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Wow that sucks. I thought becoming a nurse would be so fulfilling since I would be helping people. But now I feel a little discouraged just from the nursing board over an honest mistake *sigh* STILL NOT GIVING UP THOUGH :-) Just have to learn from my mistakes. Thanks for all your help.

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