New Grad Trying to Keep License Active

Nurses Career Support

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Hi everyone!

I just passed the NCLEX on July 1! So i am licensed, but jobless!

I had a job offer for L&D but decided to turn it down until the next cohorts.

However, I am still applying for other positions. In case i don't get a job anytime soon, is there anyway I can keep my license active? A friend who took a year off was asked by recruiters why she didn't keep her license active while she waited for a job offer, and I don't want to slack.

I know they have volunteer options...but I'm not sure where I should volunteer or what other options I have. Would going to nurse conferences help?

I'd appreciate your advice! Thanks!

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

Keeping a license active is simply the matter of paying the fee when your current license expires. Lots of nurses choose to keep their licenses active even when not actively pursuing a career, for example, to take a few years off for raising kids.

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic.
Hi everyone!

I just passed the NCLEX on July 1! So i am licensed, but jobless!

I had a job offer for L&D but decided to turn it down until the next cohorts.

However, I am still applying for other positions. In case i don't get a job anytime soon, is there anyway I can keep my license active? A friend who took a year off was asked by recruiters why she didn't keep her license active while she waited for a job offer, and I don't want to slack.

I know they have volunteer options...but I'm not sure where I should volunteer or what other options I have. Would going to nurse conferences help?

I'd appreciate your advice! Thanks!

Why did you turn a job offer down? I'm confused- if you are looking for ways to keep your license active, it's by taking a job, unless you didn't really want L & D? New grad jobs are few and hard to come by!

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Why did you turn down the job? I'm confused. What area of nursing do you want to be in? Jobs for new grads are hard to find in some areas. I would take a job and get experience. Best way to stay active.

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Why did you turn a job offer down? I'm confused- if you are looking for ways to keep your license active, it's by taking a job, unless you didn't really want L & D? New grad jobs are few and hard to come by!

Just a career move..there's a hospital that advised me of what areas of nursing are less likely to get hired if they wanted to transfer. I really was interested in the job! It is considered more of a specialty to recruiters, maybe later down the road. yes they are hard to come by! It was a hard decision

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Why did you turn down the job? I'm confused. What area of nursing do you want to be in? Jobs for new grads are hard to find in some areas. I would take a job and get experience. Best way to stay active.

I thought I wanted L&D once I was there it put things into perspective. It was hard but I knew it was right for me. It's given me more chances to scope out other hospitals. I'm happy with this decision. We should also remember to evaluate our employers as much as they evaluate us.

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Keeping a license active is simply the matter of paying the fee when your current license expires. Lots of nurses choose to keep their licenses active even when not actively pursuing a career for example, to take a few years off for raising kids.[/quote']

Thanks!! :)

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where did you get the job?

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Doctors Hospital

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.
Keeping a license active is simply the matter of paying the fee when your current license expires. Lots of nurses choose to keep their licenses active even when not actively pursuing a career, for example, to take a few years off for raising kids.

Some states have a practice requirement. Mine requires 120 hours in 5 years to keep a license active. You can get around that by paying to inactivate your license.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

In this economy, you would be wise to accept any decent position that is offered. Never mind what may or may not happen later on. New grad jobs are very hard to come by. Too late now, but you probably should have accepted the job.

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yeah you are right. however i found out i made a good decision. i got hired on a to med/surg floor which is exactly what i wanted! it fit exactly what i wanted. Best career move I've made so far. thanks for your input though ;)

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