Over the years I've known several nurses who allowed their nursing licensure to temporarily lapse due to not paying the renewal fee on time. This phenomenon has always interested me for a number of reasons.
Firstly, the renewal fee in the state where I live is $67 once every two years. In other words, it is $33.50 annually when broken down. This amount of money would not seem like a steep economic hurdle to climb for most middle-income nurses.
Secondly, these nurses are taken off the schedule by HR or management until the moment that their licensure reflects active status. Therefore, they are not earning any money while their licensure is lapsed or delinquent, sometimes for several weeks.
Finally, the majority of the nurses I've known who have failed to pay their renewal fees on time appear to use very expensive phones, drive late model cars, and eat fast food or carry-out restaurant meals regularly.
Paying my license renewal fee is a priority for me because, without my licensure, I can no longer generate the income to pay for anything else. If I ever found myself in such a bind that I had to choose which bill to pay, I would always pay the renewal fee first or, at the very least, borrow the money to pay the renewal fee. After all, without an active license, payments for the top-of-the-line phone, nice car, or restaurant food would soon cease to occur.
Eek! How does one let it go that far? I hate nursing and wish I could do something else, but this is all I have to earn so I pay the renewal fee. I did let my CO license expire, and only recently renewed it. I also started the application process for my TX license, but did not complete it. But the license I primarily work under is one I keep up with without fail. How can you not?
I came close once, and it was when I was just buying a house, starting a new job and had MAJOR stress in my life. And it necessitated a trip to the Board of Nursing where I had to pay in cash!
Priorities: Nursing license fees. Second, driving and auto license. Third, rent. And I hope to never have to choose using that list - that must be a really rough situation. My sympathy to anyone who has had to choose. A few years back our state developed a multi-month lag in processing RN license fees. I was biting my nails, although I'd sent in my fees 2 months early. Now I send in my renewals months ahead, allowing at least double what I'd guess the worst case lag could be for slow bureaucracy. Always.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
I don't know - to me it's irresponsible to let your license lapse. I live in California where license renewal is over $100.00. mine expires in March and I always renew in January of the renewal year. Send the payment January 1.
I've never understood how someone can let their license lapse. I guess it's just proof that you don't need to be the sharpest knife in the drawer in order to be a nurse.
I forgot one year. Not sure how but it was early in my career. I was notified by HR. My only option was to drive to the BON and pay it. Come to think of it.....I don't recall paying online being an option. I was back (speeding was involved) before the office closed. Never missed work..and that never happened again.
I budget aside if I have to. In Ontario this year it's going to cost $180 (per year) in addition to my state license (which is $60/two years). Which is annoying. But I need it to work, and don't want any marks on my record for failing to pay on time.
Specializes in Float Pool - A Little Bit of Everything.
I renew everything at least 3 months in advance. Haha, not literally but I am extremely Type A and waiting too close to renewing anything gives me anxiety!
Specializes in Float Pool - A Little Bit of Everything.
I almost didn't renew my license because I don't even want to be a nurse anymore
I know the feeling, I am in the process of switching my major to MHA and being vocationally rehabilitated by the VA. If it is killing you, please explore your options. I did and I feel like a gigantic pregnant elephant has been lifted off my chest.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I renew everything at least 3 months in advance. Haha, not literally but I am extremely Type A and waiting too close to renewing anything gives me anxiety!
The earliest I am allowed to pay the licensure renewal fee to the BON in the state where I practice is 60 days prior to the expiration date. Believe me when I say I pay it as soon as possible.
I am admittedly a grand procrastinator who completes all required actions at the very last minute. However, I do not procrastinate when it comes to paying for the license that helps yield a steady income for me.
whichone'spink, BSN, RN
1,473 Posts
Eek! How does one let it go that far? I hate nursing and wish I could do something else, but this is all I have to earn so I pay the renewal fee. I did let my CO license expire, and only recently renewed it. I also started the application process for my TX license, but did not complete it. But the license I primarily work under is one I keep up with without fail. How can you not?