Not sure if I am making the right decision?

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 4, 2012

seems like a waste of time and money to me. The real question is why do you allow others to run your life?

bill4745, RN · May 4, 2012

From what you have said, it seems like you know the answer. If you have no plans on working as a nurse, what is the point in getting your license back?

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 4, 2012

I wonder if there is something you are not telling us. For instance, are you working at all? Do people feel you need to be making more money or have a more stable job? Could be the message from them is to help you protect your future, which you can do without being a nurse. Good luck in your choice. And it is your choice.

allnurses Guide · May 4, 2012

I do not understand why you would be doing this if you have no desire or intention of working as a nurse. As the above poster said, is this a push for you to get back into the workforce simply because you need to be working/stable? If so then yeah, I'd listen if I were you and pursue it. But honestly if you hate it so much, you probably aren't the person most people would want taking care of their loved ones and I would advise you find something else to do.

mybabies2000 · May 4, 2012

Yes it is for future job stability reasons and no I am not working currently. I have stayed home for the past 11 years raising kids and a stay home mom. My family thinks it might be good thing to pursue right now since my kids are in elementary school stage and I have some time to myself. They think even if I don't want to work as a nurse I should definitely have the license active as it will open more doors for me work wise in the non-patient care side. Not sure how realistic is that..

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · May 4, 2012

I think every woman must have a way to support herself and her family independently. If you have this security in place already, I wouldn't bother with renewing your nursing license at this point.

RNperdiem, RN · May 4, 2012

In uncertain economic times, a woman with valuable job skills and an active license is in a good position should something happen to her husband or his job.

I have kids in elementary school. I work one or two days a week and am well paid for it too, and there is still plenty of time for taking care of the kids and homemaking.

For a lot of us, being a stay-at-home mom is a temp job. If not nursing, what do you want to do with your time after your youngest leaves home?

kids · May 4, 2012

If your state has a minimum practice requirement for renewal and you you do not work as a nurse then you really are wasting your time as you won't meet the criteria for renewal after you reactivate your license.

Given the current climate where brand new grads can't find jobs, I don't think reactivating your license will provide much if any 'security'. You have one year of outdated experience, a refresher course with no (apparent) practice to reinforce the learning isn't going to be of much benefit either.

Fiona59 · May 4, 2012

Wouldn't fly in my province. You have to work at a specified number of hours to keep the practice permit.

You'd also have a hard time at interviews because you have no experience (one year in the last two decades doesn't cut it). Also all thos magical no touching people nursing jobs usually require experience.

Why aren't you looing at training for something YOU want to do?

Merlyn · May 4, 2012

Hi all, Currently I am enrolled in an online RN refresher program after 11 years of nursing break. I let my license expire after working for 1 year as new grad. After a lot of pushing from my family and friends regarding renewing my RN license, I enrolled myself in the refresher. Being away for 11 years from the nursing environment, I feel like I am not into it anymore and have no desire to work in those conditions but everyone keep on telling me to just renew the license and you don't have to work as a nurse. Their intention is to "keep my license active" no matter if I want to work or not. Is this the right choice I am making? I keep on telling my family I am not into nursing anymore. I am scared of it..they say.."Just activate your license!!! What should I do?

Who's life is it yours or theirs. If you don't want to do it, don't do it. After 11 years they should know that you don't have the passion now that you once did. You found out that there is a whole new world out there that does not concern itself with Bedpans and body fluids. It's your life. If they are so high on licenses, tell them to get one. Tell them to go be a nurse.

nigma,RN · May 5, 2012

Hi all, Currently I am enrolled in an online RN refresher program after 11 years of nursing break. I let my license expire after working for 1 year as new grad. After a lot of pushing from my family and friends regarding renewing my RN license, I enrolled myself in the refresher. Being away for 11 years from the nursing environment, I feel like I am not into it anymore and have no desire to work in those conditions but everyone keep on telling me to just renew the license and you don't have to work as a nurse. Their intention is to "keep my license active" no matter if I want to work or not. Is this the right choice I am making? I keep on telling my family I am not into nursing anymore. I am scared of it..they say.."Just activate your license!!! What should I do?

Life is short. Why add misery if you already know the results? You already have your answer. Follow your heart, and if you are a spiritual person ask Him and trust his answer.