PLEASE HELP~~~My Job took my license~~~

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Ok I am a new LPN, graduated in December 08, took state boards April 3rd 09 passed (thank God)! I just received my license in the mail last week sometime, and my DON at my job told me they needed it. So on Monday I took it in to the office, and they told me to sign it I did, and I'm there waiting and the secretary says do you need something else? I said well don't I get it back? She said no if your full time we keep them! My DON was right there and she says yeah we hold on to them. Being a new nurse I had no idea so I didn't fight it. Now I spoke to some of the other nurses I work with today, and they said they tried to keep there's and they wouldn't let them. I looked on state boards website I am in Pennsylvania. I can't find anything saying who keeps it. Can someone please give me some advise on this. Tomorrow I work at my other job which I also worked there as a GPN haven't been there since I passed my boards, and they too need my license. So I left a message for the secretary letting her know that I need to pick my license up because my other job needs to see it. So, I guess we will see tomorrow if they give it back to me. Any advise is greatly appreciated!

Specializes in Ortho, Patient Educator, Neuro, Med-Surg.

I agree...something "fishy" about them wanting to keep your license. Its yours, you earned it, and you are supposed to safeguard it.

What happens if you get mad after a shift and quit one day? (hey, we have ALL been there...at least thought about it seriously for a few minutes after a crappy day). You then have to go back and try to get your license back?

What happens if they "lose" it?

In Wyoming and Montana, we got 2 licenses: one to frame for the wall and one for our wallet. In Oregon, its just like the debit/credit card--hard plastic with nothing for the wall.

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Specializes in Homecare Peds, ICU, Trauma, CVICU.

I also live in PA. My former employer held our original licenses as well. I didnt really have a problem with it. I retrieved it when I needed it for my part time job then gave it back. It was policy at the long term care facility I worked at. Not sure why, as like others have said, all they need is online verification now. Anyhow, when I resigned, I got my license back. No big deal in my opinion. However, they held the licenses of ALL employees, not just select ones.

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Specializes in LTC.

That just seems odd to me.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I take issue with this as well. Does this mean if you want to work a per diem position that you have to ask THEM for YOUR license?? Keep them in your personal business? Not comfortable with this at all.

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Specializes in Med Surg/ Pedi, OR.

THat is Crazy!! What if the building burns down??

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I remembered this thread well earlier this week when the nursing supervisor told me to bring in my updated license. Brought in a printed, colored copy and called it a day. I would not be comfortable turning over my original to anyone.

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When I apply for a job I put a copy of my license in my resume and list the web site address for BVNPT. This is MY license I paid for it, it was issued to ME! I need it to have the option of working at other jobs. It is my understanding you are supposed to keep it in YOUR posession. I would have never let them keep it in the first place. I mean if you work 2 jobs what are you supposed to do. Go to the office when you clock out and ask for license everyday because you your other job needs it too?

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Specializes in Emergency/Trauma/Education.
Sounds like you have a very controlling supervisor.

Or a very controlling secretary in the supervisor's office...

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