Renewing license after long period

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I have a friend who is an RN and has been off work for 9 years and wants to go back to work. She was thinking of completing an LPN program but wasn't sure if she needed to go that route. Is it possible for her to still renew her RN license without starting over? I was telling her to check with her BON, but thought I would ask on here to see if anyone had any experience with a similar situation.

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Most likely she will be able to get her license reinstated (not renewed). Each BON is different, but in my state (NC) an RN whose license lapsed over 5 years ago has to take a refresher course and update CEUs prior to applying. She should be able to find the specifics on the BON website.

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Of course your friend has to check with her State's BON. But why on earth would she take an LPN program now?

Her State might require her to complete a refresher course, or submit proof of continuing education credits, etc.

It might be simple, or a PITA. Won't know, though, until she makes that call!

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Most likely she will be able to get her license reinstated (not renewed). Each BON is different, but in my state (NC) an RN whose license lapsed over 5 years ago has to take a refresher course and update CEUs prior to applying. She should be able to find the specifics on the BON website.

Given the time stamp, seems I might owe you a beer? :D

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Given the time stamp, seems I might owe you a beer? :D

:yes: bottoms up!

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RNsRWE.............she figured they would not renew/reinstate her license and make her take the entire RN program over. Her thing is that if they make her do the entire program over again she would just do the LPN program since its shorter.

I did suggest to her that if anything they may have her do a refresher thru a school or to just simply take a review course such as Kaplan. She is checking the BON tomorrow though to be sure.

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Thank you all for the comments.............

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so it looks like since she has a permanent license that expired more than 3 years ago, but no license in another state, the NCLEX has to be repeated along with BON app ($74) and fingerprints done. That's not too bad and its better than repeating any programs.

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

She would have to test again??? 0o

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That's what it says Ruas61..............Im like omg who would have thought!! It still beats doing an entire program over though.

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

California apparently after 8 years in some instances. Yee gads Cali sounds like a tough act.

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:arghh: I guess they figure if someone has been away from the field that long then they need to get back to thinking like the "NCLEX" nursing world!
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