renewing license

I just got my license number and noticed that it expires in 3 years. How do you renew? Just send in a check? Do you need to have a certain number of continuing ed hours?

Do they send you reminders that it's time to renew or do you have to figure that out on your own?

(I worry I'll forget and it will expire! And if you do let it expire for some reason, do you have to take the NCLEX again? Eek!)

in my state, i get a reminder w/renewal application, w/info where to send money...

i think it's around 6-8 wks before actual expiration.

as for ceu's, you need to check w/your state's BON.

here is a link that lists ceu requirements for ea state (rn & lpn), also including bon addresses.

http://www.nurse.com/ce/Requirements.html

i don't know what happens if you let your license lapse, but highly doubt you'd have to retake nclex.

leslie

contact your state board. They probably have directions online.

You'll definitely need to check with your state. In Maryland we get an email notification a couple of months before it expires. Here, I think if you let it lapse you've got a three month grace period after experiation to renew before you have to retake the NCLEX.

I'd suggest putting it on a calendar each year, then at the end of the year transfer the date to a new one. If that made sense. A lot of hospitals send out notices to employees when they're due, but really it should fall to the nurse.

Employers don't much like it when their nurses let their licenses lapse.