Retire vs stay current

[Lori66]

I am going on 4 yrs of not working as a nurse, I am a LVN and am not sure I will ever work in the nursing field again but I worked hard to get my license and don't really want to let it go. Is it better to retire it, make it inactive or is there more than continuing Ed classes I need to do to keep it active? Would love some advice and discussion on the subject. Not sure if every state is different or not but I'm in TX

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Texas BON requires refresher is no practice in 5 years.....+ current ceu requirement to re activate.....

Since you are under five years, I'd get the 20 ceus done and apply for re activate before the five yr. Mark.

[Blackcat99]

I am retired and am not planning to return to nursing. That being said, I am going to keep my nursing license current just in case I would have any kind of unexpected financial emergency.

[Flockherdr]

Hi blackcat,

Are you completely retired? Are you working part time or have a business?

[Section8UpX68WM6, CNA, LVN, EMT-B]

Personally, I'd keep it active and take CEs and renew it per your state's policy. And keep reading them nursing articles etc.

[Jamesdotter]

I retired at 65. Then 9/11 happened. I had enough hours and CEs to renew when it came due, so I did, although I never needed to return to work. We weren't sure what was going to happen next and I wanted to be prepared.

[ertoclinics]

I wanted that ability to return to work if I could or if something happened to my husband, but I will not have enough hours to renew my license during this period. I am not sure what I'll due.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I recently retired after 40 years, and have debated whether I should go inactive after my license becomes due in about 30 days.

I've been a nurse more than half my life, so it's a big part of my identity. Even though I hope to never have to work for pay another day in my life, I don't know what the future brings.

I'll do the 20 hours, and renew, just in case I need it.