Should I place my license as inactive?

[setsuna92]

Hello all! I recently switched jobs from floor nursing to a more of a social worker position. I now work as a tobacco cessation specialist and I was wondering if I am required to suspend my license since my job title is not formally a nurse. In the job description they merely asked for someone with a nursing degree but not specifically a license. I live in Texas, btw. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Hang on just a minute here!

OP's job - tobacco cessation - IS definitely within the scope of nursing practice. Teaching and counseling are inherent to nursing practice. Please remember that those of us who are not directly involved in direct patient care are still practicing nursing. Nurse executives, educators, informaticists, ICPs, Risk Managers, etc... are practicing nursing.

Don't go inactive. There are many sources of CE available. I highly recommend the annual Tx BON updates - annual attendance will not only take care of your CE requirements, but also ensure you are familiar with our scope of practice. Just remember, if your job entails dealing with geriatric population, you'll also need some relevant CE for your next Tx renewal.

[SoutheRNgirl82]

I am interested in changing positions and was interested in a smoking cessation job. Can you tell me what you do?

[setsuna92]

Well in our facility, I'm in charge of dispensing nicotine replacement therapy to our clients. I also help them develop coping skills and soon I'll be facilitating our first tobacco cessation group (counseling).

So pretty much I assess the clients who are referred to our program and I work with the client to develop a quit plan. As soon as that is settled, we discuss NRT (patches/gum) to see what would assist them better. And I follow up with them every two weeks, or as needed.