Volunteer nursing and your license

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Specializes in Orthopedics; Oncology.

I recently heard that nurses will no longer be able to work as a volunteer nurse only and continue to keep their license. If you do not have a paid job in nursing, you will lose your license.

Has anyone heard about this?

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No, I haven't. Is this a TN thing, perhaps?

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

State BONs can do whatever they want. However, this sounds odd to me. Why would a State BON come up with this rule, when most (if not all) have the option for a Nurse to be inactive as oppose to active and still have to pay a fee for the privilege? OP, check with your State's BON rather than get scared over rumors. Good luck.

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Specializes in Orthopedics; Oncology.

This is know happening in Georgia, where I also have a RN license.

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I live in GA and am considering returning to school for an ADN. I called the GA BON to clarify this issue because I want to know what I'm getting into. I also WANT to volunteer as opposed to work. BON said that new graduates do not have to have work experience (obviously, since they need to be licensed first). If licenses are maintained, then no work record is required. However, if it expires by even one day, the applicant has to present proof of employment of at least 3 months or 500 days covering the previous 4 years. In short, as long as the license never expires you can maintain it while only volunteering. Don't ever let expire!

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Specializes in Orthopedics; Oncology.

Whitsinn

Thank you for clarifying this. I will definitely keep up my Georgia license! :)

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Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

Maybe in Georgia?, but not up here in NC. I started volunteering in a medical clinic about a month ago to work on

my clinical, assessment and time management skills and I'm finding it is a very valuable experience.

As far as my license and , the clinic covers me, so I feel comfortable getting experience with procedures

like lab tests and blood draws.

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Specializes in Orthopedics; Oncology.

Awesome Wrench Party!

How did you get into this job? I'd love to find something like this too. Not many places would allow you to do hands on nursing.

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Cathy

here's the skinny in Tennessee, I see you're from Columbia. I work for the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge (TN). 95% of our nurses are volunteers and one actually holds a volunteer license for Tennessee. You can contact the Administrative Director, Board of Nursing. (615-532-5166). SHe helped us walk thru the process. The nurse was an RN who was retiring but wanted to continue volunteering. We only allow medical staff with active licenses to be involved in direct patient care. The volunteer license gives you full rights to practice, doing everything you ever did before but without paying the license fee. You have to have had an active license before starting this process. Hope this helps, Star Lakavage, LPN.

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Specializes in Orthopedics; Oncology.

Thank you Starintn for your information.

By chance, do you know of anywhere in Columbia that would allow me to work on a volunteer basis, to gain some confidence & experience, as I have been out of nursing several years & would like to work again in this capacity.

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