Wondeirng whether to activate my license or not???

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Would you activate your RN license if you don't want to do bedside nursing? Do all non-clinical RN positions require a licence?

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

Yes and yes. Just because it's not a hospital job doesn't mean that you don't need a license. If they're advertising for a nurse, they need someone with a license. Never de-activate your license until you retire.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Yeah -- even after retirement -- until you're 5,000% sure you won't be needing to work even one day a month, quarter, etc, maintain your license.

Good luck!

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If you were to forget to renew for whatever reason would that mean you'd have to take the NCLEX all over again?

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If you were to forget to renew for whatever reason would that mean you'd have to take the NCLEX all over again?

This is up to the individual states. Use the BON link at the bottom of the page to look up the regulations for your state.

As for letting a license lapse, it's almost always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

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I am currently taking a refresher course. It has 4 parts.(Theory, Pharmacology, skills and clinical). I am doing the first one right now. I am thinking after I finish this course I DON'T want to work in a hospital or hospice or home health or LTC..spoiled brat right?? For some reason after being away for nursing for 13 years with 1 year of peds LTC experience, I have developed a fear and not sure if I want to provide direct patient care anymore. I would like to work in non-clinical positions but not sure how will I get into those without the experience. I am still not sure if I should be pursuing renewing the RN licence..I am so confused?? Thanks for listening!! Any advice??

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It's not confusing. As subee already pointed out, any job, in any setting, doing anything, that calls for a "nurse" will require a license. The license is what makes one a nurse, not the nursing education (although the education is a requirement/condition for licensure, obviously). Experience is a whole 'nother challenge (as you note), but, unless you just want to walk away from nursing entirely, you'll need a license. No one will consider you for any kind of nursing position without it.

Best wishes for your journey!

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Specializes in Managed Care, Onc/Neph, Home Health.

It is so dificult to find an RN refresher course in the state of fl that is approved by the BON in the Panhandle. They are expensive online, and to have to travel way down south for 80hr of classroom and 96hr of clinical. I just don't know. and online is very expensive. I will tell any RN...DO NOT LET YOUR LICENSE LAPSE!!!!!

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