Worked with EXPIRED LPN license for 5 days and didn't know

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Hey, long story short I worked with expired LPN license at the facility I work at and was totally unaware. I happen to get on the BON and looked my name up and BOOM....Expired...My heart dropped...I immediately paid the 180.00 and the next day I was active. I messed up when I felt so bad about it that I told a co worker who in returned told the DON. He wrote me up but said that someone could still report me to the BON. If they did what would happen? Should I call the BON first thing Monday morning and let them know and just let the chips fall were they may? I hate this feeling. I totally didn't know. I am active know but I did work 5 days with expired licensed. Have this ever happen to anyone? I feel like I am the only idiot who has ever made this BIG mistake. Advice please....

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Hey, long story short I worked with expired LPN license at the facility I work at and was totally unaware. I happen to get on the BON and looked my name up and BOOM....Expired...My heart dropped...I immediately paid the 180.00 and the next day I was active. I messed up when I felt so bad about it that I told a co worker who in returned told the DON. He wrote me up but said that someone could still report me to the BON. If they did what would happen? Should I call the BON first thing Monday morning and let them know and just let the chips fall were they may? I hate this feeling. I totally didn't know. I am active know but I did work 5 days with expired licensed. Have this ever happen to anyone? I feel like I am the only idiot who has ever made this BIG mistake. Advice please....

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Sigh.....the BON won't take action.....you aren't the first nurse who was late in renewing their license and you won't be the last. Hence the application of late fees. Now if you were expired for 5 years....they might take notice.

I am forever amused by some managers/DON who say such ridiculous things and for the record...not worth the write up. It is their job to KNOW who's going to expire and start notifying their staff. I have a low tolerance for the "I can't do it all" line. When I was a manager I KNEW the year it was time for nurses to re-new. I had it in my computer and it would notify me 90 days in advance. Any other excuse is laziness.

Thart being said it is your responsibility as well to know you need renewal. The BON sends you the documents in the mail. Just don't make the same mistake again.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

I don't know where you are located, but in Michigan you have a 60 day grace period to renew. You will be fine.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

multiple threads merged as per the Terms of Service.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

At my last employer, I got an email for everything: license, CPR/ACLS, chemo provider, specialty certification, etc. I do have to say that I never forgot when stuff needed to be renewed. When you've done it for so long, it's like remembering your SSN.

Don't let it happen again. Let this be an expensive lesson learned.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

My DON would make rounds and notify nurses when it was time for renewal; the scheduler would have a list of who needed renewal and would go around as well.

IMO, sounds like that the DON should make a proactive stance in making "friendly" reminders instead of notifying the BON that you were expired for one day... :whistling:

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I would not trust your coworker ever again, and you learned a lesson to keep some information to yourself. you found a problem ans addressed it no harm.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I had a coworker come in and be sent home by management for an expired license once. I thought it was a nice way to get a bonus day off! Those are hard to come by around my job.

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My state has all the licenses expire at the same time. All LPNs expire March 31 of odd-numbered years, licensed cosmetologists expire in August of even-numbered years, etc. See if your state has a similar breakdown and pay attention. You'll be fine.

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I don't believe it's anyone's job other than that of the professional holding the license to keep tabs on when their licensure expires, and that goes for the rest of their certifications as well. We're talking about adults here, not kids on a playground. If someone is mature and responsible enough to pass nursing school and enter a profession where they take care of patients everyday, then they ought to be able to manage keeping tabs on that pesky license renewal.

With that said, sometimes a deadline does slip by even the most vigilant. OP, way to take ownership of your mistake and learn from this experience! Don't trust anyone to keep you in compliance/up to date except yourself.

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Specializes in Community Health/School Nursing.

I know when my license expires like the back of my hand. It's just a date that sticks with me.

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