Renew Your Nursing License Before It Expires: 5 Things To Know - NurseJournal (2023)

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Written by Gayle Morris Click to Read Full Biography Contributing Writer

Gayle Morris, BSN, MSN has over two decades of nursing practice with a clinical focus in rehabilitation medicine. She has published and lectured throughout her career. Morris founded Indiana's first conference for school teachers focusing on the medi...

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Published April 4, 2023

Nursing license renewal rules vary depending on the state. Check out what crucial rules you need to know and how to renew an expired nursing license.

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Renew Your Nursing License Before It Expires: 5 Things To Know - NurseJournal (14)

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  • Nurses cannot practice without an active nursing license from their state's board of nursing, which must be periodically renewed depending on the state requirements.
  • Nurses who practice without an active license face possible suspension or probation on their license, a fine, a misdemeanor criminal charge, or a felony charge in states with enhanced penalties.
  • Nurses should know the dates their nursing license must be renewed, the renewal rules in their state, the fees, and any required continuing education hours.

To practice nursing, you must have an active nursing license from your state's board of nursing. Renewing that license is a requirement to keep your job. Some healthcare institutions track when the staff's nursing licenses expire since they may incur fines for allowing an unlicensed nurse to practice.

The renewal period and requirements for renewal vary by state. Discover what you can expect when you renew your state nursing license and five factors you might want to know about the renewal process.

How to Renew Your Nursing License Before It Expires

The easiest and simplest way to renew your nursing license is to do it before it expires. If you plan to discontinue practicing, you may request to make the license inactive with your state's board of nursing.

Once the nursing license has expired, many states place the license on inactive status. Depending on the rules of your state, you may need to pay an additional renewal fee or take a board-approved re-entry program or refresher courses. While the process may vary by state, these are the general steps required to renew your nursing license before it expires.

1 | Start the Process Early

Take time to check your state's requirements for nursing continuing education (CE) credits or practice hours and ensure you have the proper documentation to fulfill the requirement. Check the status of your nursing license and learn the timetable your state's board of nursing uses to renew nursing licenses.

For instance, if your state requires six weeks to approve the renewal but you finalize the application within three weeks of expiration, you may not be able to work until the license is renewed, depending on your state.

2 | Complete Prerequisite CE or Practice Requirements

Some states have a specified number of CE hours that must be completed and submitted to renew your nursing license. Other states may have specific CE courses that must be completed. For example, Pennsylvania requires all nurses to complete a child abuse CE for license renewal.

States may also have practice requirements, like Delaware which requires nurses to have 1,000 practice hours in the past five years, 400 practice hours in the past two years, or a refresher course in the past two years.

Finally, some states have no requirements to renew your expired nursing license.

3 | Check the Status of Your License

Typically, you can check the status of your nursing license through the board of nursing website or state portal. You want to ensure it is currently active and there are no infractions against your license that may have been filed.

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4 | Complete the Application

Most, if not all, states have the option to renew your nursing license online if it has not expired. Take care to use the recommended hardware and software to access the state portal. Some states recommend using the Internet Explorer browser as other browsers will result in technical difficulties.

You may also need to access the portal using a computer and not a phone, tablet, or iPad. You will need access to legal information such as your social security number, legal address, nursing license number, and date of birth.

5 | Pay the Application Fee

The cost to renew a soon-to-be expired nursing license varies by state. Your state's board of nursing website or portal will outline the fees involved, which may be higher if you allowed your nursing license to expire.

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What to Do if Your Nursing License Expires

If your nursing license expires before you are able to renew, there are options. However, options vary by state and there are consequences for working with an expired nursing license.

Expired Nursing License Grace Period

The renewal requirements differ for nurses with newly expired licenses or if the license has expired for two, five, or more years. Many states have a grace period for nurses who are late renewing their expired nursing licenses.

For example, Michigan has a 60-day grace period and Georgia has a 30-day grace period where you can renew your license, with an additional late fee, without going through relicensure. Every board of nursing can determine if and for how long they may extend a grace period for renewal.

Most states that have a grace period allow you to renew your expired nursing license online. However, once you are past the grace period, you often have to submit additional documentation for relicensure. You must contact the board of nursing in your state to determine any additional steps necessary to renew an expired nursing license.

These steps can include catching up on CE hours, a refresher course, or retaking the National Council Licensure Examination.

Consequences of Working with an Expired Nursing License

An active license is the law for nurses who want to practice nursing. There are several legal consequences if you break the law. In most states, practicing without a license is a misdemeanor criminal charge, but some states have "enhanced penalties." This allows the state to charge the nurse with a felony.

It is more common for nurses to incur a fine if they work under an expired license. The size of the fine varies depending on the state. You are not allowed to work without a license and in some cases, you may be suspended or placed on probation by your state's board of nursing. Depending on the length of time you have been practicing without a license, you may also face nursing disciplinary action from your employer.

Nurses should check with their state's board of nursing to determine if they are within the state's grace period to renew their expired nursing licenses. If your license has expired and you need income before the new license is activated, there are several options available. For example, you can work as a medical assistant without a nursing license but must practice within the scope of the medical assistant job description.

Some hospitals allow nurses whose license has lapsed to work as medical assistants until the renewal has been approved. Other positions that do not require an active license include nurse educator, laboratory technician, health information technician, and clinical research associate.

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5 Things to Know About the Nursing License Renewal Process

Nurses must renew their licenses but the process and procedure can vary depending on their home state. These are the five things you need to know about renewing your nursing license no matter where you live.

  • Know Your Nursing License Expiration Date

    Your nursing license has an expiration date that varies depending on the state. It can be from 1-4 years. You should find out the date your license expires from your state's board of nursing and mark it on your calendar to start the renewal process 60 days before it expires.

  • Know the Renewal Rules in Your State

    Every state has different renewal periods and different rules for nurses who miss submitting a renewal application. Some states have grace periods during which you can submit an application with a late fee without going through relicensure. Other states require additional documentation to renew an expired nursing license. It is crucial you know the rules in your state.

  • Know the Continuing Education Requirements for Renewal

    Most states require nurses to submit continuing education hours with their license renewal application. These hours must be completed through a provider recognized by the board of nursing.

    Most states do random audits of your CE hour certification, such as California's requirements and Ohio's requirements. All states require you to keep your CE certificates for a period of no less than two years and up to six years, depending on the state.

  • Know the Online Renewal Time Period

    States open the online renewal period 90-30 days before your renewal deadline. The time period depends on the state. You must know when the portal in your state opens so you can start the process as early as possible.

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  • Know How Much the Renewal Application Costs

    Renewal application cost varies by state but is usually less than $100. States use an online system to accept payment of the renewal application fees.

FAQs

Renew Your Nursing License Before It Expires: 5 Things To Know - NurseJournal? ›

And, following the initial renewal/very first renewal, nurses need 20 contact hours of Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) in their area of practice or a Board-approved national nursing certification in their area of practice to renew their license each 2-year licensing period.

What are the requirements for Texas RN license renewal? ›

And, following the initial renewal/very first renewal, nurses need 20 contact hours of Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) in their area of practice or a Board-approved national nursing certification in their area of practice to renew their license each 2-year licensing period.

How many months before Texas nursing Licence can you renew? ›

Your initial Texas license is valid for a period of 6-29 months, depending on your birth month and year. After your first renewal, your license will expire on the last day of your birth month, typically every 2 years. Licensees born in odd-numbered years will renew in odd-numbered years.

Which state is easiest to get RN license? ›

Easiest states to become a nurse – Length of licensing process
  • Maine: 1-2 weeks.
  • Maryland: 2-3 days.
  • Missouri: 2 weeks.
  • Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
  • North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
  • North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
  • Texas: 2 weeks.
  • Vermont: 3-5 business days.

Does Texas Board nursing do background checks on renewal? ›

Criminal background checks are performed on all applicants for Licensure in Texas.

How many hours of continuing education are required for license renewal in Texas? ›

24 hours of continuing education is required for each license period.

What are the requirements for Texas nursing license? ›

Requirements
  • graduated from an approved licensed practical nurse/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) or registered nurse (RN) program.
  • taken the appropriate US exam, and.
  • have either worked in nursing or have taken the US NCLEX® exam sometime in the previous four years prior to the application.

How much does it cost to renew Texas nursing license? ›

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

Licensees born in even-numbered years renew in even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $68. Sixty days prior to your license expiring, the Texas Board of Nursing will mail a renewal postcard to your last known address in their system.

How long can you not work as a nurse and keep your license in Texas? ›

In Texas if your license is inactive and you do not work in nursing for 4 years or more you are required to take a Refresher Course in order to reactivate it. (There is just a fee if less than four years). There is not an active work/employment requirement in Texas.

Is Texas a compact state for nursing? ›

Yes, Texas is an NLC state. Nurses who apply for licensure with the nursing regulatory body (NRB) in Texas, register with Pearson VUE, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) are awarded a compact license allowing them to practice in all NLC states, so long as they remain a Texas resident.

What state has the lowest RN salary? ›

Highest-paying states for RNs, adjusted for cost of living

As of 2021, Hawaii tops the list at 119.3, while Mississippi comes in lowest, at 87.8.

What state pays the highest for RN? ›

15 Highest-Paying States for Nurses
  • California. California tops the list of 15 highest-paying states for nurses. ...
  • Hawaii. Hawaii ranks second on the list of top 15 highest-paying states for nurses. ...
  • Oregon. Oregon ranks third for highest-paying states for RNs. ...
  • Washington, D.C. ...
  • Alaska. ...
  • Massachusetts. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • New York.

What is Rule 214 Texas Board of Nursing? ›

Texas Administrative Code

(b) Rules for vocational nursing education programs shall provide reasonable and uniform standards based upon sound educational principles that allow the opportunity for flexibility, creativity, and innovation.

What disqualifies you from being a RN in Texas? ›

Crimes of fraud, deception, lying and falsification are also included as being highly relevant to your fitness to be a nurse. Additionally, crimes involving the “delivery, possession, manufacture, or use of, or dispensing or prescribing a controlled substance, dangerous drug, or mood-altering substance” are relevant.

How long does it take to renew nursing license Texas? ›

The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) staff has a target of 15 business days from the date the last item needed is received to review and, if approved, to submit an endorsement application for a license to be issued, then for the license to be issued.

What is the rule 216.3 in Texas Nursing Board? ›

A nurse, including an APRN, who provides direct patient care must complete a human trafficking prevention course approved by the Health and Human Services Commission.

How do I check my CEU credits in Texas? ›

Click “Look up Courses or Transcript.” Search for a single course with “Approved Courses Inquiry” or search for a CE provider with “Approved Provider Inquiry.” If you need help, email CE@tdi.texas.gov or call 512-676-6500. Review your CE transcript on Sircon.

How many continuing education hours are needed for Texas? ›

Most licenses require 24 hours of continuing education every two years. Some license types require specific topics to be included. Three hours must be ethics-related. At least half of the hours must take place in a classroom or “classroom equivalent".

What states can I use my Texas nursing license in? ›

meet Texas nursing licensure requirements. hold an active Texas nursing license, without current disciplinary action.
...
In addition to Texas, other states that have implemented the NLC include:
  • Arkansas.
  • Arizona.
  • Colorado.
  • Delaware.
  • Florida.
  • Georgia.
  • Idaho.
  • Indiana.

What happens if you fail NCLEX 3 times in Texas? ›

If they fail, they'll need to wait 45 days before retesting. After failing three times, though, they'll need to complete a board-approved remediation program before the next retake. test-takers have six attempts to pass in total.

Is there a grace period for nursing license in Texas? ›

If you've submitted your renewal application by the last day of the month that your nursing license is set to expire, you have a grace period of one month. You can continue to practice nursing during this grace period, while your nursing license renewal is being processed by the BON.

How do I change my Texas nursing license to compact? ›

To be eligible for a Texas Compact License, a nurse must:
  1. Reside in Texas as his/her legal residence.
  2. Hold an active RN/LVN license without current disciplinary action.
  3. Declare Texas as his/her primary state of residence.
  4. Meet Texas licensure requirements.

Can you have a felony and be a nurse in Texas? ›

Criminal background checks are required of all applicants. Prior criminal convictions may cause one to be ineligible for licensure as a registered nurse. Applicants will be responsible for obtaining a background check and paying appropriate fees to be fingerprinted for the Texas Board of Nursing.

How much is RN license endorsement to Texas? ›

No eligibility issues to disclose to the Texas Board of Nursing such as criminal or disciplinary history and. The ability to pay the $186.00 application fee by credit card or electronic check.

What can cause you to lose your nursing license Texas? ›

The board of nursing can revoke a nursing license for a variety of reasons, including:
  • criminal convictions.
  • lack of knowledge or skill in discharging professional obligations.
  • unsafe practice.
  • patient harm.
  • substance abuse issues (including DUI and DWI)

What is the longest shift a nurse can work in Texas? ›

In 2003, The Institute of Medicine (IOM), now known as the National Academy of Medicine, made recommendations that nursing work hours be limited to no more than 12.5 hours in a 24-hour period, 60 hours in a 7-day period, or 3 consecutive days of 12-hour shifts.

How many hours in a row can a nurse work in Texas? ›

Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of hours a nurse may voluntarily work in a 24-hour or 7-day period in the United States. There are also no restrictions on the number of hours that may be worked by other hospital employees.

Can an RN work independently in Texas? ›

The RN takes responsibility and accepts accountability for practicing within the legal scope of practice and is prepared to work in all health care settings, and may engage in independent nursing practice without supervision by another health care provider.

Can a Texas nurse work in California? ›

To qualify for endorsement (reciprocity) into California as an RN, you must hold a current and active RN license in another state, U.S. territory, or Canada, have completed an educational program meeting all California requirements, and have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) or the State ...

Can you work in Texas with an out of state nursing license? ›

If you hold or have held a nursing license from a state/nursing jurisdiction that does not participate in the NURSYS database, you must submit the BON Verification Licensure Form (LVN / RN) to that state and request a verification to be sent directly to Texas.

At what age do most nurses retire? ›

At What Age Do Most Nurses Retire?
  • 7% of both women and men retired at age 63.
  • 8% of women and 7% of men retired at age 64.
  • 11% of women and 13% of men retired at age 69.
  • 9% of women and 6% of men retired at the age of 70 or beyond.
Aug 4, 2022

What is a RN salary? ›

Can a RN negotiate salary? ›

It is possible to negotiate a higher salary as a new nurse. There is no rule book that says you can't. No one will scold you or punish you if you negotiate. As a matter of fact, according to the 2019 Job Seeker Nation Survey report from Jobvite, your potential employer expects it.

What type of RN makes the most? ›

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist consistently ranks as the highest-paid nursing career. That is because Nurse Anesthetists are highly skilled Registered Nurses who work closely with medical staff during medical procedures that require anesthesia.

What city pays nurses the most? ›

This makes San Jose the highest-paying city for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the BLS). In the United States, the average salary for RNs is $82,750. Additionally, the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. Over $100,000 lower than the San Jose's average nurse salary is Decatur, AL, at $54,410.

What state pays school nurses most? ›

The highest-paid school nurses work in California and Hawaii where the cost of living is respectively 50 percent higher and 77 percent higher than it is throughout the U.S. as a whole.

What is the hardest in nursing? ›

Hardest Nursing School Classes
  • Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
  • Pharmacology. ...
  • Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
  • Evidence-Based Practice.

What is the hardest type of nurse to be? ›

Most Stressful Nursing Positions
  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses. ICU is an extremely high-pressure environment and these nurses work with patients who have significant injuries and disease with added morbidity risks. ...
  • Emergency Department nurses. ...
  • Neonatal ICU. ...
  • OR nursing. ...
  • Oncology Nursing. ...
  • Psychiatric Nursing.
Jan 27, 2021

What is the lowest type of nurse? ›

As the name suggests, CNAs assist nurses with patient admittance and vitals. It is the lowest-level credential related to the nursing field and the quickest point of entry.

Can a nurse refuse a patient in Texas? ›

The Texas Board of Nursing, which clearly “permits a nurse to refuse an assignment when the nurse believes in good faith that the requested conduct or assignment could constitute grounds for reporting the nurse to the board.” The Texas Nurse Practice Act further states that “all nurses have a duty under rule 217.11(1)( ...

Can a RN pronounce death in Texas? ›

The RN's role is limited to the pronouncement of death after an assessment of the patient. Maine, Texas, and New York are three states that allow the licensed RN the ability to pronounce death.

What is a blue card from Texas Board of Nursing? ›

Remember, blue cards are sent to individuals whose CBC came back with no findings, but it is possible that the student did have criminal activity in the past and the jurisdiction has not reported the information to the TX DPS. In addition, the eligibility section of the D.O. has questions of a non-criminal nature.

What is the minimum RN salary in Texas? ›

Salaries by years of experience in Texas
Years of experiencePer hour
1 to 2 years$37.54
3 to 5 years$39.40
6 to 9 years$40.82
More than 10 years$45.64
1 more row

What is an RN not allowed to do? ›

Some of the things registered nurses are not allowed to do include violating HIPAA laws, prescribing medications, or performing advanced invasive medical procedures. Many of these laws will vary from state to state. Registered nurses in every state have a scope of practice given to them by law that they must follow.

Can you get blacklisted in nursing? ›

What is a Nursing Blacklist? In the industry, being blacklisted is labeled as Do Not Send (DNS), Do Not Use (DNU), or Do Not Call (DNC). However, if you're labeled, it may not be the end of the world. Bans can extend to an agency, a hospital, or a whole hospital system.

What is required for a nurse in Texas to renew his her license? ›

complete 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) in the nurse's area of practice within the licensing period OR. demonstrate the achievement, maintenance, or renewal of a Board-approved national nursing certification in the nurse's area of practice within the licensing period.

What is required to renew RN license in Texas? ›

Renewal Requirements
  • 20 hours of continuing education in area of practice.
  • 2 contact hours related to geriatric care for those who work with older adults.
  • human trafficking prevention course for any nurse who provides direct patient care.

How often do Texas nurses have to take the jurisprudence exam? ›

Many states specify continuing education requirements that the nurse must fulfill for license renewal. For example, Texas (TX) requires nurses to complete their license renewal every 2 years.

Do you have to work to keep your RN license Texas? ›

Do not put your license on inactive status! In Texas if your license is inactive and you do not work in nursing for 4 years or more you are required to take a Refresher Course in order to reactivate it. (There is just a fee if less than four years). There is not an active work/employment requirement in Texas.

How many times can you fail NCLEX in Texas? ›

If they fail, they'll need to wait 45 days before retesting. After failing three times, though, they'll need to complete a board-approved remediation program before the next retake. test-takers have six attempts to pass in total.

How do I prepare for the Texas nursing Jurisprudence exam? ›

We recommend that you:
  1. view a copy of the Nursing Practice Act (NPA) and Board Rules and Regulations on our website.
  2. take the online jurisprudence prep course on the Board's web site. This course is voluntary and contains information about the NPA and Rules and Regulations of the Texas BON.

What happens if you fail Texas nursing jurisprudence exam? ›

A Failing Result will be posted and recorded to the BON system if 13 or more of the 50 questions are answered incorrectly, or the exam is not completed in the allotted amount of time, or the connection to the exam is closed, terminated or lost. You may NOT reconnect to the test to return to the last question answered.

How long does it take to renew Texas nursing license? ›

The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) staff has a target of 15 business days from the date the last item needed is received to review and, if approved, to submit an endorsement application for a license to be issued, then for the license to be issued.

What states can a Texas nurse work in? ›

In addition to Texas, other states that have implemented the NLC include:
  • Arkansas.
  • Arizona.
  • Colorado.
  • Delaware.
  • Florida.
  • Georgia.
  • Idaho.
  • Indiana.

What happens if you let your nursing license expire in Texas? ›

4. What happens if I don't renew my license before its current expiration date? According to the Texas Board of Nursing, any nurse who does not renew their license before its expiration date will be put on a DELINQUENT status. Nurses can NOT work in the state of Texas with a delinquent nursing license.

How much does it cost to become an RN in Texas? ›

What Types of Degree Programs are being offered by Nursing Schools in Texas?
Type of ProgramProgram LengthProgram Cost
Certificate or Diploma12 to 18 Months$2,560 - $29,790
Associate Degree (ADN)2 years$4,160 - $58,880
Baccalaureate Degree (BSN)4 years$16,270 - $122,990
Master's Degree (MSN/MS)2 years$8,770 - $82,770
1 more row

Can I use my Texas RN license in another state? ›

The new enhanced licensure compact, or eNLC, is the licensure model that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) to have one multistate license, with the privilege to practice in the home state and in other eNLC states physically, electronically, and/or telephonically.

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