Question:

Dear Donna,

I have an RN degree and worked for seven months in a hospital setting.
Currently I am home taking care of family and babies. Since I am not working, and in December it will be time to renew my RN license, is there anything I should be doing on my end in terms of taking courses? (I am not yet ready to return to work).

Mom & Nurse

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Mom & Nurse,

You don’t mention what state you are licensed in. Every state has varying regulations for licensure renewal. Find your state board contact info at https://www.ncsbn.org/515.htm and check the website for information about license renewal requirements. You also can e-mail them and/or call to check for that information.

Additionally, you can find information about specific state requirements at http://ce.nurse.com/RStateReqmnt.aspx.

While out of work, it also is a good idea to remain a member of (or join if necessary) and occasionally get out to local chapter meetings of nursing professional associations. This keeps you connected to your profession, helps you stay up to date with knowledge and information, and maintains/develops your professional network. All of this will aide your transition back into nursing when the time is right.

Best wishes,
Donna