Reactivating a lapsed or inactive nursing license

STEP 1

1. Know your status

• Inactive, expired or retired?Each one has a different path back
• How long has it been?Many boards use time cutoffs
• Rules vary by stateStart on your board of nursing's website

EXAMPLE: CALIFORNIA

2. How the BRN handles it

• Inactive to active30 contact hours of CE, no extra fee
• Lapsed under 8 yearsDelinquent fee plus 30 CE hours from the last 2 years
• Lapsed over 8 yearsShow a current license elsewhere, or the 8-Year Retake

Source: California Board of Registered Nursing, Licensee FAQs.

EXAMPLE: TEXAS

3. How the BON handles it

• Out of status under 4 yearsNo refresher course required
• 4+ years, no nursing elsewhereA refresher course or extensive orientation first
• Practiced in another state?That counts toward the 4 years

Source: Texas Board of Nursing, Refresher Course FAQ (Nov 2024).

REFRESHER COURSES

4. What a refresher is for

• Updates your nursing knowledgeTexas accepts a course, an extensive orientation or coursework
• Some states need a permit firstTexas issues a refresher permit
• It rebuilds your confidence tooYou won't walk in cold

Permit rule: Texas Board of Nursing.

YOUR STEPS

5. Your comeback checklist

• Find your board's reactivation page
• Gather your CE certificates
• Complete fingerprints or background checks if required
• Budget for fees and any refresher course

NEVER TOO LATE

6. Your experience still counts

• Age 40 or older?The ADEA protects you from age discrimination
• Life experience mattersCaregiving and other careers count on the floor

Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.