Question:

Dear Donna,

I had a stroke and am disabled. I have been keeping up with my CEUs, but cannot go back to work yet. Will I lose my license?

Tracy

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Tracy,

If you work in a state that requires you to work a certain number of clinical hours during your licensure period and you are not able to do those hours, generally you would not lose your license. Instead, it would go to inactive status. Each state has differing requirements for this, so check with your state board of nursing. To reactivate the license at a later time when you are able to return to work, you might be required to take an RN refresher course.

If you work in a state that does not require you to work a certain number of clinical hours during your licensure period to keep your license active, then all you have to do is follow the customary renewal procedure, pay the renewal fee and keep up on any required CEUs.

This information should be available on the website of your state board (www.ncsbn.org/contactbon.htm). If you can't find it, you can call or email them.

Best wishes,
Donna