So You Hung Up Your Scrubs...But Not Your License? How to Keep Your Florida Nursing License Active Without Working Yourself into a Tizzy
Ah, Florida. Sunshine State, land of alligators and questionable fashion choices. But for you, it was also the place where you valiantly served as a nurse, Florence Nightingale with a touch of Miami tan. Now, for whatever reason (hello, wanderlust! hello, tiny humans!), you're taking a break from the bedside. But wait! You don't want that hard-earned license gathering dust in a drawer (along with those questionable souvenir spoons).
Fear not, my friend! Here's how to keep your Florida nursing license active without turning into a burnt-out cubicle drone:
The Inactive Life: A Vacation for Your License
Florida offers a glorious option called "inactive status." It's like putting your license on a beach chair with a fruity drink, soaking up the sun (metaphorically, of course). Here's the gist:
- No Working Required: You can relax those stethoscope-wielding arms. As long as you're not practicing in Florida, you're good.
- Pay to Play (But Way Less Play): You'll need to pay a renewal fee every two years to keep your inactive status. Think of it as a pool pass for the inactive license club.
- Continuing Education? Nah: Unlike active licenses, there's no mandatory continuing education for inactive ones. Score!
But Wait, There's a Catch (There's Always a Catch, Isn't There?)
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
While inactive status is pretty sweet, remember:
- Reactivation Roadtrip: When you're ready to get back to nursing, you'll need to reactivate your license. This might involve some paperwork and potentially catching up on missed continuing education.
- The 4-Year Itch: If your license has been inactive for over four years and you haven't worked as a nurse anywhere, you might need to take a remedial course. Think of it as a refresher to get those nursing skills back in tip-top shape.
So, How Do You Keep Your License Active While Not Working?
Here's the good news: even on a break, you can stay connected to the nursing world:
- Volunteer Your Skills: Clinics, homeless shelters, and even some schools can use your expertise. It's a win-win: you help others and keep your license active.
- Become a Knowledge Guru: Share your wisdom! Take up teaching or mentoring new nurses.
- Never Stop Learning: Attend conferences, webinars, or even take online courses related to nursing.
Bonus Tip: Stay connected with your nursing network! Grab coffee with old colleagues or join online nursing forums.
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
How Do I Keep My Nursing License Active When Not Working In Florida |
FAQs for the Non-Practicing Nurse
How to find out more about inactive status?
Head over to the Florida Board of Nursing website. They have all the info you need.
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
How to renew my inactive license?
The Board of Nursing website will also have instructions on this. It's usually an online process.
How long does it take to reactivate my license?
Processing times can vary, so check with the Board of Nursing for specifics.
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
How much does it cost to reactivate my license?
There are fees involved, so check the Board of Nursing website for current rates.
How to find volunteer opportunities in nursing?
Many hospitals and organizations list volunteer opportunities on their websites. You can also contact your local chapter of the American Nurses Association.