Keeping Your Washington State RN License Active: The Not-So-Shady Guide for Nurses on the Go
So, you're a rocking RN in Washington state, saving lives and making the world a better place, one bandage at a time. But here's the thing, superhero - even superheroes need to keep their licenses active. Don't worry, it's not rocket science (although some of your patients might make you think otherwise). This guide will have you renewing your RN license like a pro, with enough time left over to catch up on your favorite medical drama.
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| How Do I Keep My Rn License Active In Washington State |
Renewing Your License: A not-so-secret mission
Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room (or the grumpy patient in bed 13). Your Washington State RN license needs to be renewed annually by your birthday. Missing that deadline is a recipe for a headache that ibuprofen won't cure.
Here's what you need to do, James Bond style (minus the Aston Martin, because, well, nurse salary):
- Become a CE Ninja: That's right, continuing education (CE) is your friend. You gotta earn 8 hours of approved CE credits every year. Think of it as keeping your nursing skills sharper than a scalpel.
- Channel your inner Indiana Jones and unearth those hidden practice hours: You also need to document 96 hours of active nursing practice in the past year. Don't worry, even those long shifts charting and dodging bedpans count!
- Embrace your inner tech wiz (or not): Renewing your license can be done online or through the mail. The online option is faster, but hey, if you're feeling old school, grab a stamp and get mailing!
- Don't forget the Batarang (or, you know, the fee): There's a renewal fee, but hey, considering the awesome job you do, it's a small price to pay.
Bonus tip: There's a mandatory one-time suicide prevention training you gotta complete. Consider it your nurse superpower – helping people even when they're at their lowest.
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
Avoiding the License Dark Side
Letting your license lapse is a surefire way to join the ranks of the "villain" nurses – the ones who can't practice because they forgot the paperwork. Don't let that be you! Here's how to avoid the dark side:
- Set calendar reminders: Your phone is your best friend here. Set those reminders and avoid a frantic license renewal dash on your birthday.
- Channel your inner squirrel and hoard your paperwork: Keep copies of your CE certificates and practice hour documentation. You never know when the licensing police might come knocking (okay, maybe not the police, but you get the idea).
Remember: An inactive license means you can't practice, which means no more heroics, no more high fives from grateful patients. Nobody wants that.
FAQ: Your RN License Renewal Helpline (with a sprinkle of humor)
How to find approved CE courses?
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Think of Google as your trusty stethoscope. Search for "Washington State approved RN CE courses" and a plethora of options will appear.
How to document my practice hours?
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Keep a log of your shifts, or ask your employer for a verification of employment document. Remember, honesty is the best policy (and it keeps you out of trouble with the licensing board).
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
Can I renew my license early?
Absolutely! Just like you can eat dessert before dinner (we won't judge).
What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
There's a late fee involved, and the process to get your license back can be a pain. Don't do it to yourself!
I'm moving out of state. What happens to my license?
Contact the Washington State Board of Nursing for instructions on transferring your license to your new state. No need to be a licensed fugitive nurse!
So there you have it, my fellow Washingtonian RNs! With this guide, you can keep your license active and keep on being the amazing nurses you are. Now, go forth and heal the world, one patient at a time!
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