Keeping Your Washington RN License Active: The Struggle is Real, But Not THAT Real (Unless You Let It Be)
So, you're a glorious Washington RN, but the whole scrubs-and-the-chartreuse-overalls life isn't calling your name right now. Maybe you're globetrotting (because nurses deserve vacations too!), taking a well-deserved sabbatical to write the next great American nursing novel (we'd read it!), or mastering the art of sourdough (because bread is life, people). But here's the thing: you don't want that hard-earned RN license to gather dust in a drawer (unless it's a fancy drawer with a mini-fridge for your kombucha, that's acceptable).
Fear not, my fellow traveler/novelist/bread whisperer! There are ways to keep your RN license active in Washington, even when you're not rocking the stethoscope. Buckle up, because we're about to navigate the exciting world of license maintenance... with a dash of humor (because who says learning can't be fun?).
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| How Do I Keep My Rn License Active When Not Working In Washington |
The Two Paths You Can Take: Active or Inactive?
Think of it like choosing your Netflix adventure. Active status means your license is ready to roll whenever you are. You can pick up shifts, volunteer at a clinic, or answer the siren call of a hospital in need (cue dramatic music). But there are some hoops to jump through, like continuing education (CE) credits and a minimum number of practice hours.
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Inactive status is like putting your license on hold. No CE, no practice hours, no stress (well, maybe less stress). But if you ever decide to return to the glorious world of nursing, there might be some reactivation requirements to tackle.
The Golden Rule (Except it's Not Actually Gold): Renew your license by your birthday every year to avoid any headaches.
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Active Duty: Keeping Your License Sharp
So you've chosen the path of the active RN. Here's what you need to do:
Become a CE Ninja: Eight hours of continuing education credits are your new best friend. Think of them like knowledge power-ups for your brain. They keep you up-to-date on the latest nursing trends and ensure you're a top-notch RN, ready to rock whenever duty calls.
Practice Makes Perfect (Even if it's Not Full-Time): You need to clock in at least 96 hours of nursing practice every year. Now, this doesn't have to be a full-time gig. Volunteering at a clinic, working a few per-diem shifts, or even teaching nursing courses can all count.
Remember: These are the minimum requirements. You can always do more CE or practice more hours if you're feeling ambitious (or just really love learning and helping people).
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The Inactive Life: Taking a Break, But Not Burning Bridges
The inactive life beckons! But before you toss your stethoscope into a hammock, be aware of a few things:
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There Might be Reactivation Hurdles: If your license has been inactive for less than three years, you can get it back in action with a reactivation agreement. This might involve some additional CE and practice hours, but it's not insurmountable.
Three Years and Counting? It Gets Trickier: If your license has been inactive for more than three years, you might need to take a refresher course. Think of it as a nursing bootcamp to get you back in fighting shape.
The Key Takeaway: Inactive status is a great option for a break, but if you think there's a chance you'll want to return to nursing, keep those reactivation requirements in mind.
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FAQ: Active RN License in Washington
Alright, time for a quick Q&A session:
How much does it cost to renew my RN license? The fee varies depending on your license type, but you can find the current rates on the Washington State Board of Nursing website https://nursing.wa.gov/.
How do I find approved CE courses? The Washington State Board of Nursing website has a list of approved providers https://nursing.wa.gov/ .
What if I can't meet the practice hour requirement? Contact the Washington State Board of Nursing for guidance. There might be exceptions for certain situations.
Can I use my RN license in another state? Maybe! It depends on the other state's requirements. Check with their Board of Nursing to be sure.
Is there a way to keep my RN skills sharp while inactive? Absolutely
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