Calling All Rusty Nurses: How to Get Your Washington RN License Back in Action (Without Giving Yourself a Heart Attack)
So, you've traded in the stethoscope for spatulas for a while, but the siren song of the scrubs is calling you back. Welcome back to the wonderful world of nursing! But before you dive headfirst into a vat of hand sanitizer, there's a little hurdle to jump: reactivating your Washington RN license.
Fear not, fellow Florence Nightingales! This guide will be your trusty flashlight through the labyrinthine bureaucracy.
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| How To Reactivate Washington Rn License |
Assessing the Damage: How Long Has Your License Been on Vacation?
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Less than a year: Lucky duck! Reactivation is a breeze. You can probably do it online (we'll get to that in a sec). Just dust off your license number, and get ready to answer some "been-to-the-beach-lately" questions.
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Over a year, but under three: This requires a bit more effort, but it's still doable. You'll need to log some continuing education hours and get some practice hours under your belt. Think of it as a mini-nursing adventure!
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Over three years? Whoa, that's a long nap! You'll need to take a refresher course approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission. It's basically a chance to brush up on everything you might have forgotten while perfecting your sourdough starter.
Important Note: If your license has been expired for more than a year and you've changed your name, don't forget to update your contact information. No point in them sending your reactivation paperwork to your old dorm room!
Reactivation Rodeo: Round Up Your Supplies
- Your trusty RN license number (you haven't eaten it, have you?)
- Proof of completing any required continuing education courses
- Documentation of your recent nursing practice hours (if applicable)
- A credit card (to pay those pesky fees)
- A sense of humor (because let's face it, paperwork can be funny...in a soul-crushing way)
The Reactivation Rumble: Online vs Mail-In
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If your license is less than a year expired: You can waltz right over to the Washington State Board of Nursing website and reactivate online. Boom! Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
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For all other situations: You'll need to saddle up and send in a paper application. The address is available on the Board of Nursing website (because who memorizes addresses anymore?).
Top Tip: Don't wait until the last minute! Factor in processing times to avoid any unnecessary stress.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
You Did It! Now Go Forth and Nurse!
Congratulations, my friend! You've successfully navigated the wild world of license reactivation. Now, go out there and use your awesome nursing skills to make a difference (and maybe buy yourself a celebratory beverage of your choice).
Frequently Asked Questions:
How to find out if my Washington RN license is expired?
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Contact the Washington State Board of Nursing or check their online license verification tool.
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
How long does it take to reactivate my license?
Processing times can vary, so check the Board of Nursing website for current estimates.
How much does it cost to reactivate my license?
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
There are fees associated with reactivation. The exact amount depends on your situation, so check the Board of Nursing website for details.
What refresher courses are approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission?
A list of approved courses is available on the Board of Nursing website.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
How many continuing education hours do I need?
The number of required continuing education hours depends on how long your license has been expired. Check the Board of Nursing website for details.
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