Should Nurses Pay To Renew a License If They Change Careers?


Now let’s switch gears and address the issue of whether or not nurses should continue to renew their license if they switch careers. In my opinion: ABSOLUTELY!


The fact is, you never know how your career may go, and it is a lot easier paying a fee every so often to keep that license active, than to go through all the hoops once you let it expire. Granted, some states may require so many hours of work too (in addition to the fee), but this is usually easy to obtain in the form of taking a few classes, or even a few part time shifts.


But since the economy and the work force is so shaky, I’d definitely hang on to my license until I was 100% sure I was never going to need it.


If your second career doesn’t pan out, then you have a safety net and plenty of opportunities to continue working in a good paying career (nursing).

Should Nurses Pay To Renew Their License After Retirement?


Again, I’d say yes–at least, for a few years. Most people retire in their early-to-mid 60′s. Yet, we are still generally capable of work up until our late 60′s, or even 70′s. I’ve even read stories of nurses much older than that working (ie, nurses in their 80′s).


Even though retirement is a great time, the truth is, I’d still probably renew my license if possible.


You just never know if we got into some dire economic situation (and the current news doesn’t help my confidence much). Plus, there is always a threat of wars, financial calamity, or that somehow your nest egg could go faster than you thought.


I’d say it is always a good idea for the small investment to keep it active.


Then again, I guess it depends on how much your state charges for renewals, and also how much you’d have to pay (and what hoops you’d have to jump through) to get it re-instated.


If it costs thousands in your state, obviously it may not be worth it. But if it is just $50-100, I’d definitely consider it.


If I live to around 70-72, I definitely think I’d consider letting it expire. But before then, assuming my health is in top shape, I’d probably keep it active (just in case). Even if you no longer practiced nursing, it could help to have it on a resume for teaching, or other activities that are less strenuous.