Help! My Nursing License Expired!

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Unless you have confirmed that your state has identified a grace period after your nursing license expires, DO NOT attempt to work. Practicing as a nurse without a valid license is a serious offense, and it’s often accompanied by criminal penalties that can bring your career as a nurse to an embarrassing end.

Florida

• It is a felony both to practice without a valid license, as well as attempt to practice without a license. You cannot apply for jobs or participate in nursing in any way, and penalties vary depending on your behavior.
• If no serious bodily injury occurs you have committed a third-degree felony, with a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
• If serious bodily injury occurs while you are practicing without a license, charges are upgraded to a second-degree felony that carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. The offense also carries a mandatory sentence of at least 1 year in jail.

Texas

• If your nursing license expired in Texas but you still went to work, the Board of Nursing will immediately begin disciplinary action that could include fines, suspension, or revocation.
• Texas law makes it illegal to refer to yourself as a nurse if you do not hold a valid nursing license. Additional criminal charges may apply, including fraud and care-related harms.

Kentucky

• Practicing without a license in Kentucky may result in the Kentucky Board of Nursing suspending your license or revoking it permanently, and imposing civil penalties of up to $10,000 depending on why your nursing license expired.  
• Criminal charges may apply depending on the nature of the violation.

Get All the CE You Need for Renewal with Premiere—Even in a Pinch!

Unless you’ve made the conscious decision to let your nursing license lapse in a specific state, maintaining an active license is an ongoing professional responsibility that takes time, effort, and dedication. Fortunately, even if your nursing license expired and you need to act quickly, with the enhancements to online renewal and tracking platforms you can typically complete the process from the comfort of your own home! The most complicated part is staying on top of your required education, and for that, Premiere has you covered.

With incredible online learning opportunities created by our industry experts, Premiere’s continuing education packages for most state’s nursing requirements and our Unlimited Nursing CE Subscription make it easier than ever to maintain your license and deliver the best care possible to your patients. With a variety of state-approved educational programs, you can engage in stress-free learning opportunities to enhance and maintain your practice.