Nursing practice is always changing, and nurses who wish to return to practice after a period of inactivity must be demonstrate an understanding of practice changes. Registered Nurses and Practical Nurses who have not been active in nursing practice for at least 400 hours in the 4 years immediately prior to date of application must complete a board approved reentry program before permanent license to practice can be granted (RSA 326:B8). There are several options available to RNs and LPNs who wish to activate their license if they have not met the "active in practice" requirements for relicensure. Options 1, 2, and 3 include theoretical study and clinical practice. Options 4 and 5 require successful passing of 1 or more examinations. Option 5 is only available for Registered Nurse Reentry, and is not applicable for Practical Nurse Reentry.
Option 1: Structured Refresher Course and Clinical Practicum
(Pursuant to Adm Rule 403.02)
Option 1 requires completion of a formal refresher course that must be a minimum of 120 hours (40 theory/classroom hours and 80 clinical hours). The theory includes content from the sciences, nursing process, leadership and organization, nursing interventions, health promotion, and legal and ethical issues. Clinical practice must be supervised by a Registered Nurse. Courses are offered at various hospitals and educational institutions. Please note that most of the structured refresher courses exceed the minimum hours as established in the Administrative rules. The list of New Hampshire Board approved courses is at the end of this document.
You must have a temporary New Hampshire RN or PN license before beginning these classes. Your temporary license is issued after you have been accepted into the course. A temporary license CANNOT be issued until the Board has received and reviewed your New Hampshire Criminal Background Check. The temporary license only allows you to practice under the supervision of the Board approved reentry course instructor.
Option 2: Self-Study Refresher Course and Clinical Practicum
(Pursuant to Adm Rule 403.04)
Option 2 requires completion of a self-study program and a clinical practicum. The Board of Nursing publishes a list of approved self-study programs. The self-study programs include content from the sciences, nursing process, leadership and organization, nursing interventions, health promotion, and legal and ethical issues. In addition to the self-study component, a minimum of 80 hours of clinical practice in a health care setting supervised by a Registered Nurse is required. Please note that the self-study courses may exceed the minimum number of hours required by the Administrative Rules. The list of approved self-study programs is attached.
You must have a temporary New Hampshire RN or PN license before beginning any portion of the self-study. Your temporary license is issued after you have been accepted into the course. A temporary license CANNOT be issued until the Board has received and reviewed your New Hampshire Criminal Background Check. The temporary license only allows you to practice under the supervision of the Board approved reentry program instructor. You must complete the entire self-study refresher course and clinical practicum within 4 months of being issued a temporary license.
Option 3: Individualized Study Plan and Clinical Practicum
(Pursuant to Adm Rule 403.03)
Option 3 requires completion of 320 hours of theory and clinical practice supervised by a Registered Nurse. The nurse who is seeking relicensure must design a program of study for her/himself that includes content from the sciences, nursing process, leadership and organization, nursing interventions, health promotion, and legal and ethical issues. The nurse must identify a Registered Nurse who is willing to provide clinical supervision in a health care facility and arrange with the supervising nurse and the facility to complete a clinical practicum.
The proposal for this individualized program must be approved by the Board of Nursing. You must submit to the Board a calendar of current readings and activities included in your proposed refresher program, the name of the RN currently licensed in New Hampshire who will supervise your practice and will meet weekly with you to assist with your learning, the expected outcomes of your plan, and methods to evaluate your nursing practice.
You must have a temporary New Hampshire RN or PN license before beginning the individualized study. Your temporary license will be granted after your proposal has been approved by the Board of Nursing. A temporary license CANNOT be issued until the Board has received and reviewed your New Hampshire Criminal Background Check. The temporary license only allows you to practice under the supervision of the Board approved reentry course instructor. You must complete the entire individualized refresher course and clinical practicum within 4 months of being issued a temporary license.
Option 4: Successful completion of NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN
(Pursuant to Adm Rule 403.01(d)(4)
Option 4 requires the successful completion of the National Council of State Board of Nursing Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN).
You must apply to the Board of Nursing for approval to take NCLEX. You must register and take the NCLEX within 4 months of making application to the Board for approval to take the examination.
Option 5: Excelsior College Examinations (for Registered Nurses only)
(Pursuant to Adm Rule 403.01(d)(5)
Option 5 requires the successful completion of 3 Excelsior College examinations. The 3 examinations are:
Nursing Concepts 3: Course #463
Nursing Concepts 4: Course #464 and
Nursing Concepts 5: Course #465.
Information about Excelsior College can be found at www.excelsior.edu.
You must be granted permission by the Board of Nursing before beginning Option 5.
Excelsior College requires official notification from the Board of Nursing before you can register for the tests. |
