How to Renew Your NJ RN License: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a Registered Nurse in New Jersey, or anywhere in the country for that matter, keeping your license active is essential. Not only is keeping up with renewal of your professional nursing license crucial for state regulations, but also to maintain eligibility to continue practicing as an RN. The license renewal process differs from state to state, with requirements being unique to each state. Seamlessly fly through the renewal application process by following our simple three (3) steps. In this blog, we dive into how to renew your NJ RN license with a step-by-step guide.
How to Renew Your NJ RN License: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify Renewal Deadline
The very first step towards renewing your New Jersey Registered Nurse license is to confirm the expiration date. In New Jersey, RN licenses are active for 2 years and must be renewed by May 31st of either odd or even-numbered years, depending on the date your license was issued. If you are still unsure about the expiration date, another way you can check is by searching the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs license data base. To check your NJ RN license through the database, you’ll need a few pieces of information. When you get to the license look up page, you’ll need to enter the following:
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- Profession
- License Type
- Full Name
- License Number
- City
Missed the NJ RN License renewal date? No need to panic. If you noticed that you missed the renewal deadline within 30 days of the date, you are eligible to still fill out a renewal application. However, you’ll need to pay extra fees (late fee + discipline surcharge). If you missed the 30-day grace period, your license will be marked as inactive. In this case, you’ll need to apply for a reinstatement or reactivation before continuing to practice.
- Complete the Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
The next step of renewing your NJ RN license is to meet the Continuing Education (CE) requirements. Not only is knowing the renewal deadline important to keep your RN license active, but it also gives you a timeline of when your CE courses should be completed by. Taking these classes ensures that nurses are staying up to date on the latest healthcare advancements in the industry and to keep your nursing skills in top shape.
Key CE Requirements for NJ RNs:
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- Complete 30 hours of CE.
- Courses must be approved by a credentialing agency accredited by the American Nurses Crediting Services (ANCC).
- At least one (1) hour must be concerning prescription opioid drugs, including alternatives to opioids for managing and treating pain, and the risk and signs of opioid abuse, addiction, and diversion.
- CE courses may be completed online or in person
- Always keep documentation of completed CE hours, in case of audit or reporting issues.
Meeting these requirements not only keeps your license active, but it also enhances your qualifications for top RN jobs in New Jersey.
- File your NJ RN License Renewal Application
After you have identified your licensure expiration date and completed the CE requirements, you will have to fill out and send in your renewal application. You can access the online renewal application via your account with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. If any important information regarding your name or address has changed, make sure to update this. In order to submit your application, you will need to pay the renewal fee. Once this is paid, your NJ RN license renewal application will be sent in.
The Importance of Renewing Your NJ RN License
Not only is renewing your NJ RN license important to continue legally practicing as a professional nurse, but it’s also critical to ensure that all nurses are continuously learning and growing. In a rapidly evolving healthcare environment, renewal processes ensure that RNs in NJ stay informed about the latest medical advancements, treatment protocols, and patient care standards. Renewing your NJ RN license is not just a requirement, but also a professional responsibility.
New Jersey RN Job Opportunities
Whether you’re a newly licensed Registered Nurse in NJ, or you’re looking for a top NJ nurse staffing company to work with, staying compliant with your license requirements helps ensure career longevity and continued professional growth. Staying on top of renewing your NJ RN license is crucial to continue your career as a professional nurse. At Horizon Healthcare Staffing, we’re committed to helping RNs like you stay informed, certified, and connected with the best nursing job opportunities across New Jersey. Interested in being an NJ RN agency nurse? Check out our current open jobs or send us your resume today!
