Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse
Renewal Information

All RN licenses issued by the Department expire on October 31st of each even-numbered year and all LPN licenses expire on October 31st of each odd-numbered year. To renew a license, the licensee must submit the renewal notice, attest to having met the requirements of continued competency and pay the renewal fee of $75 along with the $2 LAP fee. In 2006 and 2007 an additional $1 fee will be added to each renewal to help support the Nursing Faculty Student Loan Program.

There is a $25 penalty fee for any RN or LPN who renews after October 31st. If renewing after October 31 you must also submit the Affidavit of Practice/Non-Practice along with any applicable fees. Nurses who continue to practice after their license has expired (November 1st) will be required to pay a fee of $10 per day for every day practiced up to a maximum of $1000.

RN and LPNs who fail to renew, or to place his/her license on a lapsed or inactive status will automatically have their license placed on a lapsed status 30 days after the expiration date.

In order to renew, all nurses must meet one of the continued competence requirements:

1. Have practiced nursing for at least 500 hours during the past 5 years AND have completed at least 20 contact hours of acceptable continuing education/inservice education within the past 2 years. Of the 20 hours attested to, no more than 4 hours may be from CPR or BLS, and at least 10 hours must be peer reviewed. All of the required contact hours can be taken via home study or Internet courses; OR

2. Have graduated from a nursing program within the last 2 years; OR

3. Have graduated from a nursing program in more than 2, but less than 5 years AND have completed at least 20 contact hours of  acceptable continuing education/inservice within the past 2 years. Of the 20 hours, no more than 4 hours may be from CPR or BLS and at least 10 hours must be peer reviewed. All of the required contact hours can be taken via home study or Internet courses; OR

4. Have completed an approved refresher course within the last 5 years.

5. Have obtained/maintained current certification in a nursing specialty granted by a nationally recognized certifying organization; OR

6. Have developed and maintained a portfolio that includes the licensee's current continuing competency goals and evidence/verification of professional activities to meet those goals.

Along with the continued competence information, each applicant for renewal is required to report any conviction for a misdemeanor or felony since the last renewal. Applicants are also required to report any discipline against any health care professional license in this state (other than nursing) or any health care professional license in any other state since the last renewal period. If Nebraska took a disciplinary action against your nursing license, you do not need to report it.