As a nurse, you are passionate about your career and feel a certain sense of identity as a person who heals and cares for others when they are sick or injured. So, if your nursing license is revoked it can be a blow both emotionally and financially. However, depending on the circumstances you may be able to petition to have your nursing license reinstated.
Petitioning for license reinstatement
If you lost your nursing license and you want it reinstated, you must file a petition with the Board of Registered Nursing. This allows you the opportunity to show that reinstating your license does not endanger patients. The burden of proof in such circumstances is on you. You must show by clear and convincing evidence that you are entitled to have your license reinstated.
Time limits for filing petitions
The time limits for filing a petition depend on the way your nursing license was taken away. You have three years to file a petition for reinstatement if your nursing license was completely revoked. You have two years to file a petition for reinstatement if your nursing license was terminated early and you have a probation period of at least three years.
You have one year to file a petition if you want to modify a condition on your probation or terminate a probation that is to last not more than three years. Finally, you have one year to file a petition if your nursing license was revoked due to a mental or physical illness.
Know your rights
You must file the time limits for petitioning to reinstate your license. It is also essential that you gather all the evidence needed to carry your burden of proof. If you are able to do so, it may be possible to have your nursing license reinstated.