[Dixiedi]

I went to LPN school at a hospital that no longer exists, I graduated in 1977.
I practiced, primarily in acute care, for 14 years.
Won't go into why I left, the imortant issue is I want to come back!
I've contacted my state (Ohio) and started the process of CEUs to renew my license but have been unable to find any truly helpful info for medication card.
I had the NAPNES Pharm card, which when I took the course and passed the test was for life. Now, they don't even want to talk to you if you haven't paid them in the last 5 years.

I am unemployed for crying out loud, how do they expect me to wait weeks on end to sign up for a certification exam. I have noticed NAPNES is just as screwed up as they were years ago!

But that produces my delima. If Ohio doesn't remember that I am certified or also feels like it should be renewed every 5 years as NAPNES does, what should I do? I really need help on this one. I can't find a single viable resource on the internet.

Oh believe me, CEUs to bring me up-to-date on meds are already being taken, it's that darned elusive little card that worries me.

I do not have my original card, nor my diploma from the now closed hospital or anything else that could be helpful. I even went to the first hospital I worked at after graduation. They would have copies of diploma, NCLEX results and NAPNES results (I vaguely remember providing then as I was a GPN when I first started there. However, that was the late 70s and those records are stored off-site and would require someone to go search through God only knows how many boxes to find it.

Oh I hope somebody has a suggestion or knows if Ohio will check my license for meds based on my old license.

[Anonymous]

Have you contacted the BON in Ohio?


WR,,, three commas for Becca

[Dixiedi]

yes,
"I've contacted my state (Ohio) and started the process of CEUs to renew my license but have been unable to find any truly helpful info for medication card."

They have sent me instructions for renewing my license. After renewed, when I am a licensed nurse again, maybe they will be more helpful on the pharmacology issue. But I can't wait forever (even if I have to) an income is required in this world.

[Anonymous]

Do you have a job lined up as an LPN.. I was an LPN for 17 years and I know they go in and out of vogue with the wind. I just couldn't handle not knowing whether I was needed or not.

And I love hemodialysis and in Maine they don't use LPN's in hemo .. So I really didn't have much of a choice.

I wonder if going in to the RN role might be an alternative for you..Just thinking out loud here.


WR,,, three commas for Becca

[mercynurse]

Have never worked in Ohio, but your best bet is to contact the nursing board.
Many local colleges offer testing sites and review courses for a VERY reasonable price...good luck

[Dixiedi]

An update!
It was not nearly as difficult as the lack of positive communication from the board and NANPNES let me think.
Actually, it was down right skimpy on the requirements!
My "old" medication certification is still valid, even if NAPNES won't replace the lost card and my license verifies such.
I finally got hold of someone at the LPNAO and she explained to me that I was trying to make it harder than it needs to be.
The ONLY thing required is 24 CEUs. Well, that was a breeze. The first two I took (online) were a little time consuming, checking definitions and all, but the more I did the faster and easier they were to complete!
I am quite confident in my ability to return safely and successfully.
Thanks to all who posted a suggestion.