Delaware Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps
Delaware — also known as the First State — is known for its beautiful beaches and unique place in U.S. history. It’s also home to more than 1 million people, approximately 21% of whom are aged 65 and over. There’s much to explore as a nurse in Delaware.
Are you curious about the Delaware nursing license renewal process? You’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll describe how to renew a Delaware nursing license and share key information to help you get started.
Delaware Nursing Facts
The information below can help you renew your license, apply from out of state, learn about continuing education requirements, and answer other common questions. For general regulatory information, check out our article on the Delaware Nurse Practice Act.
Is Delaware part of the nursing licensure compact (NLC)?
Yes, Delaware is a part of the NLC.
How much do nurses in Delaware earn?
- The average CNA salary in Delaware is $38,620 per year.
- The average LPN salary in Delaware is $63,490 per year.
- The average RN salary in Delaware is $94,670 per year.
How can I contact the Delaware Board of Nursing (BON)?
Delaware Board of Nursing Phone Number: 302-744-4500
Website: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/
Delaware Board of Nursing Address
861 Silver Lake Boulevard
Dover, DE 19904
Delaware Nursing License Renewal Requirements
Out-of-state nurses can work in Delaware after obtaining their license by endorsement or with a compact license. If you’re a nurse already working in Delaware, the steps below will walk you through the Delaware nursing license renewal process.
Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline
Depending on the issue date, Delaware RN licenses expire on either February 28, May 31, or September 30 of odd-numbered years. LPN licenses expire on February 28 of even-numbered years. If you’re a CNA, you must renew your certifications every two years based on the date the certification was issued.
Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements
Delaware RNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education during their previous licensure period, while LPNs must complete 24 hours. In addition, LPNs must spend at least three of those hours focused on education related to substance abuse.
The Delaware Board of Nursing conducts audits of continuing education hours using the Delaware Professional Regulation Online Service (DelPros). You’ll be required to upload the required documentation for your hours if you’re selected for a randomized audit.
RNs and LPNs must also complete a specific amount of practice hours. You have three options, as outlined below:
- 1,000 hours within the past 5 years
- 400 hours within the past 2 years
- Nursing refresher course within the past 2 years
To verify your practice hours, your employer must complete a Verification of Nursing Practice/Employment form and submit it directly to the Delaware Board of Nursing.
In the event you can’t meet any of these requirements, you can appeal to the board to submit an alternate supervised practice plan. This option will be accepted only if you have written evidence of completion from the institution’s nursing administration.
CNAs must complete 24 hours of continuing education. Six of those hours must be used on dementia training while another two hours must focus on preventing patient abuse and neglect. You must also report that you’ve worked for at least 64 hours under the supervision of a nurse or physician.
In addition to the continuing education courses displayed on the Delaware Board of Nursing website, you can browse courses from IntelyEdu, which holds accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Step 3: Renew Your Delaware Nursing License Online
RNs and LPNs must pay a $170 renewal fee, while CNAs pay $25 to renew their certifications. You can complete your application through DelPros online. Simply enter your license number, username, and password to get started. CNAs can submit their application to Delaware’s Division of Health Care Quality through their online Relias accounts.
Once your license is renewed, you’re good to go — you’ll be eligible to work as an RN, LPN, or CNA in Delaware. You can also work in various parts of the state, including Wilmington, Newark, Dover, and more.
Ready to Finish Your Delaware Nursing License Renewal
You’ve got this! Once your license is squared away, you’re free to find nursing jobs in Delaware on IntelyCare that are right for you.