Nebraska requires 20 hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal, with specific rules about peer-reviewed content and limits on CPR/BLS hours. If you prescribe controlled substances, additional opioid-related CE is required. Here's everything you need to know to renew your Nebraska nursing license on time.
Nebraska RN License Renewal Requirements Overview
The Nebraska Board of Nursing requires all RNs and LPNs to complete 20 contact hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle. At least 10 of those hours must be peer-reviewed, and no more than 4 hours can come from CPR or BLS training.
Nebraska is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, allowing nurses with a multistate license to practice across all compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
What Is Required for Renewal?
For RNs and LPNs (20 hours):
- 20 total CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle
- At least 10 hours must be peer-reviewed continuing education activities
- No more than 4 hours from CPR/BLS training
- All hours may be completed via home study or internet courses
- Renewal fee: $123 for RN and LPN
For APRNs Who Prescribe Controlled Substances:
- 20 CE hours plus maintenance of national certification
- 3 hours on prescribing opiates (included in total)
- 30 minutes on the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) included within the 3 opioid hours
Important Renewal Dates
- RN and APRN deadline: October 31 of even-numbered years (next: October 31, 2026)
- LPN deadline: October 31 of odd-numbered years (next: October 31, 2027)
- No grace period: Failure to renew results in license expiration
- Penalties: Practicing with an expired license may result in fines up to $1,000 per day
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Nebraska Nursing License
- Complete your CE hours. Finish all 20 contact hours before the October 31 deadline. Ensure at least 10 hours are peer-reviewed and no more than 4 are from CPR/BLS.
- Log in to the Nebraska DHHS licensing portal. Access your account to start the renewal process.
- Verify your CE compliance. Attest that you have completed all required hours, including any specialty requirements for controlled substance prescribers.
- Update your information. Review and update your contact and employment details.
- Pay the $123 renewal fee. Payment can be made online by credit or debit card.
- Submit before October 31. There is no grace period — late renewal results in license expiration and potential penalties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not enough peer-reviewed hours. At least 10 of your 20 hours must be peer-reviewed. Double-check that your CE provider offers peer-reviewed content before completing courses.
- Too many CPR/BLS hours. While CPR/BLS training counts, Nebraska caps it at 4 hours toward your 20-hour requirement. Don't rely on it for a large portion of your CE.
- Missing the opioid prescribing requirement. If you prescribe controlled substances, you need 3 specific hours on opiate prescribing (including 30 minutes on PDMP). Generic CE won't satisfy this.
- Confusing RN and LPN renewal years. RN/APRN licenses renew in even-numbered years, while LPN licenses renew in odd-numbered years. Mark the correct deadline on your calendar.
- Practicing on an expired license. Nebraska has no grace period and penalties can reach $1,000 per day for practicing without a valid license.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Spread your CE over two years. Complete 10 hours per year instead of cramming all 20 into the final months. This reduces stress and helps you stay current.
- Verify peer-reviewed status upfront. Before purchasing or enrolling in a CE course, confirm it meets Nebraska's peer-reviewed requirement. Look for ANCC accreditation or similar credentials.
- Use NLC benefits. As a compact state, your Nebraska multistate license lets you practice in other NLC states without extra licenses — ideal for travel nursing or telehealth.
- Track your progress with RenewRN. RenewRN helps you track completed CE hours, monitor peer-reviewed vs. general hours, and sends reminders before your October 31 deadline.
Track Your Nebraska License with RenewRN
With 20 hours to track — including peer-reviewed requirements and CPR/BLS limits — staying organized is key. RenewRN tracks your CE progress, categorizes your hours, and sends reminders at 90, 60, 30, 7, and 1 day before your license expires.