Should I renew my licence now?

My licence in the US is expiring the end of June 2010. I'm now working in Australia and will still be working there for another 4 years or so. Planning to come back to the US afterwards but nothing is for sure at this time. Don't know if I should renew my licence right now (before it expires) or wait until I come back? Is it renewable online?
Appreciate any advice!!!
You might think about inactivating it if you won't be back for four years. Some states charge to inactivate, others don't. In either case it would cost less than keeping it up for four years if you aren't going to use it. You can then reactivate it before you return. Don't let it lapse without any action, though, or you may have to pay a surcharge or maybe even take a course to get it back.Most states have online renewal, I would think.

A very wise nursing instructor once cautioned us never to allow our initial license expire, if at all possible.If you have the CEUs, current practice and other requirements needed, I would strongly urge you to renew. It will make the process of returning to work in the U.S. much easier when the time comes.If you are unable to renew, please take the step to place your license on inactive status. That is preferable to simply allowing it to lapse, which may result in fines and penalties when/if you choose to reinstate it.Best to you.

Thanks Orca and Jolie for the input! Really appreciate it! I was about to finish the online renewal process and wondering how long it can extend the expiration date?

I would guess that depends on how long your state renews licenses for.

I strongly think you should renew it, most states have an online renewal. Plus, you won't have the hassle of renewing it when you get back. Who knowns you might be very busy when you come back and not have time to renew it.

also available on line are sites where you can obtain ceu credits, if needed, for a modest price, I would say renew now...

NEVER EVER let your license expire even if you have to pick up aluminum cans to pay the renewal fee!!!

I was on disability for 13 years and renewed my license like clock work. Do it and you will not regret it.

Remember that many (maybe all?) states require a minimum amount of work time to renew a license, e.g. 1,500 hours within the previous five years to keep a license current.

Don't let your license lapse-- either renew it or inactivate it. My floor precepts quite a few nurses who left nursing & let their licenses lapse. Now, they have to take 16 weeks of refresher & 80 hours of clinicals. Not only is it an inconvenience but I believe it's rather costly.