This should be marked on the packet of envelopes, or on the envelope itself. Size 14 envelopes measure 5" x 11.5" and are considered the standard size. They will be rectangular in shape and will often be sold in packages at your local post office.  You can also mail a letter in an envelope that is smaller than a size 14, such as a size 10 envelope (4.125" x 9.5"), with a regular stamp. If possible, fold your letter so it fits in a standard rectangular envelope, as this may cut down on the price of postage. Envelopes larger than size 14 are considered large envelopes, or flats, and will be more expensive to mail. Card sized envelopes, made for small greeting cards or wedding invitations, will also likely have additional postage fees. This is because pieces of mail that have an odd shape or are square shaped and made of rigid card can jam mail processing machines and need to be processed separately. You can do this at the post office or on a small office scale. The weight and size of your letter (plus the envelope) will affect the price of postage, or how much you will pay for a stamp. Often, the heavier the letter is, the higher the price of postage will be.  Letters in a standard envelope that weigh less than 13 ounces can be sent via First Class Mail at one flat rate. Letters in a standard envelope that weigh more than 13 ounces will be upgraded to Priority Class Mail, and the price for postage will be more than the flat rate. There are three basic levels of mail, according to the US Post Office.  First Class Mail is often what is used to send letter-size pieces that are rigid and square. To send a letter First-Class, it must weigh no more than 13 ounces. The price for sending First Class Mail is the same, regardless of the distance the letter is traveling. The arrival time for First Class Mail is two to three days for destinations within the U.S. Sending mail First Class is ideal for a single letter as all you need is a standard stamp and access to a post box.  Priority Mail is ideal if you want your letter to get to the addressee by the following business day. To send a letter by Priority Mail, it must weigh no more than 70 pounds. At the post office, you can add on extra services to your Priority Mail item, such as USPS Tracking and Registered Mail, especially if your letter contains legal or sensitive information that must reach its destination. The price of Priority Mail postage is based on the distance the mail must travel; the further the distance, the more you will pay for postage. This is broken down by nine “zones”. For example, “Zone 1” is local, or the area close to you, and “Zone 9” is the furthest distance away from your location. Standard Mail is used for larger quantities of mail, at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail at one time. Envelopes must weight less than 16 ounces. Large envelopes, also called flats, cost more than letters. People use Standard Mail to send flyers, advertising documents, newsletters, catalogs, and bulletins. You can only send domestic mail by Standard Mail and you cannot send one single envelope through Standard Mail.

Summary: Check the size of your envelope. Weigh your letter. Decide if you want to send the letter by First Class, Priority, or Standard Mail.


If you violate any laws or state regulations related to medical or nursing practice, your license may be suspended or revoked. Your license may also be suspended or revoked if it is proven that you:  Told people you were a doctor Exceeded your authority as an NP Have become unable to practice due to mental illness or excessive use of drugs or alcohol Violated laws or regulations specifically relating to the possession, use, or distribution of drugs Virginia requires licensed nurses to update their education continuously while practicing. You have several different options to meet this requirement:  Current and active specialization certification by a national certifying organization (each will have its own continuing education requirements) Completion of at least 3 credit hours of nursing-related education from an accredited college or university A board-approved refresher course in nursing Nursing-related, evidence-based project or research study Publication as the author or co-author of a nursing-related, evidence-based article or study Teaching a nursing-related course offered for at least 3 credit hours Up to 30 contact hours teaching or developing nursing-related continuing education courses 15 contact hours of nursing-related workshops, seminars, and the like plus at least 640 hours of active practice as a nurse 30 contact hours of nursing-related workshops, seminars, and the like Both your RN license and your NP license must be renewed every 2 years. If you have prescriptive authority, you can also renew that at the same time. All nurses in Virginia renew their licenses during the month of their birthday. The entire process can be completed online.  Since you had to apply for your initial license online, you already have a user name and password for the Department of Health Professions Online Licensing website. Just go to https://www.license.dhp.virginia.gov/license/ to renew your licenses. If you were born in an even-numbered year, you'll renew your license on even-numbered years, regardless of the year it was initially issued. If you were born in an odd-numbered year, you'll renew your license on odd-numbered years. NPs in Virginia may be able to apply for prescriptive authority after working 2 years as an NP. During those 2 years, you must work at least 1,000 hours and complete at least 15 credits of continuing education in pharmacology. To be eligible for prescriptive authority, you also must show that you studied pharmacology or pharmatherapeutics during your graduate nursing studies. You also need at least 30 contact hours in pharmacology education. Once you have 5 years of full-time clinical experience under the direct supervision of a physician, you can apply to practice autonomously. This license would allow you to practice as an NP without being supervised by a physician. You can download the autonomous practice license application at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/media/dhpweb/docs/nursing/forms/NP_AutonomousPractice,.pdf.
Summary: Follow the state regulations governing nurse practitioner practice. Demonstrate compliance with Virginia continuing education requirements. Renew your licenses every 2 years. Complete a separate application for prescriptive authority after 2 years. Apply for an autonomous practice license after 5 years if desired.