Nurses Need CE
You can boost your career as a nurse by completing continuing education courses approved by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). ANCC-approved courses are highly relevant to nursing, so you’ll benefit from the latest information and skills to give your patients the best care. Even though you’re busy, you can fit CE requirements into your schedule. There are several ways to do so, from self-paced learning to taking online courses.
Nurses need continuing education to keep their license current. It keeps them abreast of the latest industry trends. In addition, taking online courses is a great way to brush up on your skills. Many states require nurses to earn Nursing CEUs in specific areas, and online courses can help you fulfill that requirement.
CEU courses can be taken in several ways, including conference workshops, seminars, webinars, and self-paced packets. You can also earn CEUs by reading professional literature. Some state boards approve professional literature as CEU credit, and you can earn CEU credits by passing a test on the content area. Each CEU requires 10 hours of study, and you must keep track of your continuing education credits to maintain your license.
Nurses Need CE – Boost Your Career With ANCC-Approved Continuing Education
CEU courses are widely available and can cost anywhere from free to a few hundred dollars. Some healthcare employers even subsidize CEU training costs. You can also participate in free or low-cost CEU training programs sponsored by nursing professional associations. While there are many free and low-cost CEU courses, you should remember that not all continuing education courses are accredited by nursing boards.
Nursing license laws vary by state, and each state has different guidelines regarding continuing education. In Texas, for example, RNs must take at least 20 hours of CE per year. In other states, nurses must take three CEUs every two years. APRNs may also have additional prescribing requirements.
In some states, nurses are exempted from CE requirements for their first renewal period. Once they reach that milestone, they will need to meet CE requirements for the next renewal period. In Washington state, the requirement is 45 hours for newly licensed nurses. In other states, such as Colorado, the requirements vary between annual and triennial.
Continuing education is an integral part of being a nurse, and it is important to keep your skills updated. To stay ahead of the game, you should choose a topic that interests you. Look for evidence-based guidelines that apply to your practice. It’s never too late to begin earning CEs and stay current. It’s important to continue your professional development and to ensure your accreditation. And while you’re doing it, consider taking a vacation!
Remember to keep your CE records for two to three years. Some states have specific requirements for maintaining records. Check your state’s board of nursing to see what the requirements are.
