Understanding What Counts (and what doesn’t) as Continuing Education for Nurses
After becoming licensed as a nurse, your education doesn’t stop. Nursing requires ongoing learning to keep your license, job, and patient care skills up to date. Continuing education units (CEUs) also let you specialize in a nursing area. Each state has rules about what counts as continued education and what doesn’t. Learn what counts as continuing education for nurses, how much courses cost, and where to find free online programs.
Explaining Continuing Education
Continuing education helps nurses learn about the latest technology and best practices in nursing for safe patient care. Nurses take CEUs after finishing their nursing program. They attend workshops, read academic journals, take exams, or join state-approved seminars and conferences. These topics are similar to what they studied in nursing school. Courses can be online or in-person.
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Nurses can also use this chance to become certified in a nursing specialty like midwifery or anesthesia. State nursing boards set the rules for nursing CEs and topics. Some require specific subjects like pain management. For example, in Texas, nurses need 20 contact hours every two years, while in Tennessee, they need five.
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For CEs to count, they must be accredited by nursing organizations or schools.
Five Things to Know About Nursing CEUs
Nurses take CEUs to keep their jobs, licenses, or certifications. Costs vary, with free or low-cost options.
Remember these when choosing CEUs.
1. CEUs need to be accredited by organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or approved by your state board.
2. Before enrolling, ensure the course is accredited and meets your state’s requirements.
3. Choose CEUs that fit your level of nursing. Some courses are specific to certain nursing roles.
4. You can take courses that interest you but aren’t approved by your state board. They won’t count for your CEU requirements, but you can still learn from them.
5. CEU costs range from free to $100. Employers or organizations may offer free or cheap options.
What Doesn’t Count as Nursing CEUs?
While nurses can earn CEUs in many ways, not everything qualifies. Ecourses might not be accepted. You need to take courses from accredited associations or schools.
Here are things that usually don’t count:
1. Basic and advanced life support certifications are needed for licensure but don’t count for CEUs.
2. Career-focused courses, like retirement planning, don’t count.
3. Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses are for other medical professionals, not nurses.
4. Employer workshops on work policies don’t usually count.
5. Non-nursing college courses won’t count.
6. Nursing meetings and conventions usually don’t give CEU credit.
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What Does Count as Nursing CEUs?
Check with your state board for CEU criteria. Generally, accredited courses count. Nurses can find free and paid CEU courses. Often, employers pay for nurses’ CEUs.
Things that usually count are:
1. State-approved courses from nursing organizations.
2. Reading academic articles and taking exams.
3. Specialty nursing credentials.
4. Publishing nursing-related articles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing CEUs
– What’s the difference between contact hours and CEUs?
One contact hour is 50-60 minutes of learning. One CEU is 10 contact hours.
– How many nursing CEUs do I need?
Requirements vary by state. Most states require CEUs for license renewal.
– What counts as CEUs for nurses?
CEUs should be accredited by nursing organizations or schools. They cover various topics.
– How can I get free nursing CE?
Some places offer free CEUs, like the AACN. You can also write off CE courses for taxes if they’re needed for your job or license.
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