The Nurse’s Guide to Continuing Education
Discover information about free ongoing education for nurses, encompassing the requirements for nurses and the courses available. After obtaining your nursing degree and passing the National Council Licensure Exam, your education doesn’t stop. Nursing is an ever-evolving field, and as a nurse, you need to be a lifelong learner to ensure optimal patient care. This is why most states mandate continuing education (CE) to maintain your nursing license, ensuring that you stay updated with the latest nursing practices.
Explore the prerequisites for continuing education for nurses, the different types of ongoing education, and how to find or finance free education courses for nurses.
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Understanding Continuing Education in Nursing
To qualify as ongoing education for nurses, CE must be organized and provided by qualified institutions. You can find CE opportunities through professional nursing associations, nursing schools, course directories, or peer-reviewed publications. The appropriate CE for you depends on your professional focus and career aspirations.
Once you find an opportunity that interests you, enroll and participate in the course or conference. If you’re reading a peer-reviewed article, you might need to complete a test afterward. Other providers might document your attendance. Keep track of your hours for reporting.
Most states require CE to maintain your license, although the number of hours varies. Some states also mandate CE in specific subjects. Check with your state’s nursing board to understand the ongoing education requirements for nurses in your state.
The Importance of ABHES and CAAHEP Accreditation in Nursing
The Importance of Continuing Education for Nurses
CE ensures that you are knowledgeable about and apply the latest advancements in nursing care. It can also safeguard healthcare institutions from legal liabilities. Moreover, CE can help you enhance your skills for your next career step.
Ongoing education courses for nurses cover a range of topics similar to those found in nursing school, including medicine, health promotion, communication and leadership, and the legal and ethical aspects of nursing. Regardless of your role, CE can contribute to your expertise.
Varieties of Continuing Education
– Yearly healthcare employee requisites
– State-mandated nurse CE
– Professional development activities
Formats of Continuing Education
– Conferences
– In-person classes
– Online classes
– Online and live webinars
– Self-study educational materials
Providers of Nursing Continuing Education Courses
You can access ongoing education courses from various nonprofit and for-profit organizations.
– Abbott Nutrition Health Institute Courses
– This nonprofit offers free continuing education for nurses through online courses on nutrition, covering topics like infant nutrition and nutrition after surgery.
– Nurse.com
– Nurse.com offers free ongoing education courses for nurses, covering career subjects and nursing practice. Most provide one or 1.5 hours of credit.
– The Institute for Johns Hopkins Nursing Courses
– Johns Hopkins provides free and paid online courses on specific conditions, such as HIV and multiple sclerosis, as well as general nursing practice.
– NurseCEU.com
– This website lists continuing education unit (CEU) courses, including a section on free ongoing education for nurses. You can search by topic.
– RN.org
– This site offers unlimited CEU courses for an annual fee of $19.95. Topics range from bioterrorism preparation and medical errors to specific health conditions.
Paying for Ongoing Education
The cost of ongoing education varies from free to several hundred dollars. Many employers cover or share the cost of ongoing education for nurses. Some large hospitals, particularly academic medical centers, may offer education themselves or subscribe to services delivering online CE for nurses. Others reimburse expenses. If your employer doesn’t cover CE, many nursing associations and nonprofits provide nursing scholarships.
Alternatives to Fulfill Ongoing Education Requirements
Numerous professional conferences can fulfill ongoing education requirements for nurses. Make sure to check the conference details to know the credit hours and documentation process. You can also read professional literature and pass a test. Confirm whether passing the test meets CE requirements.
CEU Accreditation
Similar to nursing school accreditation, CEU accreditation verifies that ongoing education courses for nurses offer reliable evidence-based information and are presented in a suitable format. You can find accredited programs through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or through providers you trust, like professional associations. Check if the courses meet the ongoing education requirements for nurses.
State-specific Nursing Continuing Education Requirements
Each state has distinct ongoing education requirements for nurses. Below is the number of contact hours required for maintaining licensing in each state. Numerous states include extra requirements or accept alternate forms of education, like a refresher course. Consult your state’s nursing board for detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Continuing Nurse Education
How can I access free nursing CE?
You can find free ongoing education for nurses from various sources, including nursing schools, nursing associations, or government organizations. Your employer might also provide free courses or assistance with fees.
What qualifies as CEUs for nurses?
CEUs must be accredited by recognized organizations such as the ANCC or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Courses, conferences, and webinars are common sources of ongoing education for nurses.
What’s the difference between contact hours, continuing medical education (CME), and CEUs?
One contact hour is equivalent to 60 minutes of learning. One CME is the same as one contact hour. However, one CEU equals 10 contact hours. Review the course descriptions for ongoing education courses for nurses to be sure which they offer.
How can I quickly earn CEUs?
Online asynchronous courses, which you can take at any time within a specific timeframe, are often the quickest way to meet ongoing education requirements for nurses if you’re approaching your license renewal deadline. You can find a wide range of courses on websites like rn.org or the Institute for Johns Hopkins Nursing Courses.
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