Continuing Nursing Education for Nurses

Continuing nursing education is mandatory for all licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. The types of CE required vary from state to state, but most states require their members to complete at least a certain number of hours every two years. The state board of nursing also sets deadlines for reporting CE hours. For more information, visit their website. You may be surprised to find that continuing education for nurses is not only mandatory, but also encouraged.

Continuing nursing education helps nurses broaden their knowledge base, stay up to date on new techniques and procedures, and provide the best care possible for their patients. Most states require nurses to complete CE to maintain their licenses, so make sure to check with your state board before enrolling in a course. These classes will cover the same subjects as those you studied in nursing school. Common topics include the legal and ethical aspects of nursing, medicine, health promotion, communication skills, and health promotion.

Nurse CEUs can focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of nursing. Some of these courses focus on clinical knowledge and skills, while others focus on soft skills, such as motivational interviewing, emotional intelligence, and LGBTQ healthcare. Some courses focus on death and dying, while others explore the ethical issues associated with such situations. In any case, continuing education can help you improve your clinical skills and enhance your overall care. And if you’re interested in a career change, continuing education is a good option.

Types of Continuing Nursing Education for Nurses

Some states require their nurses to take certain types of CNE, including a variety of specialties. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) defines this as targeted continuing education. This type of continuing education is aimed at promoting knowledge, improving skills, and developing attitudes. However, there are still some CNE types that aren’t required, such as certification in nursing ethics or the study of domestic violence.

There are many types of CEUs. Some are free, while others are part of a subscription or pay-per-course platform. To get credit for continuing education, the CEU program should be accredited. Accredited courses and instructors have to undergo vetting before they are allowed to sell CEUs. Regardless of which type you choose, make sure to find one that suits your learning style. If possible, choose a CNE course that is offered online.

In most states, nurses must take at least 20 hours of CNE each year to maintain their license. The duration of the initial license is six to 29 months, depending on the month and year the nurse was born. During this time, most of the required CNE courses are waived, so nurses should always ensure to complete them on time. In California, the Board of Registered Nursing conducts random audits of registered nurses, so nurses must keep their certificates for at least four years.