Continuing Nursing Education For Nurses
There are several different types of continuing nursing education for nurses. Some are required by law while others are available for nurses at no cost. Nurses are required to obtain continuing education credits in order to keep their licenses active. These credits can be obtained through approved nursing activities, educational courses, and employment. Nurses earn continuing education units by completing ten hours of approved learning activities. A nurse may pursue this education through a college, nursing school, or an accredited program.
Continuing education is essential for nurses, as it helps them maintain their licenses and keep up to date on advances in the nursing profession. Many nurses become lifelong learners and replace their nursing textbooks with nursing journals. Other types of continuing education are required to protect healthcare institutions from legal liability and enhance a nurse’s skill set. As a nurse, you may also find that certain types of continuing nursing education help you in your next career move.
For example, there are specific types of continuing education required by different specialties. Forensic evidence collection, for example, is a specialty continuing education requirement for nurses. Forensic evidence collection is an area of nursing where a nurse may need to expand her scope of practice. Free CEUs for Nurses must cover the areas in which she practices. Some states require a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education in the area of nursing in order to maintain a license.
Types of Continuing Nursing Education For Nurses
Other types of continuing education for nurses include state-mandated and optional courses. For example, New York requires nurses to complete courses on identifying and reporting child abuse. Infection control education is also required in New York, while Michigan requires a course on pain management. Further, some states require nurses to earn at least one hour of pain management education. These are merely examples of the many different types of continuing nursing education for nurses.
Continuing education is not only important for nurses; it is also important for employers. Lifelong learning in the nursing profession strengthens the nursing workforce, making it more loyal to their employers. It also increases a nurse’s satisfaction with her work. If she continues to learn, she can increase her chances of a promotion or even an advanced nursing position. In addition, continuing education improves her personal and professional reputation. So, it’s worth continuing to improve your knowledge and skill level.
Continuing education for nurses can take the form of professional conferences. Look for conferences with accredited programs and check whether they offer CE. Be sure that the courses provide reliable information and are presented in a suitable format. If they don’t, you can always contact the American Nurses Credentialing Center or professional associations. There are also online resources where you can find accredited courses for nurses. It’s important to research the accreditation of continuing nursing education for nurses.
CNE providers can provide you with a schedule of CNE offerings. Some of these providers offer unlimited access to their courses; others require a one-time payment for unlimited access. Many of these activities are approved by state nursing boards and are tax-deductible. In addition to attending these activities, nurse license renewal may also be required. It is important to note that some of the courses may also satisfy disciplinary orders, and therefore do not earn CNE contact hours.
