ceus for nurses
Every year, or at least every two years, nursing professionals must earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to remain compliant with modern standards and best practices. Though the CEU requirements vary by state, profession, and nursing specialty, they are an essential component of professional growth and knowledge. Here’s what you need to know about CEUs. What Does This Mean? How to Earn CEUs as a Nurse
CEs must be approved by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) before they can be used by nurses. This means the programs must meet certain standards for contact hours and be conducted outside of the nurse’s normal duties. The licensee must retain original documentation of the Nursing CEUs, including the course description, as well as the provider number, for audit purposes. Additionally, programs offered by an approved CE provider will count toward the required hours for nurses’ continuing education requirements.
Continuing education units for nurses can be earned through college credit courses. These courses must meet the nursing curriculum’s prerequisites and be relevant to nursing practice. Typically, one academic semester unit is equal to fifteen contact hours, while a quarter unit is equivalent to 10 contact hours. Most state BONs have specific guidelines for what counts as acceptable CE content. Prerequisite courses and general ed classes, for example, cannot be counted toward CEU requirements.
ceus for nurses what ceus are required for nurses
Some states require nurses to earn CEUs on specific topics. In some states, this can be accomplished through a comprehensive online course. The convenience of this option allows the nurse to work around the course around their own schedule. Most states require fifteen hours of continuing education every two years. APRNs may have different requirements. It’s important to consult your state board to find out which courses qualify as CEUs in your state.
Continuing education hours for LPNs are also required. LPNs are required to earn at least 30 hours of approved CE each renewal cycle. They must also complete at least four hours of CE on HIV/AIDS or related topics. CE4Nurse does not provide CE certificates to the Board, but it does keep a copy on file. The Board may require proof of continuing education for RNs.
Continuing education is a crucial part of a nurse’s career, so it’s important to stay abreast of changes in the field. Continuing education units help nurses stay current in the field and contribute to better patient care. In most states, nursing CEUs are mandatory, but it is up to each individual nurse to meet their requirements. Many CEU requirements include topics covered in nursing school curriculum. Some states require CEUs for nurses every two years, but many don’t.
In order to remain compliant with the CEU requirements, nursing professionals need to track their CEUs on a regular basis. There are many options available to nurses for managing CEUs. Microsoft Word, Excel, Dropbox, Evernote, and iPhone’s Notes App are just a few examples of popular programs for managing CEUs. Make sure to back up your files regularly to avoid losing any information. Additionally, you can set up a Trusted Profile where you can store your credentials and add CEUs to your resume.