When you decide to become a nurse, whether it’s a license practical nurse (LPN), a registered nurse (RN) or an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP), you have to be prepared for a lifelong learning process. Sure, you will earn an associate’s, bachelor’s or advanced degree and pass the required certification exams but your education doesn’t end there.
We’ve talked about the importance of continuing education for nurses before but now that we’re in a new year, it’s a good time to refresh your memory and get prepared to meet the nursing CEU requirements for 2018.
To continue working as a nurse, you must complete your CE requirements during the renewal period immediately before your license expiration date. Most commonly, your license will have to be renewed every 2 years unless your state or your employer specifically requires you to complete additional requirements. The easiest way to keep track of this is to visit NursingCE.com because you will have access to your state BON’s current continuing education requirements. In addition, NursingCE.com offers a variety of accredited courses that you can take for free - most can be completed during your lunchbreak or train ride to work (yes, they are that easy). You only have to pay when you need the certificate.
You also want to make sure to check with your own hospital and any associations that you belong to find out if you have further requirements above and beyond that of your state nursing board. It’s to your own advantage to fulfill these obligations as soon as your BON allows it – don’t be that nurse who waits for the last minute and then has to rush to renew your license.