Free Nursing CEUs: What Continuing Education is Available for RNs?
Higher Education Articles September 9, 2013Free nursing CEUs are available for registered nurses who are required to meet certain requirements in order to remain active as a nurse. Each state mandates what continuing education courses are needed and how often they should be taken. If you do not know what is required to keep your nursing license in effect, you will need to contact the board of nursing in your state. Do not wait until the end of the year to do this, as you may not have enough time to complete the mandated requirements.
Reasons for Continuing Education Credits
Continuing education for nurses is necessary in order for the nurse to keep up-to-date on medical procedures, protocols and practices. This is not only for her own knowledge and safety, but for patients that she serves as well. A nurse is responsible for her actions and the care that she gives. By keeping abreast of all of the latest information, the nurse is able to provide quality nursing care.
Accountability of Continuing Education Credits
Some of the states will allow a nurse to be responsible in obtaining her own CEUs without having to show any proof of doing so. Other states will require written documentation that CEUs have been taken before they will allow renewal of a nursing license.
Types of Continuing Education Opportunities
There are a few different options for nurses to obtain continuing education credits. Continuing education credits are offered through:
•Online websites: Many online websites offer continuing education credits. These can be taken completely online with a certificate to print out upon successful completion of the course. Some courses are available on MP3 as well. These continuing education courses are available on a variety of healthcare topics, such as infection control, child abuse, career advancement, post traumatic stress disorder and more. Many of these offerings are free nursing CEUs. You are able to get your free nursing CEUs and print out your certificate when you have completed the course to verify that you have done so.
•Journal: A journal is another way to obtain your nursing CEUs. Sometimes the nursing CEUs will be available free of charge, but some may request a small fee.
•Seminar: Attending a nursing seminar is another option in obtaining your nursing CEUs. There is generally a cost involved in this option, which many healthcare companies will reimburse you for.
Obtaining your nursing continuing education credits may seem inconvenient to you, but it is essential in keeping informed of any new nursing procedure, protocols and practices. It is also mandatory by the state that you are practicing nursing in. Do not neglect to obtain your mandated nursing continuing education credits. Instead, appreciate the fact that you can learn and obtain free nursing CEUs online. It is convenient and easily accessible for all nurses.
