Am I doing my CEUs correctly??

[andreasmom02]

I am a Virginia LPN. Virginia requires LPNs to complete 30 contact hours of learning every 2 years to maintain an active license. I just wanted to make sure that I am doing my CEUs correctly. I emailed & called the VA. BON not long ago, but can't get a straight answer.

The last time I completed my CEUs I ordered two courses from Net CE. One course was Anxiety disorders worth 15 contact hours, the other was colorectal cancer worth 15 contact hours which equals 30 contact hours. So basically my question is: can I take whatever courses I want as long as it adds up to 30 contact hours?? Or do I have to find one course that equals 30 contact hours? Any help is appreciated...

[llg, PhD, RN]

You can take a combination of courses that add up to 30 hours. I get most of my CNE (Continuing Nursing Education) credits 1 hour at a time through educational programs at my workplace. (I am an RN in Virginia.)

[andreasmom02]

Thanks so much for your reply! ?

[caliotter3]

And make certain you keep a copy of your certificates of completion for at least two license renewal periods (four years), just in case. Although most CE providers allow one to access, and print off, these certificates online, I always worry that somehow I won't be able to get the information if I need it later.

[andreasmom02]

8 hours ago, caliotter3 said:

And make certain you keep a copy of your certificates of completion for at least two license renewal periods (four years), just in case. Although most CE providers allow one to access, and print off, these certificates online, I always worry that somehow I won't be able to get the information if I need it later.

Thanks, yes I always keep paper copies of everything! I guess you could say I'm "old school"! lol

[Maryrose, MSN, RN]

Yes, you can take a combination of how ever many units you need to fulfill the requirements for your state. Each state has a recommendation on how long you should keep your certificates if there is an audit.

In California, the requirements for the 2 year period are 30 contact hours every two years. When you are nationally certified in certain specialties, more continuing education or other methods of proving expert competency are required.

Maryrose, RN, MSN