I have been having SUCH a hard time finding information on becoming certified as a nurse with the requirements for applying and sitting for the exam, it's driving me crazy! I believe many who are certified go through ANCC, so I hope some of you know what I'm talking about. I've spent about 2 hours searching for answers and even called the ANCC but they were closed.
My question:
To sit for the exam, you need "30 Continuing Education Hours".
Are "Continuing Education Hours"... CEU's or Contact Hours? I know that 10 contact hours is = to 1 CEU.
For those who are certified... how long did it take you to complete all of the continuing education hours to qualify? If I need 30 CEU's, it'll take forever! :)
I still get that I can find a ton of education material online...
For example, I found a site which offers a bunch of online courses in the specialty I'm looking for and there were 6 online courses for 4 contact hours each. Total of 24 contact hours. Which is awesome, but that would equal to 2.4 CEU's... so really... how LONG will it take me to qualify to certify??? Forever??? LOL!
It might take a while.... to be certified, it shows expertise...so it's going to take more than the standard required CEUs.... :)
CEU's do mean 10 contact hours. That is obsolete language as far as ANCC is concerned. Each contact hour should reflect 60 minutes of learning. You will need a specific number of HOURS of learning that relates to your area of practice. Each hour has to be from an approved provider, but does not have to be approved by ANCC or one of their certified approvers. This means you can get hours from other professional nursing organizations, as long as they pertain to your area of practice.
The ANCC prefers "continuing nursing education contact hours" to differentiate from contact hours you might receive that are not directed to the nurse. When you have a chance to connect to someone at ANCC I think they will help you more. I have always found them to be helpful and I have re-certified in my area. I feel sure ANCC wants you to have contact hours, not CEU's.
I know... but it's a LOT!! You need about 1-3 years experience in the specialty to become certified, but it might take me a few more years just to get all of the education stuff done... that's why I was hoping to talk to someone who was certified as well to clarify my question.
I know... but it's a LOT!! You need about 1-3 years experience in the specialty to become certified, but it might take me a few more years to get all the education stuff done...
Classicdame, you just said "CEU's do mean 10 contact hours", but actually a CEU is equal to 0.1 contact hours. Imagine the education online stuff involved if most classes are 2-10 contact hours only.
That's why I was wondering if the ANCC's "Continuing Education Hours" are CEU's or Contact Hours, because it's SUCH a huge difference.
I will definitely be trying them again tomorrow and I will let you all know what I find out... I'm going bonkers
If it's really going to take me forever and a day to get all of those education hours, I'm just a little bummed, because I took some practice tests and did very well... but it'll just take SO long to complete the requirements for the education.
That's good you did well....but having book knowledge and a piece of paper from a cert test aren't what it's all about- you need the experience to back it all up :) It does take time, hard work, and yes- money for the testing for the CEUs, contact hours, or whatever .... some employers will help with conference costs...you get more hours but it's pricey. But like classic dame said, talk w/ANCC again :) Don't fret yet :)
You've only been at this for 2 1/2 years- that's just getting past new grad/new nurse... you have time :) Being eager is great, but experience and time will make you more of an expert than anything else :) Be even more prepared for the test w/experience and being able to apply what you know.... :)
Specializes in General adult inpatient psychiatry.
At my job, we're required to have at least 12 CEUs/year. My place of employment offers free CEU access through Nursing Spectrum. It's not as frustrating as it seems.
If it's really going to take me forever and a day to get all of those education hours, I'm just a little bummed, because I took some practice tests and did very well... but it'll just take SO long to complete the requirements for the education.
Then what are you still doing here posting? Get busy. Do a few each day and it's over in no time. What's your big rush to become certified?
What certification exam are you seeking to sit for?
ANCC has the option of purchasing the study guide for the exam you want to sit for. There are MANY CEUs in the book. I have the med-surg cert. There were 80 CEUs. Granted it isn't cheap, but you are studying the content from the test writers.
Also, there is a site rnceus.com that has low cost CEU options.
xtxrn, ASN, RN
4,267 Posts
It might take a while.... to be certified, it shows expertise...so it's going to take more than the standard required CEUs.... :)