a very complicated problem regarding Continuing Education...

Published

I passed the NCLEX for Northern Marianas almost a year ago and now it's about time to renew my license. I received my renewal letter April 23, 2009 and the letter said that the CEUs that will be accounted for should be taken before April 30, 2009. I managed to finish my 30units within 3 days (So, I finished around April 26). I took my CE at www.medscape.com... Unfortunately, my medscape account was set for medical students since I'm also currently a first year medical student. I hadn't realized that I had been taking the wrong units until I got to the 28th unit. I made the proper corrections and so now I have 28 units of AMA (for doctors CE) units and only 2 units of ANCC (Nurse's CEU). I wrote an email to medscape staff if it was possible to have my credits converted to the nursing type. I sent it on April 26 and that they said they would reply within 2 business days (April 28). I have also been busy lately studying... It is now May 3 and they still haven't replied. I tried reading all the fine print in the website and as it turns out the credits are not "exchangeable..." I know that most of this has been my fault for being so careless.

So, I now have 2 choices: Should I just have my license inactivated or pay $300 for my carelessness (which I dont have)? I may be in med school but I do have plans on working as a nurse after I graduate from medicine. i would gladly appreciate the advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My state gives people a thirty day grace period. Maybe you have a grace period. At any rate, I would complete 30 units as quickly as possible elsewhere, and send everything in late. At most, you might be assessed a late fee. Do this as soon as possible.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks! I will. I'm starting now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

I'm confused as to why you would go through the hell of medical school then work as a nurse afterward?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I might need to work as a nurse first before I can practice as a doctor when I go to the US.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Nurses may claim CME contact hours as long as the content was nursing related. For instance, if the course was related to bariatric surgery the nurse would benefit from knowing about the condition in general, how to plan care, pharmacy, etc---but not how to perform surgery or diagnose. Many courses will state on the front end how many contact hours are for nurses and pharmacists, etc. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Check with your BoN if you need CEs - in CA, the first time you renew your license, you don't need any CEs (after that you need 30 every two years), but each state is different.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@ classicdame: thanks! i've already emailed my state's BON about that...

@ Lotte: my renewal letter states that i need to have 30 CE's every year...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@classicdame: the courses i took were for doctors and nurses. It was just that the units i got were for the doctors (AMA)... hehe.

@Lotte: my letter says that i have to take 30 units every year.

Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have another follow-up question...

If ever the BON of Saipan wont accept my AMA units, and Ive already passed the deadline. Do I have to have my license reinstated?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I guess each state works differently, but it surprizes me that you passed NCLEX last year and are already up for recertification...again, I am assuming that each state is different. I hope that the CEUs convert!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@pagandeva2000: Saipan requires a yearly renewal. Sadly, I wasnt able to keep up.. Thanks for the reply!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion