Continuing Education Insight

I enjoy con. ed. I do have to take a lot of it to keep up certifications but I feel that I am much more knowledgeable, marketable, and better able to care for patients by absorbing all the education that I can afford. There is such a wide variety of prices out there that I think you can find what you need for what you can afford. I love con. ed. that is based off of great reference books so that I have something tangible to keep for future reference. I also enjoy online courses/webinars that let me attend any time and not be stuck to a specific schedule.

Texas is considering a competency requirement for nurses, but the details have not yet been worked out. There is some discussion that people merely go thru the motions and do not really learn much with CE's. However, my experience is that people put about as much effort into something as they want and as long as they are held accountable for the outcomes, so be it. I favor CE. I enjoy learning and networking with peers.

I do my CME for myself! If I was doing it for financial gain...I don't think I would break even at all..LOL!

I look up things that are helpful to improving myself and accent my patient and even doctor relationships! I can only be the best I want to be if I strive for it...and CME is just one way I can help get that large task done!

Montana is also considering requiring continuing ed to maintain licensure. I'm in favor because I think after attending a good eduaction program you come out fired up and remembering why you are what you are; a caring nurse tring to do the best for your patient.

I love CE. In my city not many conferences or seminars come here but 2 are coming this summer and I am goining to both. I also like good magazines and books. I like when you can buy CDs or DVDs covering information from the seminar. I think some nurses do just go through the motions. You'll get as much as you put into it, those who want to learn do, those who don't- don't. I love to learn and don't mind paying the cash it costs. I agree with an above poster that coming out of a good seminar gets you fired up and it also gets you focused. CE is great- no complaints here (except I wish more would come to my city ).

I am required to complete 100 hours of CE every five years to maintain my neuroscience nursing certification (CNRN). 50 of those must be specific to neuroscience nursing, the rest can be general nursing CEUs, CME, or neuro CMEs.

The neuroscience nursing CEUs tend to be expensive. I usually try to go to one of the AANN annual meetings every five years. This year the International Stroke Conference was held in New Orleans, then a month or so later I drove up to Nashville for the AANN meeting.

In May, one of the drug companies usually sponsors online CE through the AANN website. It's usually $15/CEU, but free in May.

I had last week off and completed 29 hours. I should be set for recertification in 2010.

To all who have responded to my original post.

THANK YOU! Your insight and information is very helpful.