Continuing Education

[nowontonursing]

Hello nursing community!

So I've been working for almost a year now, I got my license in August and started my job (I work in NJ) around September/October. I was wondering when I should start my continuing education.

Honestly, I don't know anything about continuing education other than the fact that it needs to be done.

What is continuing education, where is it done, is it free? Where can I find clear guidelines for my requirements? What's the difference between CEUs/continuing education/contact hours?

I guess the most important questions I need answered for me right now is when do I start my continuing education and how long do I have to complete it?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Start now as you have to get 30 CEU before your May expiration which I'm guessing is May 31 2016 or 2017?

Work may offer some. Nurse.com has free and paid (I think the paid is cedirect.com and they have discount codes all the time even on Facebook page for nurse.com) epocrates & medscape offer free CEUs

The board of nursing has a section that details continuing education mandates:

Pages - Continuing Education FAQ

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Be sure to read your state's rules about CE so that you'll have an accurate understanding of all of your options. For instance, in my state, a recognized national specialty certification provides deemed status for meeting ongoing CE, with the exception of any specially mandated CE topics. So, for example if you're a CCRN, you wouldn't have to do anything extra except the new jurispudence requirement.... because the CE requirements for CCRN also 'count' for state licensure.

They may also have rules about routine certifications... ex: how & when you may be able to get credit ACLS, PALS, etc. or how much CE must be directly relevant to your area of practice.

Congratulations on successfully launching your nursing career!