Do unemplyed new Grads need continuiing education to renew their license?

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I know I can probably dig this up on the internet but thought this question appropriate for the experienced RN population that reviews this forum. I live in IL. License expires 5/31/2012. Being that I am not currently employed how would I determine what type training qualifies for the CE requirement (if it even exists for non-practicing new Grads)? Thank you.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Check the website for your BON. The CE requirements vary from state to state. Somewhere on their website, the required hours are listed. You can complete many CE modules online. Medscape offers some free CEU's and another site that I use is State Approved Free Nursing CEUs with Unlimited Access for 19.99 a Year!. For 19.99 per year, you have access to many CE modules, also approved by most BON's.

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Awesome reply! Thanks.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

You're welcome :)

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

In Illinois, you do not have to have CEUs to renew on 5/31/12 if you received your initial licensure after 5/31/10. My next post in this thread will contain the link to the IL information, if I can find it.

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I don't read anything referring to licensure date of 5/31/2010.

That reads to me as the date your CEUs will be counted as valid IF you are someone who is renewing for the second, and subsequent renewals. They won't count any CEU classes for instance that you paid for, or time spent prior to that date. So it kind of sucks for those who went ahead and paid for classes. Sure you are learning, but most I think would have liked clarification so they could time things to coincide. I know that the IL site did not have any details for a long time about this, then suddenly posted some.

Says, if you are renewing for the first time, there is not a need for CEUs.

That's what I read under no. 3 on the IL website...

"3. This is my first time renewing my IL RN license - do I need to complete 20 hours of CE prior to May 31, 2012?

a. No, a renewal applicant shall not be required to comply with CE requirements for the first renewal of an IL RN license."

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

Where did I get the 5/31/2010 date? All RNs in Illinois renew their licenses on 5/31 of even-numbered years. If you received your initial IL RN license after 5/31/2010, then 5/31/2012 will be your first renewal.

If you have a first renewal on 5/31/2012, you will not need CEUs. Furthermore, any CEUs acquired prior to 5/31/2012 will not count toward your 5/31/2014 renewal. You must acquired at least 20 CEUs in the two years immediately preceding your second and subsequent renewals.

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It's not necessarily 5/2010 initial license date. I was licensed 3/2010 and my first renewal is 5/31/2012

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

Thanks for the correction. I did not know that they provided a grace period of sorts so that RNs don't have to renew within x months of initial licensure. You apparently fall into that category.

At least the FAQ is clear that first renewals do not need CEUs, so that's good.

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Dudette, this information is extremely valuable. Thank you for doing the work and sharing it with me/us. Tim

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It's not necessarily 5/2010 initial license date. I was licensed 3/2010 and my first renewal is 5/31/2012

How did you find out that you did not have to renew in 5/2010?

I just received my Illinois license 1/24/12 and I received the postcard saying my license will expire at the end of May.

thanks!

KR

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