Online CE Courses

[mpgj83]

I'm a foreign grad and am still applying to sit in for the NCLEX. Seeing as to how this will be a very long wait, would it be a good idea to take online CE courses? I'm interested in taking Spanish for healthcare professionals, for example. I found a site that provides unlimited 650+ CE nursing courses for a very affordable price, and getting a bunch of CE certification seems like a good use of my spare time. Would this make me any more favorable to prospective employers during my first job interview? If so, what sort of courses would be best for a new grad (foreign or otherwise)? or would it be better just to save the money and study on my own, without the CE certification? Thanks!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I don't know whether a language course qualifies for professional CE in all states. You may want to check with your BON - states are slightly different. For instance, here in TX, our CE must be related to our own area of practice and ongoing specialty certification (by an approved body) can serve as an equivalent for CE.

I don't think that CE itself will add any value to your resume, other than showing that you are interested in continuing professional development. As a new grad, any course related to new technologies, disease management or cultural competence would be very appropriate.