What is a reasonable number of CEU's a year?

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Specializes in mother/baby.

Hi,

I'm a new grad nurse practicing in a state that doesn't require CEU's to maintain our licenses. I'm still in "study mode" from being in school, and enjoy learning so I find myself reading various articles that have the CEU quizzes at the end, and attending workshops or symposiums on occasion.

Is it worth my while (and money) to keep track of these hours, even tho my state does not require it? Is it something to note on my resume, or to bring up in my annual evaluation? And, if so...what's a reasonable amount of continuing education hours to shoot for in a year?

Thanks for your help.

femmeRN

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I can't tell you how many hours, but I highly recommend getting CEUs-as many as you can.

Definitely save them and also give copies of the certificate to your HR department to keep in your file. It demonstrates that you're proactive and take the time to keep up with changes.

Also, if you ever choose to become certified in a specialty those CEUs may help. Some require a certain number of contact hours before allowing you to take the exam.

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I have 210 so far this year...I am an LPN and need 20 every two years. But...I am also a paramedic and have taken my paramedic reshresher, ACLS, PALS, and a pediatric trauma class thuis year. I am also a new RAC-CT, which was a three day class and I go to a four hour class once a month for work. I've gotten a lot of CEUs for things at work this year. Maybe next year won't be quite as crazy.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I'm licensed in 2 states. Texas requires 20 CEUs for license renewal every 2 years, and California requires 30.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

BTW - there is no longer any "CEU's". That is an outdated term. The correct term is "contact hours". CEU's used to represented 10 contact hours. People confused them with contact hours so CEU has been dropped.

As for the recommended number of contact hours, I would say whatever it takes for you to feel you are up to date with topics in your practice. There is no point in keeping the documentation longer than 2-3 years, unless you have a certification that requires otherwise.

Does your supervisor consider these contact hours when evaluation time comes around? I certainly would!

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