As our society progresses, so does science, technology, and medicine.
As a healthcare professional, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are able to keep up with the fast-paced evolution of your industry.
This is why you’re required to take continuing education in order to renew your nursing license.
But what are the nursing CE requirements in Delaware?
We’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you should know, from the requirements of a CNA to an APRN.
So let’s get started!
Delaware Nursing CE Requirements
Not everyone has the time to scroll through chunks of text. So we’re going to give you a brief overview in the table below!
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| CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) | 24 contact hours of approved continuing education with: Every renewal (2 years) – at least 64 hours of paid nursing-related services in a health care setting, minimum 6 hours dementia training, minimum 2 hours of patient abuse prevention/maltreatment training |
| LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) | 24 contact hours of approved continuing education every 2 years, including: Every renewal (2 years) – 3 hours of CE in Substance Abuse Within 5 years – 1,000 hours of practice The past 2 years – 400 hours of practice |
| RN (Registered Nurse) | 30 contact hours of approved continuing education every 2 years including: Every renewal (2 years) – at least 3 hours of CE in Substance Abuse Within 5 years – 1,000 hours of practice The past 2 years – 400 hours of practice |
| APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) | You must meet one of the following practice requirements in the role and population focus area in which you are licensed: practice of 1,500 hours over the past five years in your specialty, OR practice of 600 hours over the past two years in your specialty, OR graduation from your specialty program within the past two years. |
Now, here are a few more details that you have to keep in mind for your nursing CE requirements in Delaware.
Delaware CNA Continuing Education Requirements
License renewal for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) is done every 2 years.
In these 2 years, you are required to:
- Complete 24 hours approved continuing education
- Perform no less than 62 hours of paid nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse or physician
- No less than six (6) hours of dementia training
- No less than two (2) hours of patient abuse prevention training
Delaware LPN Continuing Education Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) must renew their license every 2 years.
In these 2 years, you must have:
- 24 contact hours
- At least 3 hours of CE on Substance Abuse
- Be in practice for at least 400 hours in the past 2 years
or
- Be in practice for at least 1,000 hours in the past 5 years
Delaware RN Continuing Education Requirements
Registered Nurses (RNs) are required to renew their license every 2 years.
In these 2 years, you will need to accomplish:
- Get no less than 30 contact hours of CE
- At least 3 hours of CE on Substance Abuse
- Be in practice for at least 400 hours in the past 2 years
or
- Be in practice for at least 1,000 hours in the past 5 years
Delaware RNs and LPNs share similar requirements, except that RNs require 30 contact hours instead of LPNs’ 24 hours.
Delaware APRN Continuing Education Requirements
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) must renew their license every 2 years.
In these 2 years, you will need to complete one of the following practice requirements in the role and population focus area in which you are licensed:
practice of 1,500 hours over the past five years in your specialty, OR
practice of 600 hours over the past two years in your specialty, OR
graduation from your specialty program within the past two years.
Take note that your APRN license expires at the same time as your RN license.
If you do not have a Delaware RN license, then your license expires on September 30 of odd-numbered years.
FAQs
Now that you know all the CE requirements you need to keep your license active in Delaware, let’s go over a few FAQs.
Where can I get nursing CE courses in Delaware?
Where can I track my nursing CE credits in Delaware?
You can track and manage your nursing license here: DELPROS.
How do I use the DELPROS tracker to track my CE?
- If you’re not already a user, create an account (if you are, just log in)
- Click on the ‘CONTINUING EDUCATION’ tab
- Click the ‘ADD COURSE’ button
- Choose your profession and fill out the field required, and click ‘SAVE’
- Wait till you get the ‘SUCCESS’ confirmation
- Click ‘CONTINUE’ to add more courses
- Now, click the blue banner on your dashboard to renew your license/choose other services.
Can I get a temporary APRN permit to practice even if I’m not nationally certified yet?
Yes, you can. You simply go to this link and follow the instructions given.
How long are APRN temporary permits valid for?
Temporary APRN permits are valid for 90 days, but they can be extended in 90-day increments up to 2 years.
Conclusion
There you go! We hope we were able to give you all the answers you need in order to submit your nursing CE requirements.
What are you waiting for? Gather all those documents you need before you end up having to pay extra fines.
Good luck!
Last updated: March 28, 2023 (Requirements taken from Delaware BON website)