What is Continuing Education (CE) in Nursing? (+ 7 Important Questions for Nurses)

I’m sure you know that you need to enroll in a nursing education program to become a nurse, whether it’s an LPN, RN, or APRN. 

You need to get the proper knowledge and skills.

You can’t just wing it on the job… Lives depend on you to perform your work properly! 

So, we need a solid nursing education program…

But what is continuing education (CE) in nursing?

Does that mean the learning and training will never end?

Am I required to take that, or is it optional?

What are the consequences if I don’t? 

You probably have a lot of questions when it comes to CE in nursing, and we’re here to answer that and a few other questions.

So, if you’re ready, let’s discuss! 

What is Continuing Education (CE) in Nursing?

CE in nursing refers to your continuing development as a well-rounded, up-to-date nurse who offers safe and quality care to your patients. 

We have to remember that the nursing field is always advancing. 

As the years go by, people conduct more research, come up with new technology and medicines, standardize more procedures, and come up with new nursing laws and guidelines. 

Since all these advancements are happening year by year, the nurse also has to keep updated with these advancements.  

This is where nursing CE comes in. 

You have to make sure you aren’t outdated and that you can offer the best and safest care to your patients. 

Am I Required to Take Nursing CE?

Most states require you to take nursing CE for you to renew your license and continue working as a nurse. 

Some states even specify which nursing courses you should take, either on a one-time basis or as a requirement each time you renew your license. 

Some states, however, do not require nursing CE for renewal. 

If you want to find out the nursing CE requirements of your specific state, you can check out this page.

You can also look at the table below for a guide. 

*Please check your state’s board of nursing website for updates

If My State Does Not Require Nursing CE, Should I Still Take It?

Yes! It’s always best to take nursing CE even if your state does not require it. 

Remember that taking nursing CE is not just about renewing your license. It’s about staying up-to-date to provide the best and safest care to your patients.

Other than that, even if your state doesn’t require it, some hospitals or other healthcare facilities may require their employees to obtain nursing CE. 

The more highly-trained and up-to-date you are, the more likely you are to land good jobs, get higher salaries, and obtain promotions. 

Besides, what if you have to move to another state that requires nursing CE? You may be able to transition more easily if you’ve been taking CE.

What are the Consequences if I Don’t Take Nursing CE?

If your state requires it and you don’t comply, then your license will be deactivated and you can no longer practice as a nurse. 

Yes, you can reactivate it within a certain timeframe… but it will cost more and be much more of a hassle.

If your state does not require it, then you won’t face any immediate consequences. 

However, you may find yourself outdated and behind your nursing colleagues in other areas. 

What Counts as Nursing CE?

Your state usually specifies what counts as approved nursing CE and what does not. 

But it should be directly related to the nursing field/practice for it to be counted.

Some examples of courses you can take include:

• Infection control
• Domestic abuse
• Suicide assessment and prevention
• Cultural awareness
• Nursing law and ethics and professional conduct
• Nursing advocacy
• Clinical practice
• Pharmacology
• Nursing research and theory

Also, if you choose to enroll in a formal nursing education program to upgrade your license (such as LPN to RN or RN to APRN), then some of the nursing units you take may be considered CE units. 

Just make sure to check your state’s approved CE providers, and whether or not your state specifies which courses to take. 

What Does Not Count as Nursing CE?

It does not count as nursing CE if it is unrelated to nursing, or if it has to do with basic life support, orientations about an institution’s work setting, on-the-job training, nursing refresher courses, etc.

The Texas Board of Nursing gives a more comprehensive list of training that does not count as nursing CE:

• Basic Life Support (BLS);  
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);  
• on-the-job training, and equipment demonstration;  
• nursing refresher courses to ensure entry-level competencies into nursing practice;  
• orientation programs designed to introduce employees to the philosophy, goals, policies, procedures, role expectations, and physical facilities of a specific workplace;  
• courses that focus on self-improvement, changes in attitude, self-therapy, and self-awareness that do not delineate the impact on the nursing practice or improved patient outcomes;  
• economic courses for financial gain 
• courses that focus on personal appearance in nursing;  
• liberal art courses in music, art, philosophy, and others when unrelated to patient/client care;  
• courses designed for lay people;  
• self-directed study/educational activities wherein the learner takes the initiative and the responsibility for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the activity

Is Nursing CE Expensive? 

Although some may be expensive, this is not necessarily true for all nursing CE… You can even find some for free!

If you work for a hospital or a big facility, your employer may provide free nursing CE for all employees. 

They may also choose to sponsor your training elsewhere or give you job incentives for pursuing a nursing CE on your own. 

Your state may also provide free training, especially for mandated courses. 

Some organizations also provide free or cheaper training, often online. 

However, more specialized and in-depth training may require higher fees, but that’s also because these can improve your credentials. 

You can think of the more expensive nursing CE as an investment in your future, improving your job opportunities and salaries. 

What Should I Do with All My Nursing CE Certificates? 

Make sure to keep track of all the nursing CE you have accomplished!

Take note of the title of the course, the course provider, the identification number, the date you accomplished it, and how many CE units/contact hours were provided. 

You should also keep all the certificates (whether online or physical) as proof that you have completed these courses. 

You may be asked to submit a copy of these once you renew your license, or if your license is audited. A professional portfolio will also help you if you are seeking another job. 

Conclusion

We’ve covered a lot about nursing CE!

We found out what it is, why we need it, whether it’s required or not, whether you should take it even if your state does not require it, what the consequences are if you don’t take it, what counts and does not count as nursing CE, if it’s expensive or not, and what you should do with all your CE certificates. 

That’s a handful!

We hope you find this information helpful as you continue your nursing journey.

We wish you all the best!