CEUs Are Required For Texas Nurses
Continuing education, or CEUs, is mandatory for most licensed professionals, including nurses. Nurses must continue to update their knowledge on current trends and technologies in order to maintain their licenses. Fortunately, continuing education courses can be completed for little or no cost. Large hospitals and unions often offer free courses to their nursing staff. Alternatively, nurses can find and take CE courses independently online. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing lists nationally accredited CE providers.
CE requirements vary depending on a nurse’s specialty. Nurses working with geriatrics and older adults must complete two hours of CE every two years. For nurses practicing in this specialty area, this may include a course on elder abuse, disease processes, end-of-life issues, and health maintenance and promotion. In addition, RN CEUs must complete five hours of CE in order to maintain their license.
If a nurse has completed several CE courses, the Board of Nursing requires a certified transcript. The ANCC also requires that the CE courses meet specific standards. These courses must meet specific requirements and must be rated a “C” or better. ANCC-approved courses are recommended for nurses because they improve their skills and raise their earning potential. Taking CE courses is also a great way to stay current in the nursing field and ensure you’re providing the best care to your patients. However, it can be difficult to fit in CEs because of a busy schedule. As long as you plan ahead, you should be able to fulfill the requirements.
The BON also provides information about the continuing education requirements for nurses. The website also offers a list of approved continuing education courses. The board’s continuing competency rule provides complete information about these requirements. Further, the BON also has a section where nurses can submit their application for continuing education.
What CEUs Are Required For Texas Nurses?
In addition to the state board requirements, nursing organizations also require registered nurses to obtain continuing education credits. These credits are equal to 10 hours of participation in an educational course. The CEUs must be taken from an approved provider. Generally, CE courses that are accredited by a nursing college are acceptable. Additionally, the study hours must be related to nursing.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has also established standards for healthcare practitioners. For example, APRNs with prescriptive authority must complete five additional contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics CE. This is in addition to the 20 hours of CE required for all nurses.
Nurses should check their license every two years, or more frequently if necessary. A nurse’s initial license is valid for six to 29 months and can be renewed every two years. Nurses must renew their licenses on time. Most of the continuing competency requirements are waived for the first renewal, however, the nurses must renew every two years. Forensic Evidence Collection and targeted continuing education requirements are not required.
To maintain a nurse’s license, it is important to meet these requirements. Failure to renew a license could result in disciplinary action. APRNs can also use Category I Continuing Medical Education (CME) contact hours to meet their continuing competency requirements.
