Continuing Education for Nurses

You have finished school. You found a job that allows you to use your skills. Now your supervisor wants you to take more classes?

You read that right. More classes. Nurses at all levels are expected to take a certain amount of continuing education class hours each year to requalify for their licenses. Each state determines how many hours you will need to take over a two-year period—Michigan requires 25, while California asks for 30.

The nice thing is; it is very easy to find continuing education classes. Many hospitals offer on-site classes for free. Which, while quick and cheap, aren't necessarily fun. Don't pass your hospital's continuing education classes, however. Thirty hours may not seem that much over two years, but between work and life, it can seem endless.

Community colleges, universities, trade schools, and online universities offer classes throughout the year. If you choose to take classes through an outside source such as these, just make sure the school is accredited by an organization that qualifies for your license. (You can read more about accreditation here.)

There is one other way to get continuing education. This way takes more time, and is often the most expensive. However, it is also the most fun. Medical conferences often offer continuing education tracks throughout the program. What is so fun about that? Medical conferences tend to be in great vacation areas such as Las Vegas and Hawaii. After you take some hours of classes, you can think deeply on what you've learned on a beach or by a pool.

The best option will depend on you. Just remember to spread your continuing education out over each licensure period.

 

Featured Online Nursing School For Continuing Education:

Kaplan University
Location: Anywhere you can access the Internet
Nursing Degree Programs: BS in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is widely considered a standard requirement for registered nurses (R.N.s) seeking broader professional responsibilities and career opportunities. Kaplan University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program enables R.N.s to complete the education needed to enhance their skills to better meet the demands of patient care and qualify for new opportunities in specialized nursing and management fields. A bachelor's degree in nursing is essential for those serving in case manager and supervisory positions, and the program is also an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue graduate nursing studies.

Continuing Education Programs:

• The Legal Nurse Consulting program is for registered nurses who want to pursue opportunities with law firms or provide independent analysis. The program teaches nurses to review and analyze medical records, perform medical and legal research, locate and interview expert witnesses, and assist attorneys with pretrial and trial actions.

• Forensic Nursing - Apply your nursing skills in an investigative setting. You will learn to identify the causes of injuries, collect evidence and refer victims to follow-up care. This program can be completed within 12 months.

• Life Care Planning - Nurses interested in helping individuals with significant disabilities or chronic health care problems should consider Life Care Planning.

• Case Management - If you are interested in promoting quality, cost-effective health care and human services for patients and their families, consider becoming a case manager. Learn to perform assessments, conduct research, analyze data, and plan and manage services and care. By earning a Kaplan University certificate, you can select employment opportunities in diverse and rewarding practice areas, including acute and long-term care facilities, workers' compensation carriers, managed care organizations, and human services agencies.

  

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