The Difference in CE and CEU Nursing Credits

In most states, nurses regardless to whether they have an active or inactive status must complete continued education units every renewal period. In the past, it did not matter if the nurses were active or non-active, but this has changed somewhat as some states now specify credit units amount for active nurses.  

What is Continuing Education?

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is made up of 10 contact hours and one contact hour of learning is roughly 50 to 60 minutes. Continued Education Credit and Contact hour are interchangeable, and you can find classes for both online and at brick and mortar establishments as well. Most Continuing Education Unit credits are readily available from an employer, hospital vendor as well as other providers and can be accomplished either in one or two days session.

Requirements

The requirements for Continuing Education credits vary from state to state. Some states based their requirements on the active hours worked during the two-year period prior to renewal and other states set up a specific amount of completed work hours. The method use to obtain CE differs from one state to the next some will allow all courses online and others will allow you to mix the educational methods.

Inactive Nursing License

Some states stipulate that any nurse that does not practice nursing for a stated period must obtain re-education, if they want to resume practice. The manner use in attaining the course defers from state to state. Some requires refresher courses in person while other request a certain number of CE or CEUs to obtain reinstatement of the inactive license.

CE and Non-CE States

States that currently require CE documentation in order to renew a nursing license varies, so it is incumbent that you check with your state. However, here are a few states that require CE documentation California, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Utah. States that currently do not require CE documentation includes Georgia, Idaho, Virginia and Oklahoma.