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In order to renew your nursing license, you have to take nursing CEU classes. These
courses are required to refresh your memory about skills you may not use frequently
at work, as well as teach you new skills or techniques to use based on advancements
in the healthcare field. It might be frustrating to have to "jump through hoops" to
renew your license, but it helps your state licensing board ensure that the licensed
nurses in your state are qualified and effective in their fields. Unfortunately, making
time for your CEU courses can be one of the most difficult aspects of renewing your
nursing license.
Look at your schedule critically
Many times, people think they don't have time to do the things they want or need to
do. However, if you take a good look at your schedule, you may have more time than
you think. It may even help to write your schedule down and see when you have free
time throughout the week. You may also find that you can move some things around to
make room in your schedule. This is probably the easiest way to make time for your
nursing CEU classes. It uses time you already have, and won't cause conflicts with
your work schedule or personal life.
Talk to your employer
Depending on the type of nursing work you do, your schedule may be able to be adjusted
to allow you to take your nursing CEU classes. For example, if you do "shift work,"
you may be able to request a certain shift off every week and use that time for your
nursing CEU classes. Your employer knows you need to take your CEUs in order to renew
your nursing license, and you have to have an active license in order to practice. He
or she may be willing to work with you to make sure you can take your CEU courses with
minimal complications, so you can keep working while you fulfill your requirements. It's
important to remember, though, that depending on your schedule and the nature of your job,
this may or may not work.
Look into alternative nursing CEU classes
With a growing number of non-traditional students and students who want more flexible
schedules, schools are offering alternatives to traditional classes. Some schools offer
online courses, while others allow students to take independent study courses. These
options allow you to make your own schedule so you can keep your work schedule and
still fulfill your CEU requirements. Finding out whether or not your nursing school
offers CEU courses online or as independent study classes may mean that you can easily
make time for your CEUs without worrying about balancing them with the rest of your
life. This option may take a little more research to work, and it's dependent on your
nursing CEU classes being available online or as independent study. However, if this
option works, it offers the most flexibility.
You may think, at first thought, that you just don't have time for your CEUs. Not only
do you have personal obligations, but you're working, so how can you find time for lectures
and studying and homework? However, there are options. After looking at your schedule, you
may find time you didn't know was free. After talking to your employer, you may be able to
rearrange your work schedule to free time for classes. And your CEUs may be available as
independent study courses or online, which would give you flexibility in when you would learn.
Regardless of how you make time for your nursing CEU classes, it is possible. And once you
make the time, you'll find that renewing your nursing license is easier than you thought!
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