Online Nursing CEUS
Image an auto mechanic who knows how to work on a 1950’s Chevrolet, but has no idea what a fuel injector is, or a cabinet maker who has never seen a power drill, or a tailor who has never heard of a sewing machine. Each trade and profession has made significant discoveries and changes over time, and in order to be most effective in that business one must be constantly learning about advances and developments that naturally continues to change the face of where each works and creates.
In the field of medicine, the reality of change, development, and discovery is more prevalent than ever. One study estimates that the half-life of knowledge acquired in medical school is approximately five years. (source: 1 Lindsay, Morrison, & Kelley, Professional Obsolescence Implications for Continuing Professional Education, 25 ADULT EDUCATION 3 (1974).) That is, in just five short years, half of what a doctor learns in medical school becomes obsolete.
To be even adequate in today’s medical field one must be constantly growing and learning about changes and discoveries, for in this field, the subject is more precious than a car, suit or hunk of raw wood. The medium of focus here is the human body, and the lives and well being of people depend on the current and correct knowledge of a care giver.
Because working with people and their medical problems can be so important and complicated, most state governments require that medical practitioners of virtually any kind complete a certain amount of continuing education during the licensing period. This training is measured in hours or Continued Education Units, or CEU’s. With records proving the completion of any number of required units (usually 36 hours for license renewal), medical professionals are able to maintain licensing status and more importantly, keep up with rapid developments and updated techniques.
Continuing education in the field of nursing is especially vital. Nurses have long been considered some of the noblest of care givers because of the frequency of contact with patients. For every one visit that a doctor makes to a patient’s room in any given U.S. hospital, a nurse makes many. Many patients report that it is often easier to talk to a nurse than a doctor. It is because of these truths that CEU’s are an important and required part of a nurse’s professional life.
Becoming a nurse is not easy or inexpensive; often courses take years and many thousands of dollars to complete. Even after the official schooling is over, most nurses must appear for certifying exams in order to be granted state licensure and registration. Once a nurse is “officially” a nurse and is inside an institution, they usually realize the tremendous opportunities for growth with even more advanced training. It is almost impossible and equally unwise to quit employment and enroll in even more training at this time. Continuing education solves this dilemma to a certain extent by granting nurses a “learn-as-you-go” condition enabling them to continue working as they gain needed training.
As far as the hospitals are concerned, offering these courses makes commercial sense because of the large pool of nurses who need it. Another reason Hospitals also favor CEU courses created specifically for nursing is that the industry is always short of qualified personnel, and training those already employed and familiar with the hospital system makes sound business sense. Just as “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” is true, “a nurse employed in the hospital or clinic is worth two in school,” is just as profound.
Beyond the business aspect however is the concept of the ever changing medical world. Medicine and patient treatment changes rapidly with discoveries both good and bad that are involved with the human body. New diseases and health care trends like HIV, SARS, or the bird flu have only recently stepped into the public health care stage as a threat. New developments in trauma care brought about by war and international action are on the ruse. Continuing educations is meant for developments such as these that will further inform mainstream nursing professionals and add to a more excellent level of care.
Education does not end with new diseases and treatments however. With the a growing threat of violence and terrorist activities, and the ever present natural disaster looming in the future, healthcare professionals are in need of ongoing training in procedures and situations that arise. Nurses especially require this kind of preparation because they serve as the front line care for those in need. Treatment procedures and options are always increasing, especially with the developments over the last 10 years; nurses need to keep their knowledge base current while working in their chosen field. CEU’s enable this kind of professional development.
Most American Nursing Associations like the American Nursing Association (ANA) and the American Nephrology Nursing Association (ANNA) are strong proponents of continuing education courses in nursing because of the win-win scenario is presents for all concerned. The associations gain members who are up to date on the latest pharmaceuticals, equipment, and treatment techniques, and nurses gain the knowledge to do their job better and more quickly.
This is a partial list of professional associations that encourage, and sometimes sponsor, continuing education among their members:
- American Nursing Association
- American Board of Medical Microbiology
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists
- American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
- American Association of Respiratory Therapy
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- National Association of Rehabilitation Professionals in the Private Sector
- National Association of Social Workers
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technology
- National Registry of Microbiologists
Take an online nursing ceus. They are quick and affordable. After you complete an online ceus course you will be able to print the certificate immediately upon completion. Most nursing ceus courses can cost up to $20 per unit, however at speedyceus.com the average cost is only $8 per unit. This will save you time and money. You can also have the convenience of starting a course and coming back later to finish your nursing ceu's.
If you are wondering about how long it takes to get your nursing ceus certificate then don't worry. You can print your certificate once you finish your test right off your own computer, there is no waiting.
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