Requirements for continuing education depend on the Board of Nursing of the state in which you're licensed. Proof of continuing education is typically due when you apply for license recertification, which generally occurs in two or three-year cycles. Some states, including Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, and Maine don't require continuing education to renew your license; however, your place of employment might require it, meaning that you must make the time to complete credit hours based on your employer's preferences. Some states that require continuing education credits have limits on the number of hours gained through independent study and mandate that one or two hours be devoted to certain subjects, such as medical error prevention and HIV/AIDS education.
Hospitals, academic institutions, and nursing and medical organizations offer hundreds of online and in-person continuing education courses. Courses are generally categorized by specialty or issue and vary in the number credits awarded, which depend on the amount and difficulty of work you must complete. Some courses are free, but most require registration fees or for you to purchase course materials. Many employers reimburse their nurses for continuing education expenses, so check your employer's policy.
Many states allow you to submit courses you're taking for a graduate nursing degree or certificate program for continuing education credit. The number of continuing education credits you receive depends on how many semester or quarter units you complete, and each state has its own formula to use. The college or university courses must pertain to an aspect of nursing practice; courses taken as prerequisites for a graduate program typically don't count. Also, courses you must take as mandated by your employer, such as CPR or refresher courses, aren't accepted.
As a nurse, you may have to attend various conferences arranged by professional nursing organizations. Many states allow you to submit your participation in such conferences for continuing education credits, even if you were only an attendee. Just obtain a certificate of completion at the conference, which many organizations provide for a nominal fee. If you're a member of these organizations and receive their journal, you can also use your subscription to obtain continuing education credits in some states. The maximum number of hours for journal subscriptions varies, so check your state's Board of Nursing for requirements.