“Nurses are busy” is the understatement of the year. Long shifts, heavy patient loads, charting — it all adds up.
So when the topic of continuing education (CE) or professional development arises, it’s easy to think, “How can I make time for that, too?”
But professional development isn’t about cramming more into your week. It’s about finding smart, sustainable ways to grow your skills — often in bite-sized chunks — so you can take better care of your patients, maintain your work-life balance, and steer your career in the right direction.
Luckily, many CE courses and other professional development opportunities won’t drain your energy or take up too much of your time.
What are continuing education courses?
CE courses are professional development sessions required in most states to maintain a nursing license. Outside of meeting licensing requirements, nurses also take these courses to enrich their skills.
They’re designed to keep nurses current with changes in care practices, clinical guidelines, emerging patient safety protocols, and new technologies.
Typical topics include:
- Clinical updates
- Medication safety
- Ethics and patient rights
- Specialty practices (pediatrics, wound care, etc.)
Common formats:
- Online, self-paced modules
- Live webinars
- Short videos with post-tests
- Full certificate programs
Courses can take from 30 minutes to several hours to complete. Given this range in time commitment, most nurses can find courses that fit into even a packed schedule.
Going beyond the minimum makes a big difference
Most states require nurses to complete 20 to 30 hours of continuing education every renewal period to keep their licenses active. But stopping there means you’re only meeting the baseline.
Let’s say you commit to two extra CE courses per year. Most offer 1 – 3 contact hours, so that’s an additional 4 – 6 hours of learning annually — less than one shift. But what you learn can be a game-changer.
For example:
- A short course on early sepsis recognition might help you intervene before things escalate.
- A session on trauma-informed communication could help you support a distressed patient or family member more effectively.
Over five years, that’s 10 extra courses without returning to school or sacrificing PTO, which significantly expands your knowledge base and leads to better decision-making.
Fitting learning into your schedule
So, how can you fit professional development into your schedule without adding more pressure? Here’s how to make it work:
- Chunk it up: Break courses into smaller sessions. Even 20 minutes at a time adds up.
- Use your commute: Listen to CE-approved audio courses while driving or taking public transit.
- Treat it like a shift: Block time on your calendar. Even one evening a month can move the needle.
- Ask your employer: Hospitals often have CE resources, tuition support, or preferred vendors with free or discounted content.
- Sign up for a CE Membership: Subscribe to the Nurse.com CE offerings, which are high-quality CE packages that meet your learning needs.
Growth comes in many shapes and sizes
CE courses are just one piece of the puzzle. Professional development also happens when you challenge yourself, step into new roles, or learn from others.
Other powerful ways to grow:
- Mentorship: Whether you’re a mentor or mentee, it builds clinical judgment and communication skills.
- Shadowing or cross-training: Learn how other departments work and broaden your scope.
- Journal clubs and study groups: Discuss new studies with colleagues to stay sharp.
- Volunteering: Expand your experience with different populations and social contexts.
These activities build confidence, leadership, and a broader perspective.
Why it’s worth the effort
You don’t need to be on a fast track to management or academia to benefit from ongoing learning. Taking just a few intentional steps each year — whether it’s a CE course or a new experience — makes you a more informed, adaptable nurse.
It helps you:
- Improve patient outcomes
- Navigate change more confidently
- Pursue new certifications or roles
- Stay engaged and satisfied in your work
Employers notice, too. Healthcare organizations value nurses who take the initiative in learning. Nurses who consistently seek education or participate in development programs often stand out during performance reviews, job interviews, and promotion discussions.
It shows you're invested in your role and prepared to take on greater responsibility. For leadership roles or specialized units, that dedication to growth can tip the scales in your favor.
Fitting professional development into a full schedule may feel like one more thing to do — but it doesn’t have to. Small, steady investments in your growth can pay off in better care, more career options, and a greater sense of your skills as a nurse.
