Continuing education (CE) is a part of every nurse’s professional journey. Whether you're just starting your career or have been practicing for decades, earning continuing education units (CEUs) helps maintain your licensure, stay informed about best practices, and advance your clinical knowledge. How do you get CEUs for nursing, and why do they matter so much?
Why is CE important in nursing?
Advances in technology, new treatment guidelines, and shifting patient demographics mean that what you learned in nursing school may no longer reflect current standards. CE helps bridge that gap by ensuring nurses are up to date on the latest evidence-based practices, safety protocols, and regulatory changes.
CEUs also support professional growth. Many nurses use CE to earn certifications, explore new specialties, or take on leadership roles, ultimately helping improve quality care and patient outcomes.
Are CEUs required for nurses?
In most states, CEUs are a licensure requirement. Each state board of nursing (BON) sets its own rules about how many CEUs nurses need, how often they must be completed, and which topics are required (such as ethics or pharmacology). For example, in California, a registered nurse is required to complete 30 contact hours of CE every two years to renew a license.
Check with your state’s BON to understand the specific CEU requirements that apply to you. Nurses who fail to meet CE requirements may face delayed license renewal or even disciplinary action.
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Create AccountHow to get free CEUs for nursing on Nurse.com
Nurse.com offers a wide selection of free CE courses to help nurses meet their CE requirements without a financial burden. These free CEUs cover a variety of topics, including patient safety, infection control, mental health, and more. Here's how to get started:
- Visit the Free CE Courses page. Go to Nurse.com/free-ce-courses to browse available offerings.
- Create a free account. Sign up or log in to access course materials and track your progress.
- Select and complete a course. Choose from the list of free CE courses, read the material, and take the post-test.
- Download your certificate. Upon successful completion, instantly download your CE certificate and submit for your license renewal.
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Free CEUs on Nurse.com are ANCC-accredited and accepted by most state BONs. They're a convenient way to stay compliant and informed without extra costs.
CE vs. CEU: What’s the difference?
The acronyms CE and CEU are often used interchangeably, but there’s a slight distinction:
- CE stands for continuing education, which refers broadly to any educational activity that helps a nurse expand their knowledge or skills. This can include courses, workshops, webinars, and conferences.
- CEU refers to continuing education unit, which is the official measurement of participation in an accredited CE activity. In nursing, one CEU typically equals 10 contact hours, although many licensing boards and CE providers use the term "contact hours" instead of CEUs for clarity.
In practice, most state boards and employers track contact hours, not CEUs. So, if a course offers “2 CEUs,” that usually equals 20 contact hours. Always double-check how credit is calculated so you meet your licensure requirements accurately.
Make CEUs work for you
CE isn’t just a requirement, it’s an opportunity. Whether you're renewing your license or exploring a new area of practice, CEUs help you stay informed, competent, and confident. By leveraging trusted resources like Nurse.com, you can meet your CEU requirements while gaining valuable knowledge to support your patients and career.