Navigating CE Requirements for RNs in Connecticut

Continuing education (CE) is a fundamental aspect of professional growth for registered nurses (RNs) in Connecticut that ensures they remain informed about the latest in medical care and patient management.

This article outlines the CE requirements for RNs in Connecticut, explains the license renewal process, and provides important information about renewal deadlines.

CE Requirements for Connecticut RNs

In Connecticut, RNs are required to complete, once every six years, two contact hours of training or education on:

• Screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and grief, and suicide risks and prevention 

One contact hour is defined as at least 50 minutes of instruction. Qualifying courses can be either in-person or online.

The state mandates that these hours be earned through courses offered by a provider recognized by one of the following: 

• The Connecticut Nurses Association
• An accredited educational institution
• A government agency
• A teaching hospital
• A provider accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the International Association for Continuing Education and Training.

The CE courses must cover content relevant to the nurse's practice area and can include a wide range of topics such as patient safety, infection control, state laws governing nursing, and other subjects pertinent to healthcare and medical ethics.

License renewal process

Renewing a nursing license in Connecticut is a straightforward online process managed through the Connecticut e-License website. Here’s how it generally works:

• Log in to the Connecticut e-License portal: Access your profile by logging in with your credentials.
• Complete the renewal form: Update any personal details and answer professional practice questions, which include affirmations about meeting CE requirements.
• Pay the renewal fee: The fee for RN license renewal in Connecticut is $110, but it is subject to change.

Nurses should keep their contact information up to date in the licensing system to receive all the relevant notifications from Connecticut’s Board of Examiners for Nursing.

Record keeping and audits

Nurses are responsible for maintaining their CE records for at least three years as the board conducts audits randomly to verify compliance with CE requirements. During an audit, a nurse will need to provide proof of completed CE credits, so it’s crucial to keep organized and accessible records.

Timelines and important dates

Nursing licenses in Connecticut must be renewed every even-numbered year by the last day of the nurse’s birth month. Nurses are encouraged to complete their CE hours well before their renewal date to ensure there is no delay in the renewal process.

The board sends out reminders when it's time to renew, but nurses should keep track of their renewal deadlines to avoid any last-minute rush.

Continuing education ensures that RNs in Connecticut are competent and capable of providing the best possible care. By fulfilling CE requirements, nurses not only comply with regulatory mandates but also enrich their knowledge and skills.

Effective planning and early completion of these requirements can greatly simplify the renewal process, helping ensure that nurses can continue their practice seamlessly and without interruption.