Illinois Continuing Education Requirements for Nursing Licenses

 Posted on November 29, 2017 in Medical License Defense

Studying to become a nurse takes a lot of time and effort. There are many courses that must be passed, clinicals that must be successfully completed, and good recommendations from mentors and professors. While on the job, a nurse’s license is always on the line. If a nurse makes even a minor mistake that seriously injures a patient, then his or her license may be grounds for revocation. In this profession, it is important for nurses to stay up-to-date on new laws and practices by participating in continuing education requirements.

Continuing Education Requirements

All registered nurses must complete 20 hours of continuing education for their 2-year license renewal cycle. If a nurse is renewing his or her license for the first time, then there is no requirement for renewal. The following are also required:

• A $40 fee for the renewal of a nursing license per year, or $80 at the time of the 2-year renewal;
• Every registered nurse must maintain his or her own records of continuing education completion and should be ready to present such documents to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, if requested;
• If a continuing education course is taken online or through a nursing journal, then the course must be approved as a CE Sponsor as listed in the Rules for the Administration of the Nurse Practice; and
• Courses, such as English, history, math, and physical education do not count toward continuing education requirements. However, any academic credits that contribute to the advancement of nursing skills and knowledge may be used to fulfill continuing education requirements.

Issues with Continuing Education

Continuing education is a requirement for licensed nurses, which could take away from the excitement of a new learning opportunity. Nurses do not always have a choice of what courses they can take to fulfill their continuing education requirements, depending on whom they work for. The nurse’s employer may give the continuing education requirements as homework assignments before the performance review.

Call a Lisle, IL License Defense Attorney

Losing your nurse’s license due from not participating in continuing education is a very serious matter. Depending on the matter, there may be unwanted consequences. If you are a nurse and have questions regarding your license, The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. is ready to provide experienced and skilled legal representation. To set up a free consultation, please call a DuPage County license defense lawyer at 630-310-1267 to get the help you deserve.

Sources:

http://nursing.illinois.gov/PDF/2015-04_IL_RN_CE_Relicensure_FAQ.pdf

https://nursejournal.org/community/the-nurses-continuing-education-toolkit/