Changes to Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act

Beginning March, 1, 2006, ten (10) hours of continuing education (CE) will be required for every RN and LPN seeking license renewal.
• CE hours must be related to nursing practice
     o Presented, accepted or approved by the ANCC or local chapter
     o Other recognized professional organizations
     o Programs provided by department or schools of nursing approved by the Board of Nursing
• At renewal, nurses are required to sign a statement attesting to completion of the CE requirements.
 
Questions to consider when deciding to participate in a Continuing Education activity:
• Is this activity relevant to my current position and population that I serve?
• Is this activity relevant to my professional goals?
• Will this continuing education enhance my contribution to the organization or population that I serve?
• In what ways do I plan to use the information?
• Are contact hours provided and approved through ANCC?
• How do I learn best?  Given my current life situation, which modality of CE is best for me?

Questions specific to conferences:
• Who are the members of the planning committee?  Do they have the credentials or experience to present the program?
• Is "nursing" in the title or in the objectives of the program?
• Are contact hours mentioned?
• Are there concurrent sessions to allow for my own professional development mapping?

Questions specific to articles/internet:
• Do the authors have the credentials or experience to add to the knowledge base of the subject?
• Are the references cited current or at least within the last 5 years?
• What is the ease of use and submission of the internet CE program?
• How many CE programs do I plan to utilize?  Is it cost effective for me to purchase a CE program packet?
• How will I obtain feedback?