An Interim Statement on Continuing Education in Nursing.

Overview & Synopsis

The American Nurses' Association endorses the concept of continuing education for all registered nurses as one of the means by which nurses can maintain competence and meet the standards of practice developed by the profession. In nursing, continuing education consists of systematic learning experiences designed to enlarge the knowledge and skills of nurses. Responsibilities of the association, the individual, the faculty, and the employing agencies in continuing education are differentiated. Program guidelines are enumerated, and the status of the continuing education unit (CEU) in nursing programs is reviewed. An explanation of the National Task Force recommendations for the mechanics and record keeping of the CEU is outlined. The Interim Statement and the requirements of administering the CEU as detailed by the National Task Force will provide State nurses' associations and State Boards of Nursing with guidelines in adding dimensions to quality continuing education and promoting the use of the CEU. (AG)