Imagine a tiny ball of snow rolling down an endless peak, constantly growing in size as it progresses. That snowball is an apt metaphor for the growth of the healthcare industry. We are continually discovering new assistive technology innovations, new applications of learned skills, new medicines, new data that tells us how to achieve improved outcomes, and more.
Nursing school programs strive to provide nurses with optimal learning and skills to enter healthcare. Nevertheless, continuing education is an essential value in the nursing profession that never ends, and the state boards of nursing are primarily responsible for enforcing that value.
If you're looking for the Washington CEU requirements for RN, LPN, or APRN nursing license renewal, here you will find general information. This resource guide has been compiled based on publicly available information. For official guidance or case specific questions, please refer to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).
Continuing Education Terminology
First, let's clarify a few things about continuing education terminology. Continuing education units (CEUs) and continuing education (CE) are common terms and acronyms for measuring continuing education. However, Washington nurses should note that the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) uses the term continuing education hours.
The WABON stipulates that nursing license renewal in Washington occurs annually for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), while advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are on a biannual renewal schedule. Continuing education hours are an obligatory part of Washington State license renewal for LPNs, RNs, and APRNs.
Washington LPN License Renewal Requirements
Active LPN license renewal requirements are as follows:
- Registration for e-Notify
- Completion of an online Nursys survey
- Eight continuing education hours in your area of practice
- Ninety-six practice hours
Retired-active LPN license renewal requirements are as follows:
- Eight continuing education hours in your area of practice
- Minimum of 24 practice hours but no more than 90 days
Washington RN License Renewal Requirements
Active RN license renewal requirements are as follows:
- Registration for e-Notify
- Completion of an online Nursys survey
- Eight continuing education hours in your area of practice
- Ninety-six practice hours
Retired-active RN license renewal requirements are as follows:
- Eight continuing education hours in your area of practice
- Minimum of 24 practice hours but no more than 90 days
Washington APRN License Renewal Requirements
The APRN license renewal requirements are as follows:
- Active RN license
- Active certification in all areas of advanced practice
- Thirty continuing education hours related to your area of practice or specialty
- Fifteen additional continuing education hours in Pharmacology (applies to APRNs with prescription authority)
What Are Continuing Education Hours?
Each state board of nursing maintains its own rules and definitions of what counts as continuing education that clinicians can apply to nurse license renewal requirements. So, what counts as a CEU according to WABON's standards? Continuing education hours include the following:
- One continuing education hour is the equivalent of 60 minutes of education or training.
- Clinicians may earn continuing education hours by completing a training program or course from their employer or another institution.
- LPNs, RNs, and APRNs may earn continuing education hours by "self-study training."
- Nurses may earn continuing education hours by completing accredited courses.
- Clinicians may earn continuing education hours by completing online courses.
- Continuing education hours do not require approval or accreditation from a professional organization.
- Continuing education hours should reflect a clinician's area of practice, specialty, or self-identified areas requiring growth.
- Documentation of continuing education hours only needs to be submitted if requested.
- The WABON recommends nurses maintain their documentation of continuing education hours for at least two years.
Additionally, required nurse training for suicide prevention and telehealth may count as continuing education hours. Clinicians can find more information about continuing education and practice hours for Washington nurses on the WABON website under "Continuing Competency FAQ."
Online License Renewal in Washington State for APRNs, RNs, and LPNs
The Washington Board of Nurses encourages all nurses with active licenses to complete their license renewal online. The WABON website provides instructions on completing an online renewal. Be sure to review their information, as there are a few exceptions to eligibility. Furthermore, you can look up your Washington LPN, RN, or APRN license to change contact information or view your license status online.
When Can I Renew My Nursing License?
The WABON allows nurses to renew their licenses 85-90 days before their license expiration date.
As a Washington RN, you can enjoy the perks of high-paying jobs near you.
