Overdue Diligence
Procrastination is not something that is usually in my repertoire. I like to have it done yesterday.
If you tell me a writing project is due next year, I���ll have it done next week.
There is a backup bottle of Dawn dish liquid on my sink, an extra tube of toothpaste in each bathroom, along with a whole pack of toilet paper, extra body wash, shampoo and conditioner.
My pantry and freezer have at least two of everything.
I like to be prepared.
So what am I whining about? Continuing Education Units.
It���s not that they are difficult. You read the modules and answer questions at the end. More often than not, the questions center on things that have changed in the last two years, so it kind of jumps out at you after thirty years in the profession, whatever is different. But it���s time consuming.
In Georgia, employers are required to provide continuing education to nurses. In Florida, nurses have to be accountable for their own CEUs. In my entire career, I have NEVER known of ANYONE to get audited.
But now, the State has brought in a third party company, CE BROKER, and all CEU providers and all nurses must file CEUs through them. Everything is computerized and if you are not up to date, Wham! They got ya!
In the past, I never worried about not being up to date. I stayed up to date easily doing a little at a time.
Last year, though, I spent all of my time writing and editing a novel. So now, I get to play catch-up with my CEUs and it���s no fun. They���re due ninety days before renewal date which is April 30, 2015. So I���m a bit behind, and praying that going with an online company that reports hourly will help me out here.
You may wonder, why bother? You���re retired and you only work occasionally doing basic health screenings. Here���s the deal. You don���t keep up your professional license and decide to go back to work in your field and you have to take State Boards all over again. I sure don���t want to risk that.
Don���t you want a health care provider who is up to date on the latest and greatest techniques and skills? I���m so ashamed.
Eleven years of hardship and school for a four year degree, thirty years of experience, and lose it because of a few online classes and tests!
That���s why I���ve been offline for a bit and probably will be for the next few weeks. I���m going to be focused on medical error prevention, Florida domestic violence, Florida Laws and Rules, osteoarthritis, ischemic stroke, Aids /HIV, and Humor in Health Care: The Laughter Prescription.
Wish me luck!
Filed under: Nurses Notes Tagged: CEUs, continuing education, excuses, nurse, procrastination, professional nursing, writer
