5 Ways Travel Nurses Can Save Time and Money on Continuing Education Courses
Do you feel like you're spending way too much time and money on CE courses as a travel nurse with multiple licenses? Trust me, I get it! I'm a travel nurse licensed in over 30 states, and I've been right where you are. Keeping up with continuing education can be a major pain, especially when the costs add up.
But there's good news: I have a set of practical tips that will simplify your search and save you a ton of time and money on CE courses.
If you follow me on the ‘gram, you know that I'm a big advocate for travel nurses saving time and money so we can have the freedom to work less and travel more. I share daily tips on my stories, but in this blog post, I'm breaking it down for you in even more detail. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, my insights will be a game-changer for you!
FULL DISCLOSURE: I've partnered with one of my favorite CE course providers, which I mention in this post. If you decide to take a course through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. But don't worry, I only recommend products and services that I would use myself. I'm here to help you find the best CE courses for your needs.
Travel nurse tip #1
Always Use Accredited CE Providers
First, let's talk about the importance of choosing an accredited CE provider - don’t be bamboozled! Finding the perfect CE courses starts with comparing different providers, but there's a crucial step you should never overlook – accreditation. Why waste your precious time and hard-earned money on courses that won't meet your state licensing board's requirements?
Start by exploring continuing education providers that are accredited by a reputable organization like ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center). This will guarantee that the courses you take meet the requirements of your state licensing board.
Travel nurse Tip #2
save hundreds by bundling your CE courses
Imagine this: rather than spending money purchasing individual CE courses scattered throughout the year, you can bundle them together into a comprehensive package. This is a great option for travel nurses with multiple CE requirements to meet and it’s saved me hundreds of dollars a year.
The Secret to Finding the Most Affordable CE Courses
Many CE providers offer discounts when you purchase multiple courses at once. Take advantage of these bundle options to find the best deals on the courses you need. It's the most cost-effective way to meet your CE requirements without breaking the bank.
And before you sign up for a CE course bundle, make sure that the courses you choose include the topics and hours necessary to fulfill the requirements of all the states where you hold a license. You can typically find this information on the CE provider’s website or through your state's board of nursing.
Travel Nurse Tip #3
Use On-Demand CE Courses to Fit Your Busy Schedule
Look for CE providers that offer on-demand courses. On-demand courses allow you to start and stop the course as needed, and they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
The most Flexible Solution for Busy Travel Nurses
When exploring CE providers, specifically look for those that offer on-demand courses. These courses provide the flexibility you need as a travel nurse with a hectic schedule.
With on-demand courses - you can fit your CE requirements into your schedule more effectively, whether it's during breaks between shifts or on your days off. Another perk of on-demand courses is that you don't need to complete them in one sitting. You can complete them at your own pace, eliminating the pressure to complete them in a single sitting. Speaking of pressure, there’s nothing more stressful than a bunch of tests! Let’s talk about how you can avoid them.
Travel nurse tip #4
Avoid Stress With Courses That Don’t Require a Test
Few things are as frustrating as having to retake a course simply because of a single test question. Look for CE courses that bypass the need for a final exam, saving you valuable time and preventing unnecessary repetition.
The Stress-Free Way to Meet Your CE Requirements
When there's no exam hanging over your head, you can progress through the course material immediately after understanding it. This keeps you on track to meet your CE requirements without any delays.
Travel nurse tip #5
Save Time and Money With Unlimited CE Courses
If you're licensed in multiple states, finding a CE provider that offers unlimited CE courses is a must-have. With unlimited CE courses, you can meet the requirements of all of your states without having to worry about tracking your credits or paying multiple fees.
The Ultimate CE Solution for Travel Nurses with Multiple Licenses
CE Leaders offers a wide variety of CE courses that are approved by all states, so you can take all of your CE courses in one place. And because CE Leaders understands the unique needs of multi-state licensed travel nurses, they offer a number of features that make it easy to stay on top of your CE requirements, such as:
Affordable Bundles and Unlimited Courses: With the Unlimited CE Package for only $19.95 and their Low Price Guarantee, CE Leaders is one of the most affordable options for travel nurses who need to meet the requirements of multiple states.
ANCC Accredited Courses for Every State: Once you select your state(s) through their website, you can confidently take your courses knowing they will meet the specific requirements of the licensing boards.
On-demand Courses: Accessible on any computer, tablet, or smartphone— giving you the flexibility to learn from anywhere, at any time.
Courses With No Test: All CE Courses (with the exception of Florida) do not require a test, saving you time and eliminating stress.
And here's the cherry on top: when you reach the checkout page, don't forget to input the code SARAH15 for an extra 15% off all of their CE courses. That's right, you're not only streamlining your education, but you're also saving money along the way. It's a win-win situation tailored to make your life easier!
Bonus tip!
How to Get FREE CEs!
Now, here's my favorite way to save even more on continuing education expenses: reimbursement from your employer. Believe it or not, some employers (including travel nurse companies) are more than willing to cover the costs of your CE courses, especially when those courses directly relate to your job responsibilities.
STEP 1: Ask About Reimbursement Policies
Ask about your employer's policies regarding CE reimbursement. Some organizations have established processes and budgets for supporting their employees' educational pursuits. Understanding these policies will help you navigate the reimbursement request.
STEP 2: Identify Relevant Courses
Before you approach your employer, carefully review the CE courses you're interested in and ensure they align with your job duties and professional development goals. It's essential to demonstrate how these courses will benefit both you and the organization.
STEP 3: Document Expenses
Keep thorough records of your CE expenses, including registration fees, course materials, and any associated costs. Accurate documentation will be essential when submitting reimbursement requests.
STEP 4: Submit a Formal Request
Follow your employer's procedures for reimbursement requests, which may involve completing specific forms or providing supporting documents. Ensure your request is clear, well-organized, and aligns with the organization's guidelines.
So, there you have it—these invaluable tips have been my secret to conquering the world of continuing education as a travel nurse with multiple licenses, and I'm confident they'll do wonders for you too. Embrace these strategies to reclaim your time, save your hard-earned money, and always stay at the top of your game. And when you're ready to explore a wide range of accredited CE courses tailored for travel nurses, remember CE Leaders is here to support your growth!
I hope these quick tips give you the jump-start you need to dive into your travel nurse career and thrive. If you want to start travel nursing, but you're not sure where to start, download your free Travel Nurse Cheat Sheet to set yourself up for success!