Continuing Education Can Help

Do you need to consult with an attorney regarding your nursing license or other professional licensing matter? Call (503) 232-9280 to schedule a free consultation with a nurses attorney.

Continuing education for nurses is a requirement in Oregon. Nurses in Oregon need to complete a one-time, mandatory seven hours of CE on pain management. After that, there are no continuing education requirements for license renewal.

However, if you have a complaint filed against you with the nursing board, and the OSBN opens an investigation, continuing education can help. Continuing education might be required to avoid discipline or as part of disciplinary sanctions in your settlement agreement with the nursing board, or you could undergo additional education and training of your own volition, as a good faith gesture.

In Oregon, in terms of the required pain management continuing education, one hour must be provided by the Oregon Pain Management Commission, and the other six hours have to be approved by the licensing board and must focus on pain or palliative care.

In Washington, nurses need to complete at least 45 hours of continuing ed every three years. These hours can come from a combination of classroom study, online courses, workshops and trainings, and even on-the-job learning.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a non-profit organization that offers a number of online courses for nurses.

Before taking any continuing education courses, however, it is important to make sure the course is properly accredited and will be recognized by the nurse licensing board.

For more information about continuing education requirements for nurses, or to schedule a free legal consultation, please call (503) 232-9280, or e-mail .

Please note: Kevin Keaney is licensed to practice in Oregon and Washington, as well as Texas, where he can also help nurses who need an attorney.  Kevin Keaney has more than 30 years experience as an attorney and 6 years experience as a practicing nurse.