The practice of health care changes daily, and while on-the-job training goes a long way, taking continuing education courses can help keep nurses current while providing exposure to new treatment techniques and technology.

"It's important for nurses to take continuing education courses," said Debbie Hatmaker, Ph.D., RN, SANE-A, chief programs officer for the Georgia Nurses Association. "Not only does this help them stay current in their practice areas, it's a measure of their competency and it gives them additional credibility with their peers and other health care professionals."

Formerly called continuing education units, these advanced courses now are measured in contact hours. Fifty minutes of education equals one contact hour of training.

"The Georgia Board of Nursing doesn't mandate continuing education as part of licensure, but it's advisable to take these courses," Hatmaker said. "Nurses shouldn't rely solely on their employers to provide this additional training."

However, questions that arise concerning continuing education muddy the waters. The nursing shortage creates a dilemma: Can nurses take time away from their jobs to attend a continuing education program? Who will pay for their additional training, especially when today's hospitals are challenged to monitor costs? And who will regulate these courses?

The tenor of today's health care arena - the shortage of nurses, hospitals cutting budgets and downsizing - contributes to the scarcity of employersponsored continuing education. It becomes more important for nurses to take the initiative to seek out opportunities for contact hours.

"I wish that someone would step up and take on this issue, but now may not be the time," said Dee Baldwin, Ph.D., RN, FAAN.

The topic was discussed 30 years ago, but no decisions were made, Baldwin said. "There were a number of questions, such as what is going to be enough training, who will regulate the training and what is appropriate for each discipline? At this time, there are too many other challenges for our nurses to add this to the mix."

While some states require continuing education, the course offerings may not be regulated. If a nurse is going to invest the time and money to keep current, he or she should attend courses that will enhance skill levels, update new techniques or further technical expertise.

So where can nurses find these courses, if they choose to take them?

"One of the best places is on the GNA Web site," Hatmaker said. "Not only is the GNA a provider of continuing education opportunities, we're authorized to approve other providers."

The Web site (www.georgianurses.org) lists continuing education programs, plus chances for certifications in various specialties. Some programs are free; others charge for enrollment and materials.

Sometimes an employer will present a program on site; other times the employer may agree to pay for the training off site. However, if nurses really want the training, they may need to pay for it themselves.

"We consider education as a lifelong experience in nursing," Hatmaker said. "With new technology and new treatments, it's advisable to continue to actively learn."