This blog is a little different. We are in the process of planning for the fall. In an effort to address the learning needs of nurses we periodically develop and present continuing nursing education (CNE) programs that award nursing contact hours.

Defining continuing nursing education (CNE) is sometimes a challenge. Let’s start by addressing continuing nursing education. In Texas, continuing nursing education focuses on continuing competency and is education that goes beyond basic nursing preparation that will improve the nurses’ professional ability to care for patients and improving the public’s health. From the American Nurses Credentialing Center, continuing nursing education talks about those activities that build upon the education and experience of the registered nurse (RN) to enhance their practice to improve the health of the public and it help the registered nurse (RN) pursue their professional career goals. Nurses who attend our programs will receive contact hours which can be used to satisfied relicensure as well as professional certification. Continuing nursing education activities attended in Texas are accepted by other states board of nursing.

We are scheduling a 2-day event. The first event is the Psychiatric Mental Health Certification Update and Review Course. The date will be September 16, 2016. This course will cover topics related to the certification. It has been condensed to a one day continuing nursing education activity that will help the registered nurse identify and focus on possible areas and topics on the exam that could benefit from some improvement. At the same time the registered nurse will be able to enhance their current knowledge and skills so they can provide improved care to their patients.

The second event will be a one day psychiatric focused conference. This year we are putting out a call for abstracts. If you are interested in presenting, we invite you to submit a brief description of your topic. Please limit that description to no more than 250 words. The target audience is nurses in psychiatric mental/behavioral health settings. Also include your name, credentials, email address and phone number. The conference date is September 17, 2016 and will be held near beautiful downtown San Antonio. The working theme is Current Topics in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. Of particular interest are topics related to transgender issues, bullying in the workplace, suicide issues, recovery model of treatment and any other topics of interest. Each presentation will be limited to 60 minutes. Presenters will bear their own expenses. Handouts are required.

If you are not a psychiatric mental health/behavioral health/or addictions nurse, or do not want to present, please pass this information on to your colleagues. We are looking forward to these exciting events.

For more information you may contact Dierdre D. Fisher at 210.694.0625 or send an email to dfisher@ameshigh.com.