FAQs
I. Creating an Account
Do I need an Account to take ANA CE?
Yes, you must have an ANA username and password to login to the CE system before purchasing and taking CE. This ensures that your CE contact hours are tracked, transcripts are available in the future, and you get your appropriate member discounts.
Do I need to be an ANA member to take CE?
No, anyone can take ANA CE. If you are a member, you can use your ANA login to access this site. If you are not a member, or have never used ANA services, you will need to create a customer account with ANA.
How do I create an ANA Customer Account?
Click on the ‘Register’ link at the top of the page, and then on ‘Create an Account’. Enter your email address and desired password, then follow the instructions on screen. If an account with that email address already exists, return to the Login screen. If you have forgotten your password, click on the ‘Forgot your Password’ link to reset your password.
Why does the Registration process say that it recognizes my e-mail address?
The ANA login that you use for ANANurseCE is the same login that you use for ANA Members Only, NursesBooks.org or the Nursing Quality Network. If you have used any of those sites in the past, or attended any ANA event or subscribed to an ANA webinar or newsletter, your login may be recorded.
Click on ‘Login’, and then select 'Forgot your Username'. Use the ‘Account Lookup’ feature to check if your account exists with ANA. Your Username is typically your e-mail address.
If your account exists, select 'Forgot your Password' to have your password e-mailed to you.
When I try to Login, I get a blank screen. What should I do?
A blank screen means that the registration process got disrupted and your account is not fully set up in our system. Our system will clear out any incomplete registrations overnight, and you can re-register tomorrow. Or if you need to access your CE today, please contact our membership staff at memberinfo@ana.org who will reset your account.
I have forgotten my ANA member or customer account login. How do I retrieve it?
Click on the ‘Login’ link above.
To retrieve your username, click on the ‘Update my Username’ link.
To retrieve your password, click on the ‘Forgot my Password’ link.
You can also contact our membership staff at memberInfo@ana.org.
How do I update my address or other contact information?
Scroll to the very bottom of the screen, and select 'Update ANA Profile'. If requested, enter your e-mail address and password. Update your information, enter your password, and click on ‘Save’ to save your changes.
II. How to Take an Independent Study Module (ISM) Online
Can I print out the ISM for reading offline?
Yes. Articles, references, and other materials are available for printing. To print, open the document and click ‘Print’. Items will print separately.
You may print the entire article to read offline and then return to the site to take the test. When you return, log back in, select ‘My Courses’, and proceed to the ‘My Learning’ tab to continue your test and evaluation.
What if I want to log off in the middle of a test? What if I want to return later to take a test?
To begin a test you have not yet taken, login and select ‘My Courses’. Proceed to the ‘My Learning’ tab and select the course that you wish to complete. Once the course is selected, you will have the option of taking the test, reading the article and any other materials, and completing a course evaluation. To take the test, click on the word ‘Test’.
You can interrupt the test at any time and come back later to finish. To do this, click on the ‘Pause’ button of the test page. This will allow the system to store your test for your return visit.
When you wish to return, login, select ‘My Courses', and then proceed to the My Learning tab. Choose the course that you wish to complete. Once you select the course, click ‘Test’ and continue testing.
How do I access the CE for a certification review manual?
The CE modules on this site contain tests to evaluate your knowledge of the Review and Resource manuals. They allow you to earn contact hours for the knowledge you obtained from studying the manual. They do not contain additional instructional materials.
After purchasing a manual, please contact ANCC's Institute for Credentialing Innovation at revmanuals@ana.org to obtain your Proof-of-Purchase Code. This is the number you will enter into the Proof-of-Purchase Code field to access the post-test and certificate of completion.
The Proof-of-Purchase Code is required to access the continuing education modules for the Review and Resource manuals. You must purchase a manual first, before you can obtain a Proof-of-Purchase code. To purchase a manual go to Nursesbooks.org: http://www.nursesbooks.org/Main-Menu/Certification/ANCC-Resources.aspx
III. Scoring and Grading Your Test and Receiving ANA Nursing Contact Hours
How is my test scored?
Your answers are submitted to a server which compares your answers to a list of correct answers and determines your score. After clicking ‘Submit’ on the test page, you will instantly receive your score, a complete listing of all correct answers, and rationale for each correct answer.
How often can I take the nursing post-test for a specific online ISM?
You may retake the test as many times as necessary in order to obtain a passing score of 75% or above. Each question is weighted equally to total 100%. If you do not pass on the first attempt, you can choose to retake the test.
What do I need to do to improve my grade on the ISM's post-test?
It is suggested that you follow these 3 steps before you re-take the test:
· Step 1: Review the incorrect questions.
· Step 2: Re-read the article to locate the area(s) in which the content of the question is discussed.
· Step 3: Consult the feedback section in which the correct answer for each question is explained.
Once you understand the questions and the correct responses, retake the test.
How do I receive ANA Continuing Nursing Education Contact Hours for completing an online CE ISM/course?
First, be sure to complete your licensure information on the ‘My Profile’ tab. This will ensure that you receive the correct continuing education contact hours.
To do that login, select ‘My Courses’, and proceed to the ‘My Profile’ tab. Click on ‘Manage Discipline and License Information’, and click on ‘Add Discipline/License’. Complete and save the information.
After successfully passing the test for the ISM, complete and submit a course evaluation. Your score and evaluation will then be submitted, and you will be able to print out your ANA Continuing Nursing Education Certificate of instantly.
What should I do if I printed a certificate with zero contact hours?
There are two links to ‘View Certificate’.
The first, to the Certificate of Completion, is for non-nurses and awards no contact hours; it just documents completion of the course.
The second, the Certificate of Continuing Education, shows the correct number of contact hours.
If you do not see a second certificate, complete your licensure information on the ‘My Profile’ tab. Then return to the course, and select ‘Refresh Credits’ to see the second certificate. Print this certificate with the correct contact hours.
How do I get a copy of my NDNQI Pressure Ulcer Certificate?
Please note that you can only receive continuing education credit once for each version (there are currently 2 versions) of this CE module. This means that if you have received the certificate in the last two years, you probably are not eligible to receive it again. If you are unsure, please e-mail webmaster@ana.org.
· If you are not eligible for the CE certificate because you have already received it, you should be taking the version of the CE module that offers Proof of Completion instead of a CE certificate.
· If you have completed the CE module and still need written Proof of Completion, contact NDNQI at ndnqi@kumc.edu
· If you wish to re-print the certificate for the NDNQI Pressure Ulcer CE module, or for any ANA CE module you have completed prior to March 28, 2011, go to the following page:
ana.nursingworld.org/ce/cert
What happens if I need a copy of a certificate?
To reprint a certificate through this web site, login and select ‘My Courses’. Proceed to the ‘My Transcript’ tab and select the course(s) for which you require a transcript. Click on ‘View Certificate’.
Note: There are two links to View Certificate.
The first, to the Certificate of Completion, is for non-nurses and awards no contact hours; it just documents completion of the course.
The second, to the Certificate for Continuing Education, shows the correct number of contact hours.
To obtain a certificate from ANA's previous CE web site, please visit ana.nursingworld.org/ce/cert .
Enter your six character password that you used to access your prior CE.
A list of all CE modules for which you registered using that password will display, and you can reprint certificates for completed courses.
What if I need a hard copy of my certificate mailed to me?
For certificates of completion for modules completed in the online learning management system please retrieve the certificate from your ‘My Transcript Tab’. For certificates of completion for participation in other CNE activities offered by ANA (excluding conferences) please mail your written request including name; address; Telephone number; E-mail address; Title, Date and Location of continuing education activity; and your check in the sum of $20.00 to
ANA
P. O. Box 504410
St. Louis, MO 63150-4410.
Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
Can I share an ANA online CE ISM with my colleagues and friends?
Once you have purchased an ISM, you will be able to print out the article. Please share the complete ISM/course with your professional colleagues and others who you believe will be interested in it. Encourage them to take the ISM directly online to earn ANA certificates of successful completion.
Will I be able to use the contact hours earned from the ISMs to meet re-licensure requirements?
Yes. The individual registered nurse is responsible for meeting the licensure requirements for the state in which she/he practices. ANA believes that it has met the standards of all states requiring continuing nursing education. ANA accepts no liability for failing to meet these standards. If you have any questions about mandatory continuing nursing education requirements and the acceptability of ANA's continuing nursing education program activities, please contact your State Board of Nursing.
Will I be able to use the contact hours earned from the ISMs to meet the certification/credentialing body's requirements for certification and re-certification?
Yes. The individual registered nurse is responsible for meeting the requirements for certification and re-certification as specified by the certification/credentialing body. ANA believes it has met the standards of all certification/credentialing bodies requiring continuing nursing education. ANA accepts no liability for failing to meet these standards. If you have any questions about the acceptability of ANA's continuing nursing education program ISMs, please contact your appropriate certification/credentialing body.
Can certificates of successful completion be awarded to undergraduate students in schools of nursing?
Yes, students enrolled in schools of nursing and allied health schools can be awarded a certificate following successful completion of the CE program activity. School faculty members are also encouraged to incorporate the content of the ISM into their specific course(s) if appropriate.
Can certificates of successful completion be awarded to participants from other health care disciplines that complete ANA's ISMs?
Yes, all participants within the target audience who meet ANA's delineated parameters for successful completion of the ISMs will be awarded ANA's Certificate. However, please note other disciplines may or may not recognize these contact hours.
What is the difference between CEUs, CEs and Contact Hours?
CE’s is a generic term used to refer to continuing education courses. Continuing education (CE) credit can typically be awarded in CEUs or Contact Hours. In nursing, most CE credit is awarded in Contact Hours. A CEU is generally equal to 10 contact hours.
IV. Checkout Codes
What is the Discount Code?
Some activities are associated with live events, special offers, or the purchase of multiple modules by a hospital. You would have received this code at the time of your purchase, registration, or notification for your ANA activity.
If you do not have a Discount Code, you do not need to enter one. You can continue with the Checkout process.
What is the Proof-of-Purchase Code?
The Proof-of-Purchase Code is the code used to access the continuing education modules for the Review and Resource manuals.
After purchasing a manual, please contact ANCC's Institute for Credentialing Innovation at revmanuals@ana.org to obtain your Proof-of-Purchase Code. This is the number you will enter into the Proof-of-Purchase Code field to access the post-test and certificate of completion.
Proof-of-Purchase Codes are not required for other courses, only review and resource manuals.
What is the Security Code?
The Security Code is the last three numbers found on the reverse of a credit card, just above the signature area.
V. Refund Policy
What is your refund policy?
Refund requests will be handled on a case by case basis. Individuals who open and complete pre-tests, module content, or post-tests will not be eligible for refunds. To request a refund, click on the ‘Contact Us’ icon at the top of the catalog page and send an e-mail request identifying your name, address, telephone number, date of purchase, course title, and reason for refund.
VI. Content Topic Areas for Continuing Nursing Education ISMs
How does ANA select the content topic areas for its continuing nursing education ISMs?
ANA pays close attention to the comments and suggestions you make on your evaluation of the ISMs. Your input is important to us. In addition, selection of the content topic areas is guided by:
Analysis of the findings of learning needs assessments gathered by nurse focus groups, surveys, and requests from the Constituent Member Associations (State Nurses Associations) and nursing specialty organizations; Evaluation of current critical issues facing nursing as a profession and individual nurses in all practice specialties, settings, and roles.
What criteria does ANA use in determining whether to revise an ANA ISM which has expired?
ANA uses the following criteria to determine if an ANA ISM/course is to be revised and updated:
· The topic continues to be relevant and important to nursing to individual nurses in different practice specialties, settings, and roles and to ANA;
· The topic has been expanded by the latest advances in the science(s), new knowledge gained, and/or changes in the legal and ethical practice and policy arenas;
· Whether the scope and depth of changes/additions which would be required in the existing ISM are reasonable: e.g. simple addition of a section of content, new objective, additional test questions and references, or does it require the ISM to be completely re-written;
· The original author(s) of the ISM remains interested in completing the required revisions;
· Sufficient resources and/or additional grant funding is present to support the revision of the ISM.
What does ANA, as an ANCC-accredited provider, mean to me as a participant of ANA's Continuing Nursing Education Program ISMs?
As an ANCC accredited provider, ANA has been evaluated and judged as having the capacity to assess for, plan, implement and, evaluate continuing nursing education program activities which are of high quality and adhere to the following:
· ANA Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing Professional Development 2010
· The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s 2013 ANCC Primary Accreditation standards
· The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements 2001
VII. Contacting Someone for Help or Regarding Other Questions
Whom do I contact about the ANA's ISMs or for information about ANA's other continuing education program activities?
Please find contact information below:
· For technical assistance, please click the ‘Help’ link located in the above right corner of any page on this website.
· For questions or comments regarding CONTENT of the online modules, please click the ‘Contact Us’ link located in the above right corner of any page on this website and follow the instructions noted on that page. You may also email us at ANANurseCE@ana.org or call (800) 274-4262 ext.5107.