According to the WHO, the nursing and midwifery workforce is a significant contributor to global healthcare, accounting for nearly half of the workforce. However, there is a shortage of health workers, particularly nurses and midwives, with over 50% of the current shortage.
Surprisingly, this is not due to a lack of nurses but rather because many nurses need to be equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. This is where Continuing Nursing Education becomes crucial.
As a nurse, you know that your work is never done. Whether you’re caring for patients, collaborating with colleagues, or learning new skills, there’s always something to do. But one thing that should always be a priority is continuing education.
It’s good for you as a registered nurse and benefits everyone in the healthcare chain. From employers to patients, continuing education has a positive impact. It helps improve your skills, develops your professional career, and ultimately leads to better care for patients.
In this article, we’ll explore why ongoing learning is important for nurses and offer some tips for making the most of your educational opportunities.
Table of Contents
Keeping Up with Changing Technologies
The field of healthcare is constantly evolving, and nursing is no exception. From new medications and treatments to innovative technologies, there’s always something new to learn. Continuing education can help you stay up to date with the latest trends and advances, ensuring that you can provide the best possible care to your patients.
Meeting Regulatory Requirements
In most states, nurses are required to complete a certain number of continuing education hours in order to maintain their licensure. For example, to maintain an active nursing license in California, RNs are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal.
This means that continuing education isn’t just a good idea – it’s mandatory. Failing to complete the required hours could result in disciplinary action or even the loss of your license.
Advancing Your Career
If you’re interested in advancing your career as a nurse, continuing education is a must. Whether you’re looking to move into a leadership position, specialize in a particular area of nursing, or pursue an advanced degree, ongoing learning is critical. Not only will it give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed, but it will also demonstrate your commitment to your profession and your patients.
Making the Most of Your Educational Opportunities
Identify Your Learning Goals
Before you start pursuing continuing education opportunities, take some time to think about your goals. What do you want to learn? What skills do you want to develop? By identifying your learning goals, you can ensure that you’re choosing the right courses and programs to meet your needs.
Choose the Right Provider
There are many providers of continuing education for nurses, including universities and professional associations. When choosing a provider, consider factors such as cost, convenience, and reputation. Look for providers that offer high-quality courses and programs and have a track record of success.
Another option to consider is online schools for nursing. For instance, The University of Indianapolis provides all the leading nursing courses from MSN to ABSN in an online mode. This can be a convenient and flexible option for nurses who need to balance their work and personal commitments while still continuing their education.
Find a Mentor
Having a mentor can be an amazing experience for your nursing career. With 97% of individuals finding it valuable, it’s no wonder why. While it may be surprising that only 37% of professionals have a mentor, you can take action to make sure you’re not missing out.
A mentor can help you identify your learning goals, provide guidance and advice, and offer support and encouragement along the way. Look for someone who has experience in the area of nursing you’re interested in and who is willing to share their knowledge and expertise with you.
Embrace Technology
Technology has revolutionized the way we learn, and that includes continuing education for nurses. Online courses, webinars, and virtual conferences are just a few of the ways you can take advantage of technology to enhance your learning. Don’t be afraid to explore new tools and platforms – they may just be the key to unlocking your full potential as a nurse.
Conclusion
As a nurse, you have a responsibility to your patients, your profession, and yourself to pursue ongoing learning. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re a seasoned veteran, continuing education can help you stay up to date with the latest trends and advances, meet regulatory requirements, and advance your career.
By identifying your learning goals, choosing the right provider, finding a mentor, and embracing technology, you can make the most of your educational opportunities and become the best nurse you can be.