BY JESSICA ELLIS
Confidence is a key factor in successful healthcare practice. Not only will you give better patient care when you’re more confident, but you’ll also enjoy giving care that is not hindered by second-guessing yourself. Knowledge is power! Here are a few CE courses essential for improving your basic knowledge and confidence:
1. Conflict Management
Face it: Conflict is impossible to avoid, especially in healthcare settings where tension runs high and patient outcomes may involve death. Do you know how to effectively address conflict among your peers, management and support staff? Hint: Avoidance doesn’t work. Learn how to manage conflict in a professional manner and your confidence will soar!
2. Time Management Strategies
Ever been so busy during a shift that you drive home with the nagging feeling you forgot something? Time management is essential to decreasing feelings of being overwhelmed and sloppy. This course will outline various time management methods and help you identify your own barriers to effective time management.
3. Team Building
As much as we sometimes hate to admit it, we need the assistance of our coworkers. Think about it. Are you more confident when you feel left alone to handle everything? Or are you more confident when you know your peers will jump in and help when needed? Do you know how to improve the team mentality on your unit? Having team building skills will not only improve productivity and patient safety, but also you’ll be in a better position to enjoy showing up for shift with a positive and calm attitude.
4. Medical Terminology 101
Did you ever read through doctors’ or radiologists’ notes and say to yourself, “Sounds like Greek to me!” Well, it just may be. While medical words rely heavily on Latin origins, the terminology also uses “pieces” from the Greek language. Taking a terminology course will help you memorize medical terms by body system. At the end of the day, patient chart comprehension will definitely improve your confidence!
5. Phlebotomy Basics
If you’re a seasoned nurse or provider, you may or may not be 100% up to speed in your phlebotomy or intravenous access skills. This course helps practitioners at all levels of experience review the principles of safe and appropriate venipuncture, including identifying patients and reporting critical levels of laboratory results.
