DiversityNursing Blog

Why Continuing Education is Vital

Continuing education (CE) is vital for Nurses as it allows you to stay up to date with the latest advancements and best practices in the field. The healthcare field is constantly evolving, with new research, technologies, and treatments being introduced regularly. By participating in CE programs, you can ensure you're equipped with the most current knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality care to patients.

CE also helps Nurses maintain professional competence and meet the requirements for licensure and certification. Many licensing boards and professional organizations require Nurses to complete a certain number of CE hours to renew licenses or maintain certifications. By fulfilling these requirements, Nurses demonstrate commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.

Furthermore, CE can enhance Nurses' career prospects and open up new opportunities for advancement. Employers often value Nurses who are dedicated to continuous learning and seek out candidates who have pursued additional education and training. By expanding your knowledge and skills through CE, you can position yourself for promotions, specialized roles, or even leadership positions within organizations.

The Benefits of CE

CE offers numerous benefits. It allows you to improve clinical skills and knowledge, enabling you to provide better care for patients. By staying up to date with the latest evidence-based practices and advancements in healthcare, you can deliver more effective treatments and interventions.

CE also promotes professional growth and personal development. It provides Nurses with opportunities to expand areas of expertise, develop new skills, and explore different specialties. This not only enhances job satisfaction but also increases your value in the job market.

Additionally, CE fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through interactive learning experiences and case studies, Nurses are challenged to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. This enables you to make informed decisions, adapt to changes in healthcare, and provide innovative solutions to complex problems.

Lastly, CE supports lifelong learning and a culture of continuous improvement in Nursing. It encourages Nurses to seek out new knowledge, embrace innovation, and contribute to the advancement of the profession. By actively engaging in CE, Nurses demonstrate a commitment to excellence and dedication to providing the highest standard of care.

Different Types of CE Programs for Nurses

There are various types of CE programs available for Nurses. Some common options include conferences, workshops, seminars, webinars, online courses, and academic programs.

Conferences and workshops provide opportunities to learn from experts in the field, engage in interactive discussions, and network with peers. These events often cover a wide range of topics and offer a platform for sharing research findings, best practices, and innovative ideas.

Seminars and webinars are typically more focused and provide in-depth education on specific topics. They can be accessed remotely, allowing you to participate from your own location. These formats are convenient for Nurses who may have limited time or travel restrictions.

Online courses and academic programs offer flexibility and convenience for Nurses who prefer self-paced learning or wish to pursue advanced degrees. These programs cover a wide range of subjects and can be tailored to meet individual learning needs and career goals.

It is important to choose CE programs that align with your interests, career goals, and learning preferences. By selecting programs that are relevant to your practice areas or areas of interest, you can maximize the benefits of CE and enhance your professional development.

How to Choose the Right CE Program

When choosing a CE program, you should consider several factors to ensure you're making the right decision. Assess your learning needs and identify areas you would like to improve or expand knowledge and skills.

Nurses should also consider the credibility and reputation of the program provider. It's important to choose programs offered by reputable organizations or institutions recognized in the Nursing profession. This ensures content is reliable, evidence-based, and of high quality.

Additionally, Nurses should evaluate the format and delivery method of the program. Some Nurses may prefer in-person interactions and hands-on learning, while others may prefer the flexibility of online or self-paced courses. It's important to choose a format that suits individual learning preferences and fits into your schedule and lifestyle.

Nurses should also consider the cost and accessibility of the program. While CE is an investment in professional growth, it's important to evaluate the financial implications and ensure the program is affordable. Accessibility refers to the availability of the program in terms of location, timing, and any potential travel or accommodation requirements.

Lastly, Nurses should seek feedback and reviews from other Nurses who have completed the program. Hearing about their experiences and outcomes can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

Tips for Successfully Completing CE Courses

Completing CE courses can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Here are some tips to help you successfully complete CE courses:

1. Set clear goals: Before starting a course, you should set clear goals and objectives. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the learning process.

2. Create a study schedule: Nurses should create a study schedule which fits into existing commitments and allows for dedicated time for learning and coursework. Consistency is key to successfully completing the course.

3. Take advantage of resources: Many CE programs provide additional resources such as textbooks, online materials, or access to databases. Nurses should take advantage of these resources to enhance learning and understanding of the course content.

4. Engage in active learning: Instead of passively absorbing information, you should engage in active learning by participating in discussions, asking questions, and applying the concepts learned to real-world scenarios.

5. Seek support and collaboration: Nurses should seek support from peers, instructors, or mentors. Collaborating with others can enhance the learning experience and provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking.

6. Reflect on the learning experience: After completing a course, you should take the time to reflect on what you've learned and how you can apply it to your practice. This reflection can help reinforce the knowledge and skills gained.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your CE courses and maximize your professional development.

Only 10 days remain for you to apply for a Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association scholarship to support your college tuition, fees and books. This year we are pleased to be offering scholarships of up to $10,000 to diverse nursing students.  There’s still time, but you need to get started now.  For more details and for link to application, click here. The deadline is January 11, 2019.

…and our 2017 DiversityNursing.com Annual $5,000 Education Award Winner is… Tom Dion.

Tom is a Memory Care Unit Manager at Cape Heritage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Sandwich, MA on Cape Cod. Tom was surprised and very happy when I called him to deliver the good news that he is our 2017 Winner!

Tom didn’t get into Nursing right away. His journey started at Westfield State University in MA as a student in Exercise Science to become a Physical Therapist. He graduated in 2008 and received his BS in Exercise/Movement Science. After school, he worked a variety of jobs, including moving furniture, medical equipment technician, as well as ice sculpting for weddings, the Bruins, and other functions.

He was always drawn to healthcare and when deciding on a new career path, he looked to do something that had more meaning. In his words, he “needed a spiritual change”. In 2012, he went to Nursing school at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School of Nursing and graduated with an RN diploma. I asked him what was the draw to Nursing.

“I like the idea of helping people. Nursing provides fulfillment and meaning.”

While growing up, Tom spent a lot of time with his grandparents. He was very close to them. He was drawn to working with the geriatric community because of his understanding and love for his grandparents.

Right out of Nursing school, Tom started working at Cape Heritage as a Staff Nurse doing sub-acute rehab. After 1 year, he was offered a position as the Wound Care Department Head and promoted to Assistant Director of Nurses.

Tom has worked there for 2.5 years and has gained valuable administrative and management experience. He’s now a Unit Manager of the Memory Care Unit, which is a restraint free facility. The memory care unit is his favorite because he’s able to “lend a voice for the patients that aren’t able to speak for themselves.”

"The residents provide the purpose that I was looking for."

He is always assessing his patient’s capabilities to ensure they are provided with everything needed to maintain their optimal level of function.

“It’s important to pay attention to your resident's behavior, because it often provides the most crucial insight you have into identifying a problem.”

He talked about a male patient of his, who requires reassurance on a continual basis. He is unable to communicate his needs at times, which may be as simple as which day of the week it is, what time it is, or using the restroom. “Working fast to address the root cause of his worry, and keeping him comfortable is a challenge I look forward to every day.”

It’s important to have a sense of humor because in the memory care unit,

“You live in their world”.

The reality of their world is abstract, a world that they can and will explain to you, in bits and pieces. “The rewarding part of my job is working with the residents to complete these thoughts and fill in the gaps.” When helping the residents, these moments create a lasting impression that leaves him with a sense of fulfillment he hasn’t gotten anywhere else in life. As a co-worker frequently reminds me, “when I leave work, Tom, my hands are clean and my heart is pure.”

Cape Heritage also provides hospice care. It’s not an easy job, but it is very much appreciated when family members thank them. Tom is often in awe of his team and the work they do. They are truly special people to work with this population.

I asked Tom about being a guy in Nursing. He said it was a big transition from working with mostly men to working with primarily women. He said “it’s been interesting in a good way” and he doesn’t feel he’s treated differently because he’s a guy. He’s treated well and enjoys his Monday – Friday 7am-3pm shift.

Like so many Nurses I talk to, Tom says the best part about Nursing is it can lead you in so many directions – hands-on Nursing, teaching, case management, etc. “There’s always something different you can be doing.” He’s enjoyed experiencing different parts of Nursing.

Tom’s future plans include getting his WOCN (Wound Ostomy & Continence Nurse) certification. He remembers one particular female patient that stands out. She came in with a wound the size of a basketball on her back and it was deep into her spine. He could actually see her spinal column. Because of the technology available, CPI (closed pulse irrigation), he was able to disrupt the bacteria and create a completely healthy environment. Many people thought it was impossible to heal and close her wound, but within 7-8 months she was completely healed!

While working full time, fishing and enjoying activities outdoors, Tom plans to pass the national boards and receive his WOCN certification by the end of this summer. Teaching is in his future as well.

Congratulations Tom Dion – we are proud of you and see great things in your future!

Registration is open at DiversityNursing.com for our 2018 $5,000 Education Award.