Compare the pros and cons of continuing nursing education related to the following:
Impact on competency.
Pros and Cons of Continuing Education for Nurses
The alarming mortality and morbidity cases among the hospitalized patients in the US
increase concerns on professional competency. Nurses and other professionals experience
increased scrutiny to offer effective and safe care (Puetz & Peters, 2001). On the same note,
nursing education programs face increased pressure of producing graduates that are capable of
offering safe patient care.
There are a number of advantages of continuing nursing education on competency. There
are numerous changes in regard to patient care and technology. In addition, there are novel
medical breakthroughs, emerging diseases’ threat, and health care innovations. For nurses to
keep going, there is a need for continuing nursing education (South Dakota Board of Nursing,
2009). In the nursing professions, competence involves keeping abreast with latest findings.
Through education, patients’ outcomes improve. It is also a demonstration of professionalism in
that as nursing professionals, the practice changes gradually. So as to validate these changes,
there is a need to be committed to education. It also fosters networking in that nurses meet other
members of the professional community and through knowledge and experience, shaping,
improving, and guiding the practice becomes possible (Council on Continuing Education
(American Nurses Association), 2008).
One of the disadvantages of continuing education is that it is really costly. It is very
costly to pay nurses to attend conference and lectures and be far from the bedside. Implementing
a practice change required time and this also means spending more time far from the patient.
PROS AND CONS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR NURSES 2
Basically, although learning and education are beneficial, they do not always result to
improvement in practice. Regardless of this, it is important for there to be a learning environment
in the nursing environment.
PROS AND CONS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR NURSES 3
References
Council on Continuing Education (American Nurses Association). (2008). Self-directed
continuing education in nursing. Kansas City, Mo: ANA.
Puetz, B. E., & Peters, F. L. (2001). Continuing education for nurses: A complete guide to
effective programs. Rockville, Md: Aspen Systems Corp.
South Dakota Board of Nursing. (2009). Continuing education for nurses. Sioux Falls, S.D: The
Board.