In an era where healthcare advancements happen at breakneck speed, the value of ongoing learning for nurses cannot be overstated. Nurses stand at the forefront of patient care and are pivotal in ensuring optimal health outcomes.
By adopting up-to-date care practices and engaging in continual education and programs like the online Registered Nursing (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program from La Salle University, nurses enhance their expertise and contribute to the overall excellence of the healthcare systems in which they work.
Benefits of Continuing Professional Development in the Nursing Field
The ever-evolving landscape of healthcare demands that nurses remain informed about new treatments, technologies and understandings of health issues. According to a study published in BMC Nursing, continuing professional development (CPD) leads to improved nursing competencies and patient outcomes. Awareness of the latest developments equips nurses to offer more precise and effective care tailored to the diverse and changing needs of individuals, families and communities.
Such educational endeavors also reflect positively on a nurse’s career. A LinkedIn article emphasizes that ongoing education is key to the success of medical practitioners, as it leads to better job performance and opens doors to career advancements.
Nurses with a record of continuous learning become more in demand — not just due to their expanded skillset but also because of their demonstrated commitment to excellence. The LinkedIn article focuses on the importance of accreditation, specialization and certification.
From an earnings perspective, pursuing various tracts within the nursing profession can uplevel a nurse’s income potential. According to Nurseslabs.com, nurses with a BSN degree make, on average, more annually than RNs with only an associate degree (ADN) — $89,000 versus $68,000, over 30% more for BSN-qualified nurses.
Ongoing Learning’s Impact on Healthcare Overall
Beyond the individual, healthcare organizations feel the ripple effects of a nurse’s ongoing learning. When nurses are up to date with best practices, they bring innovative approaches to patient care.
This, in turn, increases patient satisfaction and boosts the reputation of the healthcare institution in which they provide care. Furthermore, a workforce of highly skilled and knowledgeable nurses is likely to be more efficient and adapt swiftly to new challenges.
Progressing Knowledge With a BSN Degree
One notable example of an institution fostering the spirit of ongoing learning is La Salle University. Its online RN to BSN program goes beyond equipping graduates with the tools to fulfill their job duties. It instills a culture of continual learning by offering courses such as:
- Nursing Research
- Developments and Controversies in Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Safety Strategies for Healthcare Delivery Systems
- International Public Health Nursing
Through such specialized courses, students are encouraged to critically analyze information and stay abreast of emerging trends and research in nursing.
Additional Resources to Continue Nursing Education
In addition to formal education programs like La Salle University’s offering, nurses have access to an array of supplemental resources for staying current. For instance, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) offers free continuing education courses for nurses. Engaging in professional organizations, attending conferences, participating in webinars and reading scholarly articles are some other ways nurses can ensure their knowledge and skills remain up-to-date.
One insight from AORN Journal is that nurses’ involvement in ongoing learning contributes to a culture of safety and high reliability within healthcare organizations. This culture is essential in modern healthcare, where patients are increasingly informed and have higher expectations regarding the quality of care. With this in mind, nurses are responsible for continuing to commit to their nursing practice.
The article’s author, Missi Merlino, makes a powerful statement: “Continuing education is one of the key elements of a profession; it is not about the number of hours you need to recertify, it is about the commitment made to validate your practice.”
Get Started With an Advanced Degree
Ongoing learning in nursing is a multifaceted treasure. It empowers nurses to provide top-tier patient care, fosters personal and professional growth and elevates the standards of healthcare organizations. Through avenues such as La Salle University’s RN to BSN program and supplemental resources, nurses have the opportunity to stay engaged and relevant — ultimately contributing to a healthcare system that is responsive, innovative and centered on patient welfare.
Learn more about La Salle University’s online RN to BSN program.