The Importance of Continuing Education for Nurses

Nursing is a rewarding career in more ways than one. It gives a huge amount of job satisfaction for anyone who enjoys working with and supporting people. But it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to continue learning and developing new areas of interest and expertise. In this blog, we’ll look at  the reasons why Continuing Education is so important for nurses.

What is Continuing Education for Nurses?

Continuing Education for nurses refers to any kind of further education or training that goes beyond the basic nurse’s training. It gives nurses the opportunity to build on their current skills and to develop their experience and knowledge throughout their career.

Continuing Education providers must be approved by an accredited approver (for example, Boards of Nursing) and courses and training can take various forms, including online learning, conferences and seminars.

10 Reasons Why Continuing Education for Nurses is Important

1. You can develop your areas of interest

Working in nursing gives you entry to a career that is as vast and broad as it is fascinating and fulfilling. Once you have done your basic training, you will find there are many different avenues you can go down as you start to explore all the possibilities within the nursing profession. Continuing Education gives you the chance to pursue areas that interest you and to develop skills and expertise in these areas. 

2. You stay up to date with industry trends

The world of nursing and healthcare is constantly evolving, as new science, research and technologies are put forward. Pursuing some form of Continuing Education is the best way to stay up to date on changes in the nursing world, ensuring you are always on top of your game.

3. Allows you to strengthen clinical skills

It can be so easy to become complacent in a role, whether that’s nursing or any field of work. Continuing Education allows you to review your existing healthcare knowledge and to reinvigorate the skills you already have.  

4. You maintain your nursing credentials

To keep practising as a registered nurse it is important to maintain your nursing credentials and licence. Continuing Education is one way of doing this, allowing you to continue working in a clinical setting.

5. Teaches you about new treatments

Newer medications and treatments are constantly being developed but it can be easy to be left behind. Continuing Education gives you the chance to learn about new types of patient care in different fields of nursing work. Understanding these new treatment strategies and introducing this knowledge to your care setting can have a big impact on the future care of your patients.

6. Keeps you abreast of technological advances

We live in a technological age and medicine is no exception. In fact, healthcare is an area where technology has played a hugely important role in the advancement of patient treatment and care. But technology never rests, so it is important to keep up with any new systems and procedures that might benefit patients in the future.

7. Leads to higher earning power

The more Continuing Education training you undertake, the more specialised and expert you become. This will lead to higher pay that’s commensurate with your advanced nursing skills. It also highlights your dedication and commitment to your profession which cold help you command a higher salary from employers.

8. Improves quality of care for patients

The more skilled you are as a nursing practitioner, and the more knowledge you gain from Continuing Education, the more your patients will benefit. Whether it’s learning new technologies, new procedures or new areas of expertise, you will be able to transfer those skills to your role caring for patients.

9. Leads to greater job security

By undertaking Continuing Education, you show ongoing commitment to your nursing profession. This will be seen as a plus by employers who like to reward hard work and dedication. Continuing Education will also allow you to train as a specialist or expert in certain fields where there might be a high demand for nurses with those skills. 

10. Leads to greater job satisfaction

If you have chosen a career in nursing, chances are you are already reaping the benefits of working in the care sector. However, by specialising and challenging yourself to learn and develop through Continuing Education, and knowing that your employers support you in this personal development, can enhance feelings of satisfaction and contentment.

If you are a nurse and would like more information about Continuing Education, speak to one of our advisers who can assist you with any queries. If you are looking for a new role in nursing, take a look at our nursing jobs board for the latest vacancies.