Introduction
Nursing is a field in which constant professional development is essential. Numerous researches reveal new facts in the sphere of nursing. Consequently, a nurse should improve the knowledge to meet professional demands. It may be a good idea to go back to school for a certificate or another degree. It may be more complicated, but the experience the person gets is valuable. Thus, there is a question to answer: what are the possible effects that a continuous professional education has?
Employee Attrition
First of all, when it comes to further education, the problem of employee attrition appears. Combining work and studies is hard. As a result, the nurses who decide to return to school to continue their training usually leave their jobs. Still, the problem has a solution. If a nurse does not want to quit the job and still wishes to continue the professional training, online education may be selected (Smith, 2011, p.54). The accredited Internet-based online schools or courses provide excellent study opportunities.
Equal Employment Opportunity
When a young nurse begins to work after college, she obviously has less experience than the colleagues who work longer. In the case of workplace change, a more experienced employee will have greater possibilities than beginners. Further professional training is the way to get equal employment opportunities. Postgraduate education should not be limited to the narrow professional programs. It is also useful to study related fields or any other practical skills. For example, if the person does not have basic computer skills, he or she may face the problem when taking online courses. Hence, one should consider improving computer knowledge first. Research by Pool, Poell, and Cate (2013, p.37) showed that continuing professional development is connected to social status. The participants observed “social pressure” for professional development.
Quality of Work Life
The necessity of continuing professional education in nursing is not a matter of discussion. Both nurses and managers agree that it positively influences the individual, the organization where he or she is employed, and of course, the nurses’ direct responsibility, the patient’s care. The researchers believe that continuing professional education results in “higher job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and lower stress” (Pool et al., 2013, p.35). Besides, the absence of professional development may lead to the early retirement or change of the occupation. Moreover, in some countries, the health agencies demand continuing professional development to renew the registration” (Pool et al., 2013, p.35). The same research recorded the participants’ suppositions that higher salary and status are the outcome of the professional development rather than the patient care competence itself.
Competitiveness of the Organization
It is certain that the status of the organization depends on the professionalism of the people who work there. If the employees have a good education and continue mastering their theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the organization will be able to face the competition. It will not be an exaggeration to state that the competitiveness of the organization relies upon the professional development of the employees.
Conclusions
On the whole, the continuing professional development is the key to success in any sphere of work. A real specialist never stops studying and learning the innovative approaches and practices in the profession. It is impossible to be competent and passive, for a dedicated professional is always moving forward.
References
Pool, I., Poell, R.F., & Cate, O.T. (2013). Nurses’ and managers’ perceptions of continuing professional development for older and younger nurses: A focus group study. International journal of nursing studies, 50(1), 34-43. Web.
Smith, L.S. (2011). Thinking of going back. Nursing2011, 52-55. Web.