Maintaining knowledge, currency, and scholarships available to nurse educators
Similar to other sectors, the nursing sector is constantly changing. Consequently, nurse educators have to work very hard to be up-to-date and remain relevant. The need to keep learning and advancing in the profession must be emphasized. Equally important is the fact that information accessed by nurse educators must be current and in line with new developments in the sector. Equipped with proper skills and experience, nurse educators will be in a better position to advise policymakers and mentor upcoming nurses.
To a large extent, young nursing practitioners look up to their trainers as role models during their initial stages of development. With appropriate guidance, learners become confident and highly competent health care providers in a society. The onus is on nurse educators to provide the best example to be emulated by young health care practitioners. Without proper guidance, young nursing professionals tend to lose sight of what is important in the profession, and this can easily hinder efforts to improve nursing practice.
The National League for Nursing (NLN) is committed to advancing nurse education and offers grants and scholarships to facilitate career development for nurse educators (National League for Nursing, 2016). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) also gives scholarships and awards to nursing practitioners interested in further studies. A number of nursing practitioners have already benefited from the programs managed by these organizations.
Opportunities for professional development in nursing and in my specific nursing concentration
In a world characterized by frequent changes, competence in the delivery of operations is absolutely important and is more than just acquiring the knowledge and skills required for performance improvement. To achieve the expected level of competence, nursing practitioners must pursue professional development at all costs.
According to Oyetunde & Ofi (2013), nurses should be fully aware of the laws that affect nursing practice. International healthcare organizations that facilitate this include the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the American Nurses Association (ANA), and the National League for Nursing (NLN). The National League for Nursing organizes various professional activities aimed at creating opportunities for nurse educators to learn and grow. Opportunities presented to nurses by this organization include conferences, courses, and workshops (National League for Nursing, 2016). These forums make it possible for nurses to interact with colleagues from all over the world and exchange ideas and best practices.
Opportunities for professional development with the National League for Nursing (NLN), American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and American Nurses Association (ANA)
The National League for Nursing provides a number of professional opportunities for nurse educators to assist in the development of their careers. NLN has a long record of offering grants and scholarships aimed at improving the nursing practice. The NLN also runs leadership programs that bring together experienced nurse educators to learn and share their experiences with a common goal of realizing excellence in the practice. To benefit from services offered by NLN, one has to be a registered nurse. He or she must also be able to create time and be fully committed to excellence.
The American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) has a reputation as a leader in providing faculty development opportunities and resources for nurse educators. Among the services offered by AACN are scholarships and award programs, leadership development programs, providing information on funding opportunities, organizing conferences and regional courses, and providing career advancement resources (American Association of College of Nursing, 2008).
According to the American Nursing Association (2008), ANA is devoted to providing nurse educators with resources necessary to build a strong career in nursing. Services offered include but are not limited to webinars, workshops, conferences, and leadership development programs. Most of the services are offered at affordable costs.
In the future, I would like to take advantage of some of the professional development services offered by these bodies, as I believe that they will help to improve my performance as a nurse educator. I intend to take part in workshops, conferences, and training that are prepared by these organizations and offered at different times. In my opinion, the future of nursing practice rests fully in the hands of those who are entrusted with the responsibility to teach others. For this reason, participating in these activities is critical and will strengthen my career and that of others seeking to be competent nurse educators.
Professional development opportunities for nurse educators at websites of healthcare organizations
Professional development is very important for a nurse educator for a number of reasons. First, it ensures that the nurse educator is abreast of new developments in the sector. With cases of healthcare challenges on the rise, society is in need of people with skills to provide excellent nursing services. Professional development for nurse educators also helps to bring growth and ensures that health care services are delivered effectively. In addition, nurse educators are expected to keep learning in order to get to a level where they can efficiently support young nursing professionals.
Websites such as healthfinder.gov and Association for Nursing Professional Development offer information that is of great benefit to nursing educators around the world. By and large, the information presented on these websites touches on opportunities for the development of nurse educators (USDHHS, 2016). Nurse educators gain access to services that deepen their understanding of the nursing practice and make them better educators.
Information about conferences, workshops, and trainings is made available to nurse educators in a good time, and this helps them to carefully choose activities that are most appropriate to their career development. The websites also provide nurse educators with vital information regarding important certifications and other relevant activities.
Importance of social media in healthcare and its implementation
For a very long time, face-to-face interaction was the main approach used to share information (Britnell, 2011). Patients had to travel to medical institutions to meet physicians and discuss their health challenges. In present-day society, the existence of the Internet and social media website has completely changed how patients and healthcare providers interact. As pointed out by Britnell (2011), newer technologies have made it easier for providers in the healthcare sector to reach clients through a virtual environment.
There is a high possibility of people relying on the Internet and social media websites to reach healthcare providers and to source for healthcare-related information. Doctors and healthcare providers are also able to reach so many clients within a short period through social media websites.
While the use of social media benefits the healthcare industry in so many ways, its success depends on effective implementation. The integration of social media in the healthcare sector must be undertaken with the full support of stakeholders. Implementers must endeavor to seek input from all stakeholders at every stage of the development process.
References
American Association of College of Nursing. (2008). Nurse Faculty Development Opportunities and Resources. Web.
American Nurses Association. (2016). Continuing Professional Development. Web.
Britnell, M. (2011). Increasing Importance of Social Media in Healthcare. Web.
National League for Nursing. (2016). Professional Development Programs. Web.
Oyetunde, M. O. & Ofi, B. A. (2013). Nurses’ knowledge of legal aspects of nursing practice in Ibadan, Nigeria. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 3(9), 75 – 82.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS). (2016). Health News. Web.