As I contemplate the enormous responsibility that one assumes when working in the profession of nursing, the question, (Roberts, 2011) “what is the relevance of this important concept (lifelong learning), posed by Dottie Roberts, MSN in her editorial “Resolved to Be a Lifelong Learner”, there is no doubt in my mind that I too, have taken on the responsibility to continue to expand my knowledge base and skills as a professional nurse. Standard number 8 in the Standards of Professional Nursing Practice (ANA, 2010) states “the registered nurse attains knowledge and competence that reflects current nursing practice.Therefore, as professional nurses we are bound by this standard as long as we choose to continue active employment in the profession.
Aside from standards, the role and responsibilities of the RN today is ever evolving. As advancements in technologies are made, and the cost to provide healthcare increases forcing insurance companies to increase premiums and decrease coverage. As a direct result patients tend to wait longer to seek treatment, often not until they are critically ill.Also, new reimbursement policies enacted by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) will be based solely on patient outcomes, yet another avenue where nurses are being forced to face ever-increasing demands in the workplace.
As I continue to further my education and expand my knowledge base, I feel I am better equipped to meet these challenges and demands, resulting in improved patient care and outcomes. My self-confidence improves drastically and as a direct result, patients are more trusting and confident in the care they are receiving.Being that I strive to establish a relationship based on trust, my improved self-confidence is a very beneficial in the establishment of this trust. This idea is supported by (Eason, 2010) when she states, “lifelong learning allows nurses to develop confidence and skill in service provision that is evident to patients, their families, and other health care practitioners.
” As I continue my education and strive for excellence I feel confident in my abilities to provide safe and effective patient care.
