Nursing Informatics Health/Professional Growth: Transitions Learning Activity: The BSN Nursing Program at Kwantlen University College

Nursing Informatics at Kwantlen University College

..:: Nursing 4211: Health/Professional Growth: Transitions::..

Lifelong Learning and Computers

Overview

"Adults require a learning climate in which they can work confidently on topics that are relevant to their personal needs and that draw on their own experiences. If they are encouraged to participate in the decision making related to their learning, they will be more likely to take some responsibility for the consequences of those decisions, as well as for their own learning, and to offer suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of their learning."

- (Continuing Education, Canada 1987).

A common theme for virtually every profession and occupation in the 21st century, is that continuing education is vital. Nursing organizations around the world, including the Canadian Nurses Association and the Registered Nurses Association of B.C. support this in the context of nursing. It is mandatory that Nurses continually keep themselves updated and educated in new theory, knowledge and practice issues and approaches. Online resources can be an important resource for this purpose. Nurses work a variety of shifts and often juggle several crucial roles at once. Online courses, speciality preparation and degree programs are becoming more popular and abundant, affording flexibility and access to many nurses around the world.

Ends In View

This learning activity is intended to give the learner the opportunity to:

1. Begin to plan a personal approach to Continuing Education, using computers as an access tool.

2. Initiate a personal professional portfolio to track Continuing Education experiences.

In Preparation

1.Visit the Canadian Nurses' Association website to read the Statements on Continuing Education and Graduate Study at: http://cna-nurses.ca/_frames/careers/careersframe.htm

2.View the R. N. A. B.C. website, and read the information and resources on Continuing Competency and the Standards for Nursing Practice at: http://www.rnabc.bc.ca/

3. View: Free Internet CEUS (Continuing Education Units) listing continuing education courses available free online at: http://www.nurseceu.com/free.htm

4. Visit: NursingCenter.com for articles, links and resources on online continuing education and further formal education at: http://www.nursingcenter.com/

5. Visit: the Canadian RN Continuing Education website, for many resources to help you plan your lifelong learning, often using online resources to advance yourself, at: http://www.canadianrn.com/

In Practice

1. Outline your personal goals for the next ten years. Consider what themes and streams of advanced nursing practice you wish to cultivate. Write these down.

2. From the resources you looked at during the In Preparation, consider how online courses and programs can be of service to you. Write down pertinent information about these.

3. Begin a personal portfolio to track all Continuing Education, Seminars, Workshops and other examples of continual learning that you engage in. Keep this updated throughout your career.

In Reflection

1. How can you create an interesting and fulfilling Continuing Education experience for yourself? Take steps to begin this experience.

References

Canadian Nurses' Association (2002) Statements on Continuing Education and Graduate Study http://cna-nurses.ca/_frames/careers/careersframe.htm

Government of Canada (1987).Continuing Education: A Resource Document. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/resource/continu.html

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (2002). NursingCenter.com. http://www.nursingcenter.com/

nurseCEU.com (2002). Free Internet CEUS (Continuing Education Units). : http://www.nurseceu.com/free.htm

Qualimetric Research Inc. (2002). Canadian RN Continuing Education. http://www.canadianrn.com/conted.htm

R. N. A. B.C. Continuing Competency and the Standards for Nursing Practice http://www.rnabc.bc.ca/

BSN Nursing Program at Kwantlen University College 1999 - 2004
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