Importance of Continuing Profession Development

Question: Discuss about the Importance of Continuing Profession Development. Answer: Introduction: Undeniably, in the recent decades, the nursing profession has witnessed profound developments due to globalization and technological advancement (Kathleen Masters, 2017, 39). The continued professional development (CPD) has been handy in ensuring that the nurses remain relevant in this ever-changing profession. CPD has made sure that the capabilities of nurses are perpetuated and that they keep pace with current standards in the profession. For instance, through incessant conferences attendances, mandatory workplace training endeavors and self-directed learning among nurses has enabled them to maintain and enhance the knowledge and skills that are critical in discharging professional services to the clients. This move has led to increased public confidence not only in the professional discharging care but the profession as a whole (Alsop, 2013, 10). Improving maternal health is one of the core concern and developmental goal of numerous countries. Achieving this goal has been a big challenge to many countries. However, some countries such as New Zealand have made great strides in curbing maternal mortality. According to Celia Sally (2013, e59), continuous training of maternal health care professionals was one of the core strategies that was employed in reducing the maternal deaths. Moreover, this move of retraining maternal healthcare professionals has eliminated disparities in the access to healthcare, especially in remote areas. This phenomenon compelled demonstrates that there is need for health professionals to participate in continuous instruction to acquire requisite knowledge and skills to manage pregnancy related complications (Celia, Sally, 2013, e64) Unarguably, CPD is an excellent way of enhancing ones career prospects. This aspect is majorly due to the achievement of additional qualifications. CPD not only equips one with unique skills but it also improves and provides evidence of competence. For instance, this move has resulted in many registered nursing (RN) upgrading to a bachelor of science in nursing (BScN).This transition apart from increasing the salary margin, it has enabled them to make meaningful contributions to the team and the institution at large thus making them more efficient. Moreover, CPD may enhance the development of individual qualities such competence and leadership skills. Such aspects may enhance promotions (Alsop, 2013, 22). Further, CPD has tremendously refined the nursing profession. It has culminated in the evolution of avid educators and specialists. This group of individuals are quite knowledgeable and versatile thus they can function in multiple places in the health sector to provide intricate car e to diverse customers. Moreover, these specialists and educators Besides actively participating in research and policy creation, they have also played a key role in guiding the nurses under them. This move has not only enhanced competence within the nursing fraternity, but it has also propelled the profession further (Kathleen Masters, 2017, 39). Further, CPD enables nurses to provide evidence-based care which is their core mandate. This approach to healthcare delivery requires nurses to utilize the best available evidence in making decision about patient care. CPD ensures that new knowledge is always generated through multiple approaches such as health research. Besides ensuring that the existing knowledge gaps are sealed, CPD elicits the weakness and inadequacies of the current practice and lays a framework for continuous improvement and coming up with a better approach to care (Kathleen Masters, 2017, 40). Additionally, CPD ensures that nurses provide patient-centered care. Besides enhancing the knowledge and skills of professionals, CPD also enables nurses to change their attitudes hence ensuring the providence of ethically sound healthcare provision. Moreover, a vibrant CPD system will see that the healthcare professional are committed and equipped in enhancing patient safety. Still, the continuous learning will enable t he health professionals to be accommodative to their patients diverse values and preferences. This move will culminate in high patient satisfaction and enhanced patient outcome (Katsikitis et al. 2013, 34). The statement marries well with the findings of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) (2010, 24).The Institute noted that due complexities of the present healthcare systems, it is imperative for nurses to specialize. The institute also observed that nurses who partake often provide quality care (Ross, Barr, Stevens, 2013). Due to advancement in technology in the recent years, the use of health informatics has been ubiquitous in almost all health institutions. These technologies have enabled the capturing and quick analysis of real-time data at various points of care. Apart from ensuring efficient management of patient information, these developments have also improved patient care. Consequently, it is imperative for nurses to undergo continuous training to be knowledgeable on how to utilize these technologies. This move will capacitate nurses to maximize the use of various technologies to enhance patient outcome (Alsop, 2013, 25). Currently, numerous health care institutions have embraced teamwork. The facilities should encourage and facilitate CPD among the employees to promote this fruitful endeavor. According to Katsikitis et al. (2013, 36), CPD is critical in enhancing coordination and collaboration between healthcare professionals enabling them to learn from and with each other. CPD creates an insatiable desire for improved personal performance among nurses. This state warrants an individual to encourage the input of others with the aim of learning different perspectives and approaches. The move further translates to the improved patient outcome. References Alsop, A 2013,Continuing Professional Development in Health and Social Care: Strategies for Lifelong Learning, Wiley, Somerset. Celia P,G, Sally K, T 2013, New Zealand's unique maternity system, Australian College of Midwives. Vol 26, (1)e59e64. DOI:https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2012.09.006 Kathleen Masters, 2017, Role Development in Professional Nursing Practice, Jones Bartlett Learning, Burlington. Katsikitis, M, McAllister, M, Sharman, R, Raith, L, Faithfull-Byrne, A Priaulx, R 2013, 'Continuing professional development in nursing in Australia: current awareness, practice, and future directions,' Contemporary Nurse, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 33-45, https://dx.doi.org/10.5172/conu.2013.45.1.33 Ross K, Barr J, Stevens J 2013, Mandatory continuing professional development requirements: what does this mean for Australian nurses, BMC Nurs. 12(1). Doi: 10.1186/1472-6955-12-9