{"id":5697,"date":"2024-05-08T08:32:39","date_gmt":"2024-05-08T07:32:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alison.com\/blog\/?p=5697"},"modified":"2024-09-18T12:25:44","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T11:25:44","slug":"continuing-education-for-nurses-how-online-learning-supports-lifelong-professional-growth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alison.com\/blog\/continuing-education-for-nurses-how-online-learning-supports-lifelong-professional-growth","title":{"rendered":"Continuing Education for Nurses: How Online Learning Supports Lifelong Professional Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"

You knew when you graduated from nursing school that your educational journey wasn\u2019t over. Continuing education is as critical for nurses as the original degree you received. Given the ever-changing landscape of the medical field, it\u2019s vital that nurses constantly update their knowledge base.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a busy career nurse, you know that finding time to take continuing education courses is not easy. The idea of leaving a twelve-hour shift to race to class is understandably overwhelming. Luckily, attending courses in person is not the only option.<\/span><\/p>\n

Modern technology has created opportunities for professional development and growth that don\u2019t require anything more than a computer and an internet connection. If you have those tools, you can take continuing education courses online. This way, you can stay up-to-date on everything you need to know to be an excellent nurse and do it at your convenience.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Evolution of Online Learning in Nursing Education<\/span><\/h2>\n

Obtaining additional education and even certifications online is easy and accessible, but it hasn\u2019t always been that way. Nearly thirty years ago, Duquesne University, USA, offered the first online doctorate in nursing, and ever since, nurses have used online tools to support their career growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the healthcare industry experiences major nurse shortages, online learning offers a way for more prospective nursing students to begin their careers. Of course, at their inception, virtual nursing education programmes were controversial. However, after decades of results, the consensus is that there is a definite benefit to offering some nursing education online.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even nurses who prefer to complete their degrees at a brick-and-mortar university can benefit from online learning, as many of the required continuing education courses can be found in virtual form. Thanks to advances in technology, these courses can include everything from simple slideshows to live lectures and even interactive programmes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pandemic taught the healthcare industry that quite a bit of medical work can be done virtually. Research by Wolters Kluwer revealed that <\/span>93% of surveyed nursing schools used virtual learning<\/span> in some way, <\/span>r<\/span>eflecting the growing prominence of online education in the healthcare sector.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Advantages of Online Education in Nursing Professional Development<\/span><\/h2>\n

Flexibility in Scheduling<\/span><\/h3>\n

While clinical courses need to be in person for hands-on learning, much of the information that nurses are required to learn can be delivered online to allow for a self-paced educational experience. <\/span>Research into self-paced learning models published by Jonathan G. Tullis and Aaron S. Benjamin in PubMed Central<\/span>\u00a0shows that this method is highly effective and supports better retention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many nurses lead extremely busy lives, balancing professional careers and families at home. Being allowed the flexibility of online learning for continuing education gives them the freedom to take care of those courses when it works best for their schedules.<\/span><\/p>\n

Accessibility from Anywhere<\/span><\/h3>\n

Online nursing education has also added an element of accessibility that was lacking in traditional models. No matter where you are or what physical limitations you might have, you have the opportunity to access a world-class education thanks to online options.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost-Effectiveness<\/span><\/h3>\n

Quality online learning options are often much more affordable than traditional schools, which provides learners with more access than ever. Given the dire need for nurses across the globe, this is an advantage that will bring more nurses to the trade.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overcoming Challenges: Maximizing the Benefits of Online Continuing Education<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are challenges with online learning. Some students find self-paced programmes to be difficult because they struggle with motivation. Others prefer an in-person setting where they can access real-time support from peers and instructors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Technical Hurdles<\/span><\/h3>\n

For students who are not as technologically inclined, it can be daunting to manage all of their coursework online. There are often software programmes and websites that need to be navigated to complete online work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Social Stigma<\/span><\/h3>\n

There is sometimes a stigma associated with online learning that suggests it is inferior to brick-and-mortar alternatives. This outdated notion is simply untrue, and many online programmes for both continuing education and full-length degrees are hosted by prestigious institutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Time Management<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re not able to properly schedule time for schoolwork, it\u2019s easy to fall behind with online learning. Figuring out how to balance your time well to include plenty of time for classes \u2014 even when you don\u2019t have to physically attend them \u2014 is critical to success.<\/span><\/p>\n

Motivation and Engagement\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Often, the social aspect and peer connection are a valuable part of the learning experience. This can be lost with online learning, making it difficult to engage with the course. Feeling isolated in your journey can make it difficult to stay motivated.<\/span><\/p>\n

These challenges are not insurmountable, however. Today, online continuing education options for nurses are equipped with incredible systems for support and collaboration. As more nurses opt for online learning to meet their needs, more data is available showing how effective these options are.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Future of Online Learning in Nursing<\/span><\/h2>\n

Going forward, the overwhelming expectation among experts is that online nursing education will continue to grow in availability, accessibility, and opportunity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n