Introduction
For a long time, the debate of whether there should be mandatory continuing nursing education has been a contentious issue. This debate has been placed in the context of ensuring that the equality of nursing education is improved over time. Moreover, the mandatory continuation of nursing education is deemed to help harness public health. On the other hand, there are concerns that this mandatory continuing nursing education is neither a necessity nor a requirement in nursing.
Pros
Upgrade on nursing education: Over the years, there has been a continued change of technology in the nursing field. This can also be evidenced by the ever-changing patient care techniques. With the mandatory continuing nursing education, the benefits of new medical breakthroughs are imminent. This education will also be integral in understanding the new and emerging disease threats. The latest medical and nursing innovations are made possible through mandatory continuing nursing education. In addition, this education improves competency among nurses (Ferguson, 2006).
Patient outcomes: The outcome of the patient is improved through education. It should be noted that the ultimate goal in nursing is to ensure that the patients’ outcome is improved. Education through journals and new clinical trials harness clinical and nursing skills and knowledge (Ferguson, 2006).
Improved professionalism: Just like any other profession, nursing requires continued education (Griscti & Jacono, 2006). Professionalism requires a certain commitment to learning new changes in the very same discipline.
Networking: Nursing professionals meet other professionals when they attend meetings. Therefore, such can be termed as a benefit of mandatory continuing nursing education. Moreover, by readings websites, nursing blogs, and journals, certain elements of experience and knowledge are shared among the nurses (Griscti & Jacono, 2006).
Cons
Cost: One of the limitations for mandatory continuing nursing education is the cost associated with the education. In most cases, the health care facilities are required to pay the employees fees in this education. In addition, it is also costly to pay for the education, while patients are left unattended by the same nurses. This education requires materials such as video and magazines, which are additional costs. Moreover, the newly acquired skills and knowledge requires additional training and orientation with new equipment, which also add up to additional costs (Xiao, 2006).
Time limit: To complete the whole education program, time will be a factor. Sometimes, the time factor will require the nurses not to attend to patients, therefore, placing the patients’ health at risk.
Impracticability: It should be noted that sometimes the education offered to the nurses by the various professionals also varies. This means that there is also quality variance in activities and abilities. This makes the practicability of the practices learned difficult. Mandatory continuing nursing education promotes specialization. Once there is specialization in the education program, the implementation of the same also becomes difficult (Xiao, 2006). Moreover, nurses who have gone through the education program usually find it hard to re-enter into practice. This is evidenced in nurses who are aged and no longer adopt new practices with ease. Finally, the new education program does not necessarily mean that nurses will become competent or knowledgeable.
References
Ferguson, A. (2006). Evaluating the purpose and benefits of continuing education in nursing and the implications for the provision of continuing education fro cancer nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 19(4): 640-646.
Griscti, O & Jacono, J. (2006). Effectiveness of continuing education programmes in nursing: Literature review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 55(4): 449-456.
Xiao, L., D. (2006). Nurse educators’ perceived challenges in mandatory continuing nursing education. International Nursing Review, 53(3): 217-223.