Content area
Full Text
Lifelong learning contributes to the development of knowledge and skill in nursing. A focus on continuous learning is necessary to remain current on trends, practices, and the newest treatments in the fi eld of nursing. Creation of a culture where educational growth is supported and promoted is vital to advancement of the nursing profession. Nurses' satisfaction with their professional role can be further enhanced by demonstrated expertise through lifelong learning. Expertise in nursing is solidly founded on evidence-based practice. Research, education, and experience in nursing practice are linked to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning; both are essential to remaining well versed in health care service delivery.
Facilitation and sharing of knowledge is considered to be a vital factor in security of the prosperity of modern societies.
(Jensen, 2007)
The fi eld of nursing has great diversity in career opportunities. The growth in employment opportunities available to nurses has greatly expanded areas of clinical practice and nursing expertise. Nurses are responsible for ensuring that their clinical knowledge base is as expansive and comprehensive as their specialty. In order to assure patients optimal care, nurses must be well versed in the most accurate and current information in clinical practice. Curiosity and desire to enhance nursing knowledge are essential to skill in practice. One of the American Nurses Association's professional standards is the enhancement of practitioner skill and competence through lifelong learning (American Nurses Association, 2004).
Development of skill in nursing practice can be achieved through opportunities for demonstrating competency. Continuing education experiences and opportunities for nurses to keep pace with a rapidly changing environment are central to professionalism. Growth in nursing is fostered through opportunities that allow for learning (DeSilets & Dickerson, 2010). Nursing is a profession that focuses on the dynamic nature of practice and the provision of appropriate, highquality clinical services that lead to positive health outcomes.
Supporting lifelong learning in nursing allows for the development of critical thinking as well as the expansion of knowledge related to the most current clinical treatments, procedures, and practices. There is a distinct relationship between nursing, lifelong learning, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning (Cruz, Pimenta, & Lunney, 2009). The ability to deal with varied health care scenarios in an introspective, appropriate, and detailed manner is a capability...