Editor's
Note
Care
and feeding
Professional
development crucial to the evolution of nursing
Carol Bradley, MSN,
RN, California Editor
January
29, 2001
I recently
spoke at a conference about the nursing shortage when a
health care leader raised his hand and asked me how I would
spend $250,000 to improve the work environment for the nurses
in his organization. I answered his question from personal
experience and conversations with many nurses. However,
I thought some more about his question, and here is a longer
version of the answer I gave him.
The
care and feeding of a profession requires significant effort
by the individual, its leaders and those accountable for
the workplace. Each has a profound effect on the professional
evolution of a nurse and the level of satisfaction derived
from the work of nursing.
Regardless
of the route you chose to become a nurse, one thing is certain:
Learning and developing– as a professional nurse –is
a lifelong process. From our first days as new graduates,
we are greatly influenced by the more sage, experienced
nurses around us.
In many
ways, those early experiences shape the kind of professionals
we become. It is time we ensure that the entry of new graduates
into the field is cushioned in a structure of support, guidance
and appropriate resources. Senior preceptor nurses who are
ready, willing and able to pass on their wisdom to the next
generation should guide the early learning at this first
stage.
The
work environment should be designed to support and encourage
the professional growth and development of nurses. First
and most importantly, nurses must retain control over their
practice and have the opportunity to actively participate
in the development and management of a professional practice
model.
To foster
continuing knowledge growth, access to journals, educational
resources, anatomical models, innovative continuing educational
offerings and professional credentialing should be available
within the workplace for nurses. When nurses with advanced
clinical expertise are available within the clinical setting,
they can provide guidance and leadership to the development
of innovative clinical care while serving as role models
for the younger, less experienced nurses.
Our
health care leaders must understand that ensuring clinical
excellence is a continuing process that requires significant
resources and a strong commitment to investing in people.
Access
to research findings and the ability to participate in clinical
research provide the opportunity for nurses to further expand
their knowledge, especially in work settings where evidence-based
practice is being fostered. We also should make the most
of the opportunity to influence and guide nursing students
as they visit our clinical areas.
Nurses
also need tuition funding and access to convenient, formal
educational courses that can advance their knowledge and
open new options within their career. Nursing leaders should
promote, encourage and facilitate advanced education for
nurses in all work settings.
As health
care organizations struggle to ensure retention of their
nursing staff, it is crucial that we articulate what components
are necessary to develop a professional nursing workforce.
I believe that professional development is one of the most
important benefits a work environment can provide to employees.
I hope
you are taking advantage of any professional development
opportunities available where you work.
