Educated RN

allnurses Guide · Mar 16, 2017

Well, the thing about nursing that I like is that there is never a "done" no matter how long you've been working, and starting from scratch when switching to a new specialty.

Combined with the mandatory continuing education to keep your license active, there is a bewildering array of learning opportunities, including those you mentioned.

Many times you'll find answers via your co-workers, as in what journals they subscribe to, professional associations they belong to, and other priorities they consider for staying current in that job, in that specialty.

So, for me "which is best" is dependent on factors like cost, availability of on-site opportunities, travel distance (ie for conferences, seminars) and preferences in degree of social interaction.

Personally, I enjoy the classroom experience, but due to time, cost restraints and lack of inservice or nurse educators I take online courses, usually those on sale. If I took a job where group attendance at a conference in another city is an expectation I would explore all options before deciding not to attend.

If I were employed at a teaching hospital, my "best way" would align with my preferred way, though. Best wishes!

newcareer13 · Mar 16, 2017

Thank you very much!!

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Mar 16, 2017

Subscribe to journals relating to your specialty. Attend relevant conferences annually. Subscribe to Medscape and other online CE providers.

And Bravo for recognizing the need! I know too many nurses who don't bother.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2017

Question- how to stay educated on disease processes and pharmacology after graduation. Seems work work and work which I absolutely love; BUT worried about losing what I have learned.

If you are doing your 'work, work, work' in the correct manner, you be constantly applying your knowledge on disease processes and pharmacology to these everyday workplace situations.

If you constantly apply your knowledge at work, you will not lose what you have learned in school. If anything, the application enhances your knowledge base beyond the realm of textbooks.

newcareer13 · Mar 16, 2017

Thanks thanks :sarcastic:

cleback · Mar 16, 2017

If you are doing your 'work, work, work' in the correct manner, you be constantly applying your knowledge on disease processes and pharmacology to these everyday workplace situations.
If you constantly apply your knowledge at work, you will not lose what you have learned in school. If anything, the application enhances your knowledge base beyond the realm of textbooks.

Agree with this. Teach patients about their diagnosis and treatment plan. Some patients won't want a detailed explanation but others will. If you have a patient with a chronic condition, they'll probably be able to teach you a few things. For things I may not encounter often, I found studying for my certification exam was a good general review.

tyvin, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2017

If you're working, you're learning. A new drug you've never seen, new procedure, disease: there is a plethora of everyday opportunities to enhance your scope of practice at work. Doctors and fellow nurses are great resources (or they should be).

Also, your workplace should be having inservices.

You don't want to go home and study: you should be home relaxing and enjoying your life. Leave work at work.