b'EDUCATION GUIDE|salary increases, and greater career sat- Stay current on licensing and accredita- the dynamic nature of knowledge, actively isfaction. The ability to pursue a specialtytion requirements seeking learning experiences, and keeping can open doors for innovation, meetingthe mind active. the critical needs of underserved popula- HOW TO CHOOSE CE COURSES In a rapidly changing healthcare land-tions, and develop evidence-based practices.The proliferation of CE opportunities can bescape, new learning occurs daily from Developing expertise creates greater trustoverwhelming when making a decision. Thetechnology interfaces, complex medical and respect from other professionals andfollowing criteria is a starting point in deter- conditions, collaboration with interprofes-consumers. mining the value of a course of study: sional teams, culturally appropriate ther-In saturated markets, a specialty certifi- Accreditation and Approval: Nationalapy, health literacy, infection control, and cation can provide practitioners with a com- and state regulatory boards regulations. Healthcare professionals can petitive edge in gaining employment. WithCredentialed Instructors no longer be complacent with the minimum rapid healthcare advances, delving deeperProduction Quality: Is the audio clear,knowledge and skillset to ensure improved into a practice area ensures improvedvisual presentation well organized andpatient outcomes, client-centered care, and competency and reduced medical errors.easy to follow?Specialty certifications can deliver state- Price: Cheaper is not always better incost containment. Healthcare professionals of-the-art healthcare with higher clientterms of quality. encounter changing paradigms in practice, satisfaction. Learning Objectives: Are the learningwhich challenge us to continue our journey On the downside, specializations canobjectives clearly stated and relevant totowards learning.nbecome an obstacle to practitioners ifyour needs?employment availability is limited in theirGo outside your comfort zone:REFERENCESspecialty, or a healthcare environmentExploring unfamiliar content with a dif- 1.Barajas, B. (2020) How to Embrace requires the skills and knowledge of a gener- ferent perspective Lifelong Learning to Adapt to a alist. Expertise can also lead to a reduction- Substantial and varied course selection:Changing Healthcare Landscape. istic perspective in delivering healthcare,Do the courses cover vast practice areas,https://www.precheck.com/blog/how-narrowing the practice scope. specializations, and general practice? Doto-embrace-lifelong-learning-adapt-the courses offer complementary/integra- changing-healthcare-landscapeEMBRACING LIFELONG LEARNING INtive approaches and modalities? 2.Concorde Blog (2020). The Importance HEALTHCARE Application of the Content: Can youof Continuing Education for Healthcare A unique mindset is necessary for embrac- transfer the content and apply it to yourWorkers. https://www.concorde.edu/ing lifelong learning among individuals andpractice area? Can the theory be easilyabout-us/blog/career-tips-advice/healthcare organizations. The organizationput into practice?needs to cultivate a culture that embraces: Learning Styles: Does the content sup- cont-edThe value of humility: Lifelong learn- port your learning style and preferences? 3.HealthStream EBSCO Health Notes ers never assume they know every- Technology Compatibility: Does the(2017). The Importance of Lifelong thing. An openness to new information,course require additional apps forLearning in Healthcare and Especially approaches, and perspectives is vital.accessing the content? Nursing. https://www.health.ebsco.Receiving feedback and ongoing self-as- Self-Reflective Practice: Does thecom/blog/article/the-increasing-im-sessment of strengths and weaknesses iscourse encourage the development ofportance-of-lifelong-learning-ca-imperative self-reflective practice? reer-in-healthcare-and-especiallyReceptivity to new information orCurrent Research: Does the con- 4.Health Workforce Initiative (2020). perspectives tent contain recent research and evi- Hi-Touch Healthcare: The Critical Open to multiple learning techniques:dence-based practices? Six Soft Skills. https://www.hwi.org/E-learning, in-service, mentoring, read- cirriculum/soft-skills-traininging journals CONCLUSION 5.Institute of Medicine (2010). Redesigning Healthcare organizations must encour- Lifelong learning is a dynamic process; per- Continuing Education in the Health age and provide lifelong learningsonal and professional, formal and informal.Professions. https://www.nap.edu/opportunities through various ven- Lifelong learning seeks and appreciates newread/12704/chapter/12ues; conferences, in-service, online, andideas to gain a different perspective ques-mentoring tioning ones environment, knowledge,6.Mitcham, M.D. (2014). Education Meeting the challenges and remain- skills, competencies, and interactions. Theas Engine. American Journal of ing competitive in a rapidly changingessential characteristics involve reflection,Occupational Therapy, 68,636-648. industry inquiry, enjoying learning, understandinghttps://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.68600126 EDUCATION GUIDE|2020| www.elitecme.com'