Nurses continuing education classes are constantly learning more and more about the medical field. The reason why most nurses continuing education are taking these classes are to keep them up-to-date on the ever-changing information about medications and procedures. Keeping all nurses current helps to make sure that they are given the right information and know how to properly perform a procedure.
Testing
Nurses continuing education are required to complete a set number of hours a day when classes are being held and must be able to pass their exams. In most cases, a test will take place that requires the nurse prove that they are aware of the procedure and how to perform the it quickly and correctly.
If the nurse is unable to do it correctly, he or she will be asked to take the class over again until they learn how to do it as instructed.
Course Offerings
When looking to participate in nurses continuing education classes, the classes being offered will vary from one session to another. In most cases, the available classes will keep the nurse knowledgeable about medications and the most up-to-date information on illnesses and viruses.
If the nurse sees a patient and does not know anything about the illness or virus, not only is the patient at risk, but also the staff. This is one reason why it is important that nurses continue their education even after they have graduated from school.
Refresher Classes
Refresher classes are available to all nurses continuing education in their specified areas of expertise. The refresher class will help to make sure that all information the nurse needs is fresh in their minds; this ensures that patients are receiving the best care possible.
Once the refresher course is over, a test will be given and the nurse will be expected to pass the test with a certain score percentage or they will have to retake the test as well as the refresher course. When attending the refresher course, be sure to bring paper and pen to write down any information that you think that you might forget later on down the road.
Hands-On Training
The nurses continuing education are not only learning from the textbooks and video’s that they are watching in classes, but also learning from the hands-on experience that they can only get from working. The hands-on part is essential to learning the proper way as you are actually working on someone who can tell you when something hurts or when they feel uncomfortable.
But when working in a classroom, the mannequin is usually getting the percentage of the hands-on time. While this may be a good idea at first, the hands-on time with patients is what the nurse will learn the most from.
This is why it is essential for nurses continuing education to frequently to learn new skills. Once they learn new techniques, nurses will be given the opportunity to try it out. Once they have mastered their new skills, they will move onto another area of expertise.