Learning Needs Assessment Nur588

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Learning Needs Assessment NUR588 May 26, 2014 Learning Needs Assessment Learning does not cease once a nurse receives a diploma and license. Continuing education (CE) should be a priority of registered nurses (RN) and their medical facilities because it helps improve the care given to patients. Many RNs share this sentiment because according to Timmins (2008), “The importance of ongoing continuing education and professional development for nurses is increasingly recognized” (p. 59). Some medical facilities require nurses to have CE, but some nurses understand the value of receiving further education that will improve their practice without the behest of management (Timmins, 2008). Continued education is not without controversy, however. Nurses agree that advancing knowledge is necessary. Some RNs think that their facilities should make it mandatory while others think that it should be self-directed because mandatory continued education might not be as effective or important to the nurse (Timmins, 2008). Studies show that approximately 90% of nurses willingly receive supplementary instruction so that they will be able to provide optimal care (Timmins, 2008). Nurses in cardiology also believe that CE is imperative while caring for patients who have severe cardiac disease (Timmins, 2008). They recognize the value of learning more about cardiac disease and skills despite the time needed to participate and the possible cost it might require. The learning needs of seven registered nurses who worked nights on the cardiology floor at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in southeastern Wisconsin were assessed. The learning needs assessment showed that the RNs did not feel comfortable with their advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) skills. Despite the varying years of clinical practice, the nurses felt the need to have CE that would furnish them with more

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