Chapter 2 part 2

Professional Development and Growth

  • Professional development consists of continually striving for self-improvement and finding satisfaction in one's work.

  • Professional growth is facilitated by setting goals, joining professional organizations, and networking with other professionals.

  • Requesting additional responsibilities and staying in touch with a mentor are key strategies for career advancement.

Professional Organizations

  • Joining professional organizations contributes to development by promoting the profession and supporting health care legislation.

  • These organizations provide opportunities to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and network with peers.

  • Active participation, such as serving on committees, volunteering, or running for office, helps develop teamwork, management skills, and keeps professionals current in their field.

Lifelong Learning in Health Care

  • Lifelong learning encompasses all purposeful formal and informal learning activities throughout a person's life.

  • Graduation mark the end of formal training but the beginning of lifelong learning.

  • Continuous learning is necessary because knowledge quickly becomes outdated; professionals must adapt as technology advances and society changes.

Changes Affecting Health Care

  • Demographics and Wellness: The system is impacted by a growing number of older adults, an increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, increased cultural diversity, and an emphasis on wellness.

  • Technology and Systems: Factors include computerization, the increased use of electronic health records, sophisticated equipment, and shorter hospital stays.

  • Public Health and Research: New discoveries about the human body, new diagnostics, and the spread of viruses or drug-resistant bacteria require constant professional adaptation.

  • Legislation and Insurance: Changes include the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and increasing insurance complexities.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

  • CEUs, also known as Continuing Professional Education (CPE) or Continuing Medical Education (CME), are credits for learning earned after graduation.

  • Many occupations require a specific number of CEUs for re-licensure or recertification.

  • CEUs can be earned through special sessions, workshops, home study packets, distance education, online courses, or traditional classroom settings.

  • It is recommended to choose courses accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training.

Training and Mentorship

  • Employer-Provided Training: Inservice workshops and training are provided by employers to address specific workplace needs; these are often mandatory.

  • Self-Directed Learning: Activities include observing others, reading professional books and journals, and exploring reliable websites.

  • Role Models and Mentors: A role model serves as a positive professional example, while a mentor acts as a coach and advisor who provides time and guidance.

Career Ladders

  • Career ladders represent various levels within an occupational area.

  • Moving up the ladder requires additional education and experience.

  • Higher levels often involve a shift in responsibilities, such as spending more time on supervision and paperwork and less time working directly with patients.

Questions & Discussion

Question 1: True or False: Most health care professionals will need to continually learn over the span of their careers? Answer: True. Most health care occupations must adapt as technology advances and society changes.

Question 2: The health care system is affected by demographic changes, which include: Answer: C. The number of individuals in various age groups. Demographics refer to populations and the groups of people within them.

Question 3: The population group that will comprise the largest number of patients in the near future is: Answer: C. Older adults. This group is growing in size, and people tend to develop more health problems as they age.

Question 4: Standard precautions were developed in response to: Answer: The spread of blood-borne viruses. Standard precautions were developed to decrease the spread of infectious diseases.

Question 5: True or False: Most professional organizations only accept continuing education units earned from their own classes, materials, and conference workshops? Answer: False. Most professional organizations accept units from a variety of pre-approved sources.