According to WebCE, professional development “refers to continuing education and career training after a person has entered the workforce in order to help them develop new skills, stay up-to-date on current trends, and advance their career.” While professional development is critical for all career paths, for nurses, it is especially important.
Nursing Professional Development Importance
In the LinkedIn article “Professional Development for Nurses and Why It’s So Important” Dr. Nicole Thomas, DNP, RN, CCM stresses the necessity of continuing professional development (CDP) for nurses. She writes, “Our medical knowledge is always changing, particularly rapidly over the last few years with so many recent advancements in technology. It’s important for nursing professionals to stay up-to-date with these medical advancements both for their own professional development but also for the benefit of their patients.” She goes on to state that professional development can not only assist with making you a better nursing team member but can also move you forward in your career.
CDP is also important for career satisfaction. RN.com writes that “Employers who invest in the professional development of their nurses by offering the time, resources and funds for CE courses often see increased job satisfaction among their staff and lower turnover rates.”
Convincing Your Employer to Pay for Professional Development
Because of its importance, professional development can be expensive. Luckily, many employers are willing to assist with covering the cost. If you run into an employer who isn’t enthusiastic about providing funds for your professional development, here are some helpful tips from Ivy Exec on how to ask your employer for assistance with professional development:
- Demonstrate how the programs will be helpful
- Rank the skills you want to develop in order of priority
- Explain how your professional development will benefit your workplace
- Make your request specific
ANCC Benefits with ANA-Illinois
While professional development is essential, finding quality professional development organizations can be difficult. Luckily, ANA-Illinois can help. We have partnered with the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which provides credentials for nurses. By joining ANA-Illinois, you will be able to gain and maintain certification through the ANCC at discounted prices. Look into joining ANA-Illinois today!