As the overindulgent holiday season ends, we arrive at a tradition that brings opportunity for self-improvement: the New Year. Every year, more than 40% of adults will make at least one New Year's resolution.1 Most often, these resolutions will relate to smoking cessation, weight loss, and exercise.1 Another resolution I urge you to consider this year is engaging in lifelong learning.
In their 2011 report on the future of nursing, the Institute of Medicine recommended that nurses engage in continuous learning in order to face the challenges of working in ever-evolving healthcare environments.2 They noted that there are major flaws in continuing education, namely that there is little science connecting continuing education to improving competence and/or patient outcomes.2 Unfortunately, their follow-up report 5 years later found that little progress had been made in this area.3
Most of the responsibility for improving continuing education in nursing resides with nursing organizations, academic programs, and professional societies; however, the 2015 report specifically calls on each individual nurse to prioritize lifelong learning.3 We must shift from the passive model of accruing sufficient credits for license renewal to actively engaging in opportunities that clearly advance professional competency.
It may come as no surprise that fewer than half of resolutions are sustained by midyear.1 One way you can increase your odds for success is to develop SMART goals.4 SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time bound.4 For example, after resolving to go back to school this year, set a goal to identify five schools that offer your desired program at a price you can afford in the setting you prefer by March 1. Further, do not just think it, but actually write it down and share it with somebody to increase your chances for success.5 Continue updating your SMART goals until you have reached your overarching resolution.
Whether you plan to return to school, attend a professional conference, publish a manuscript, or join a professional organization, you are 10 times more likely to be successful if you set a resolution than if you do not.1 This New Year, we all can resolve to prioritize lifelong learning. This is essential to improve not only our own practice but also the future of nursing.
Amy Glasofer, DrNP, RN
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