From the Guidelines
Certified nurses can expand their knowledge and skills by identifying personal knowledge gaps and seeking educational training opportunities, utilizing clinical practice guidelines, and conducting literature searches to apply evidence-based results to clinical care. This approach is supported by the 2020 ACC clinical competencies for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in adult cardiovascular medicine 1, which emphasizes the importance of practice-based learning and improvement. Key strategies for expansion include:
- Participating in activities to promote a safe environment for patients, families, and healthcare professionals
- Identifying barriers to learning and prioritizing education for patients with cardiovascular disease
- Developing, implementing, and evaluating individualized, patient-centered educational strategies
- Using information technology to support patient care decisions and patient education
- Educating healthcare professionals about diagnosis and management of patients with a condition in one’s area of expertise
Additionally, certified nurses can benefit from:
- Utilizing clinical practice guidelines, appropriate use criteria, and point-of-care tools to improve clinical decision-making 1
- Conducting literature searches, interpreting findings, and applying evidence-based results to clinical care
- Participating in clinical conferences and team-based meetings to enhance communication and care of patients with cardiovascular disease
- Soliciting and incorporating feedback from patients, colleagues, and healthcare professionals to improve clinical performance
- Developing the practice of lifelong learning, including regular review of journals and practice guidelines, appropriate use criteria, consensus statements, and participation in scientific and continuing professional education meetings 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Expanding Knowledge and Skills for Certified Nurses
Certified nurses can expand their knowledge and skills in several ways:
- Pursue ongoing education and professional development to stay updated on the latest practices and technologies in their field 2
- Seek support from nurse leaders who can promote certification, provide resources, and recognize their achievements 3
- Engage in lifelong learning and career growth by demonstrating mastery of skills, knowledge, and abilities 3
- Stay current with regulatory mandates, practice changes, and equipment updates to maintain safe practice 2
Overcoming Barriers to Certification
Certified nurses may face barriers to expanding their knowledge and skills, including:
- Fear of test taking or failure 3
- Lack of resources or organization recognition 3
- Limited access to educational resources or cost concerns 2
- Lack of time to engage in professional development 2
Staying Current with Advances in Healthcare
Certified nurses can stay current with advances in healthcare by:
- Reading industry publications and attending conferences to stay updated on the latest research and technologies 2, 4, 5, 6
- Participating in professional development opportunities, such as workshops and training sessions, to enhance their knowledge and skills 2
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to share knowledge and best practices 3, 2