About the Author
Ramesh Kumar is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) at one of Pakistan’s most prestigious institutions, The Aga Khan University. He also holds an MBA in Health Management Sciences from Baqai Medical University. With over 16 years of extensive experience in both national and international healthcare settings, Ramesh brings a wealth of clinical and administrative expertise to the nursing profession.
In today's
fast-paced healthcare environment, nursing practitioners play an important role
in providing patient-centered care. However, the rapid development of
healthcare knowledge, technology, and practices creates a challenge: how can
nurses stay current and competent throughout their careers? The solution lies
in quality education and lifetime learning, according to by Sustainable
Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which promotes for an equitable and inclusive
educational system as well as the development of lifelong learning
opportunities for everyone (United Nations 2015). For nurses in Pakistan as well as globally,
this involves access to current fundamental education and organized Continuing
Professional Development (CPD)
SDG Goal 4
emphasizes the importance of education as a driver of sustainable development.
In relation to nursing, this includes two key components:
1. Foundational Quality Education. Accredited nursing schools
deliver structured, evidence-based courses.
2. Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning. To ensure that
nurses stay current with clinical developments, recommendations, and global
health issues.
Despite structured continuous education, nursing practice can
become outdated, resulting in the knowledge-practice gap, which compromises
both patient safety and healthcare quality. (Brady, 2011).
The Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) is the national regulatory body
responsible for maintaining standards in nursing education and practice. In
appreciation of the necessity for lifelong learning, the PNC has introduced a
Continuing Education Program to enhance nursing competency and support
professional development. According to the PNC Continuing Education Guidelines
(PNC, 2023):
All registered
nurses are mandated to complete a certain number of Continuing Education Units
(CEUs) during their licensure tenure. Seminars, workshops, short courses,
in-service training, online courses, and academic programs all provide
opportunities to earn CEUs. CPD has been connected to license renewal and
professional revalidation, encouraging nurses to continue actively engaging in
upgrading their abilities.
Despite formal training, many nurses have difficulty transferring
theoretical knowledge to practical practice due to;
- ü Inadequate
supervision during clinical rotations.
- ü Limited access
to CPD opportunities.
- ü Institutional
and time constraints.
The knowledge-practice gap might result in inconsistencies in
patient care and reduced confidence among nursing personnel. According to research, continuous education
is an important aspect in minimizing this gap. (Frenk et al., 2010). Continuing
education enables nurses to:
- Ø Stay updated
with new evidence-based practices and policies.
- Ø Gain skills in
emerging specialties (e.g., intensive care, oncology, geriatrics).
- Ø Enhance critical thinking and decision-making capabilities.
- Ø Strengthen
interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership.
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) Advocates CPD as a
professional duties and emphasizes its importance for improved patient outcomes
and healthcare sustainability. (ICN, 2021).
Challenges in Pakistan
Despite progress by the PNC, several challenges remain: limited internet
access in rural areas, heavy workloads restricting time for learning, low
awareness of the CEU system, and financial constraints in public sector
hospitals. To
address these obstacles, multi-stakeholder engagement is required, engaging
government agencies, healthcare institutions, and donor organizations.
Achieving SDG Goal 4 in the nursing profession is more than simply a legislative goal; it is a practical requirement. The Pakistan Nursing Council's Continuing Education Program is a potential start toward harmonizing nursing practice with global norms. However, its success is dependent on a collaborative effort by educational institutions, healthcare authorities, and nurses themselves. By investing in ongoing education, we not only advance nurses' careers, but also protect the health of the communities where serve. Which can bridge the theory practice gap and link between competence and greatness in nursing
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