SUMMARY
Learning is not a simple absorption of information, facts and theories, but the development of critical thinking to cope with the overabundance of information that we are overwhelmed with. Nurses work in an environment of rapid change, which requires them to update their knowledge and skills to prepare them for a different domain of knowledge. To acquire the required knowledge they are integrated in educational programs which consist of ‘adult’ students. The objective of this bibliographic review is to explore the prospects of continued vocational training of nurses in the field of health.
This bibliographic review, which was carried out for this aim, was based on the Greek and International bibliography in respect to lifelong learning of nurses and the implementation of this in Greece. Retrospective studies were sought in published Greek and International scientific journals.The Internet was used as a primary bibliographic withdrawal tool. Keywords set for the search were: Lifelong learning, In- service training. Professional development, Quality health services, Continued vocational training.
The modern nurse must learn continuously.While their original, basic education is the obvious prerequisite for professional competence, participation in continued educational programs and thirst for learning are the hallmarks of their increased professional conscience.The benefits of lifelong learning for professional nurses are, other than having access to new knowledge, the possibility of expanding their qualifications, abilities and skills to enable them to cope with the multitude of changes, new technologies and the successive development of the field of health.
Keywords: Lifelong learning, In-service training, Professional development, Quality health services, Continued vocational training.