Review Questions

Review Questions

1. Why is it essential for health care workers to participate in lifelong learning activities?

Learning will be required after graduation in order to keep up with the many changes in how health care work is performed. Changes in the procedures and delivery of health care are continuous. Lifelong learning refers to all purposeful learning activities, both formal and informal, that take place throughout our lives.

2. What are five recent technological and demographic changes that required experienced health care workers to acquire new knowledge and skills?

Recent changes include:

* People living longer
* Shorter hospital stays
* Ethnic and cultural diversity in the United States population
* Growing patient interest in alternative/complementary care
* Increase in third-party payers
* Emphasis on wellness, and patient responsibility and wellness
* Increased use of computers
* Spread of infectious diseases, particularly hepatitis B, AIDS, and tuberculosis
* Expansion of health care workers’ roles and responsibilities
* Increased specialization and use of teams to provide patient care
* Development of sophisticated equipment

3. What is a continuing education unit (CEU)?

CEUs are credits granted for certain types of learning that take place after the completion of formal education. This type of education is also referred to as “continuing professional education.” Most forms of professional approval, such as licensure, certification, and registration, require a specific number of CEUs to be earned for renewal or advanced status.

4. Who determines which CEUs are accepted by professional and regulatory organizations?

Organizations that grant licenses, certifications, and registrations decide which CEUs they will accept.

5.What are five methods of earning CEUs?The following are methods of earning CEUs:

* Traditional continuing education classes at colleges
* Workshops offered by various organizations
* Special sessions/workshops offered at conventions and meetings
* Home study materials published in professional journals
* Home study courses offered by approved education providers
* Internet courses

6. What are eight ways to continue learning after graduation?

To continue learning after graduation:

* Observe others.
* Ask questions.
* Read books and journal articles.
* Study in a small group.
* Study with a partner or mentor.
* Attend professional conferences and meetings.
* Watch videos and educational television programs.
* Explore the Internet.