Lifelong education and its relevance to nursing

This paper explores the distinction between education and learning in relation to the whole of the professional lifespan. After an initial conceptual discussion, there are two main sections: the first looks at lifelong learning and learners in relation to nursing while the second focuses upon lifelong education. It is argued that the prevalence of lifelong learning is unknown amongst nurses since little research exists on the subject, although it is frequently regarded as an essential component of professionalism. In order to create lifelong learners it is suggested that changes are necessary in nurse education and managerial practice. If lifelong learning were actually fostered in nursing then continuing education might be less necessary. However, continuing education is expanding and some principles for its implementation are considered in the second section.