Lifelong learning and professional practice

Workplaces have been impacted by global economic circumstances, the pace of technological change, and culturally and linguistically diverse and ageing populations. Health settings are often chaotic, challenging, and multifaceted, requiring competent, dedicated, and motivated workforce (Cleary, Horsfall, O'Hara-Aarons, Jackson, & Hunt, 2011). Team members need to be flexible, knowledgeable, and highly skilled (Govranos & Newton, 2014). As professional nurses, in most countries of the world, we attain our qualifications and then registration, which determines that we are competent, have the knowledge, skills, health, and character to deliver safe and effective health care, thereby being considered fit to practice (The Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2015). In this Editorial, we present an overview of the importance of lifelong learning, and discuss the need for nurses to avail themselves of multiple learning opportunities to meet contemporary practice standards. In addition, engagement with and taking ownership of individual learning and education opportunities can lead to self-fulfillment and attainment of future personal and professional aspirations. Staying abreast of