Based on the ANA Standards for Continuing Education, the Missouri Nurses Association, in collaboration with the Continuing Education Committee, has developed a philosophy of Continuing Education (CE). The Association recognizes the unique needs of nurses in both urban and rural communities, as well as the particular needs of specialists and generalists in nursing. At the same time, the Association strives to reach higher levels of knowledge for all nurses in order to improve health care in all areas of the state.

MONA in collaboration with the Continuing Education Committees has developed a philosophy of CE, which emphasizes that both competency in practice and lifelong learning are essential components of nursing practice. This philosophy emphasizes that both competency in practice and life-long learning are essential components of nursing practice. A major focus of the CE Programs of MONA is to increase access to educational opportunities and to assure quality educational programs for registered nurses in Missouri.

We believe that accreditation is essential to achieve this goal. Accreditation is achieved through the ANCC COA. Adhering to the American Nursing Association Standards for quality continuing education helps ensure that education activities contribute to the knowledge base of the registered nurses and ultimately to the quality of care provided.

The Missouri Nurses Association believes that:
  • “Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations” (ANA, 2004 p. 7).
  • the authority for nursing is based on a contract between society and the profession. This social contract requires accountability for current, evidenced based practice on the part of the profession and its individual practitioners. Continuing education is essential for the individual and the profession to fulfill the contract.  Continuing education’s end goal is the promotion, protection and improvement of the health of the society. The profession of nursing is advanced as its practitioners are enriched by the dissemination of new skills and knowledge through continuing education.
  • it is essential for all registered nurses to have access to quality continuing education activities
  • national accreditation of the Provider and Approver Units is essential for achieving this goal.  Accreditation is achieved through the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC COA) Adherence to the ANA standards for quality continuing education helps ensure that educational activities will contribute to the knowledge base of the registered nurse and ultimately to the quality of care provided. Access is best assured by providing continuing education activities throughout the state. Quality is assured by requiring that providers of continuing nursing education in Missouri adhere to ANCC COA criteria.
  • continued learning in nursing is a dynamic process that requires the active participation of self-directed professionals.  These professionals voluntarily pursue their educational goals related to their nursing practice. Voluntary participation is consistent with the accountability to the public for safe, current and competent practice.
  • voluntary continuing education is an important avenue of professional growth

The Missouri Nurses Association further believes that every nurse has the right to professional self-actualization which is promoted through continued learning.