Jessica Schiffhauer, lead educator at St. John’s Home, is featured in the May 8 issue of the Rochester Business Journal with a viewpoint article focused on the importance of continuing education in modern nursing.

In the piece, Schiffhauer discusses how rapid changes in health care have transformed the nursing profession, increasing the need for ongoing learning and professional development. As patient care becomes more complex and technology continues to evolve, nurses are expected to adapt quickly while maintaining high standards of care.

“Continuing education for practitioners is not simply a reflection of how quickly health care evolves,” Schiffhauer writes. “It also underscores the essential need for ongoing learning throughout a nurse’s career.” She emphasizes that while technology has expanded access to education, nursing remains a hands-on profession that requires practical experience, collaboration, and strong clinical judgment.

Schiffhauer also notes that effective continuing education must recognize differences in the scope of practice across roles and settings. “We must tailor education to meet clinicians where they are, ensuring it is relevant, practical, and directly applicable to patient care,” she writes. She adds that cross-training and collaboration among care teams strengthen both communication and patient outcomes. “Cross education is key,” she explains. “When team members understand each other’s roles, it builds trust and improves overall care delivery.”

The article also highlights the role health care organizations play in supporting professional growth. Schiffhauer writes that investing in staff education strengthens clinical performance, improves patient safety, and helps reduce burnout among health care workers. “Without ongoing education and support, clinicians can begin to feel disconnected from evolving best practices,” she notes. “That disconnect can contribute to frustration and burnout over time.” She also points to the value of mentorship programs, simulation training, and ongoing skills development in preparing nurses for the demands of the field.

Schiffhauer also stresses the importance of creating workplace cultures that encourage learning and collaboration. By equipping health care professionals with the resources and support they need to succeed, organizations can strengthen retention, improve outcomes, and better serve residents and families. At St. John’s, professional development is viewed as an essential part of delivering high-quality care.