Self-assessment and the concept of the lifelong learning nurse

Nurses appear to be taking an increasing interest in the concepts of lifelong learning, learning organization and a learning society. With expanding roles and their direct relevance to clinicians' different clinical grades and capacities, lifelong learning becomes an essential component in the achievement of clinical expertize. Lifelong learning is based on the self-assessment of clinical knowledge and competence. However, there are advantages as well as possible problems with both peer and self-assessments, and therefore further development and research is required.