NURSING COUNCIL WORKSHOPS 0CTOBER 2013 CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) Dhunraj FOOLCHAND (Chairperson Nursing Council)

DEFINITION CPD - is a purposeful process by which members of a profession are committed to maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge, skills and competence throughout their careers to ensure they retain their capacity to practice safely, effectively, competently and legally within their evolving scope of practice.

PURPOSE The purpose of CPD is to assist health professionals - to maintain and acquire new and updated levels of knowledge, skills and competencies. It also ensures that nurses and Midwives have opportunities to pursue and achieve professional growth throughout their careers.

PRINCIPLES Is a continuous process Is self directed Based on learning needs of an individual Actively seeks to improve a nurse skills, knowledge and performance Is well planned, structured through a personal plan Build on existing knowledge and experience Links an individual’s learning to practice Involves a wide range of formal and informal teaching activities. Applies adult learning principles. Applies to all nurses irrespective of their grades

NATURE OF CPD CPD can be voluntary or mandatory. No penalties if CPD is voluntary. Evidence of CPD is necessary if mandatory. CPD activities are offered by educational institutions, professional associations, donors, health facilities or private providers . E.g - All health professionals registered with the Health Professions Council must undertake CPD to stay registered.

REQUIREMENTS Minimum requirements for CPD Activities should be recorded in a log book in the form of a professional port folio profile duly signed by the provider All CPD activities should be at least one hour in length.

SCOPE CPD activities should be as broad as possible. CPD should take into account individual’s goal of the learner. CPD may include formal or informal learning, self directed and experiential learning.

SCOPE (Ctn) Formal learning – relates to undergraduate or post graduate education at a school of nursing, college or university. Informal learning – includes short courses either face to face, distance or online. Experiential or self directed – learning undertaken independently by the learner.

DOCUMENTATION CPD activities should be documented. Explanation of the activity. Evidence that the activity has been carried out.

QUALITY STANDARDS There should be a CPD framework. Required resources are in place. Use of valid and reliable assessment methods. Use of standardised documents

CONCLUSION CPD attempts to update knowledge and skills of Nurses and Midwives to better adapt to ongoing changes of the health care environment. CPD can be either voluntary or mandatory , but must be in line with the regulatory framework. CPD must be flexible and standards should be respected.

END OF PRESENTATION THANK YOU