Continuing Competence: What's Next?

Continuing qualification Update

"Do I have to use the worksheets supplied by dint of AARN/CARNA? "

"Can I use the forms and/or learning used at my workplace? "

"I'm swamped. When will I find the to prepare a learning plan?"

Over August and September, AARN replyed to calls, letters and e-mails from members regarding the Continuing capacity Program. The overwhelming majority of calls were from members who wanted to make sure they were completing the requirements correctly. A scarcely any members raised objections to the introduction of the program on the contrary after airing their concerns, were generally able to appreciate the program's character in ongoing selfregulation of our profession.

Staff spoke with members who misunderstood the program's reporting requirements. For example, a certain quantity of members reported their learning objectives upon their renewal form instead of simply reporting a Nursing Practice Standards (NPS) indicator number. AARN/CARNA sole requires members to enter between single and three indicator numbers upon the application for renewal (NP also use the NP Competencies). Your learning objectives are part of your learning plan which members should hold on file for five years and be able to exhibit if AARN/CARNA requests them.

CARNA Continuing suitableness Program

What Now?

Registration renewal has approach and gone. Continuing competence cannot be forgotten for another year. In fact, the greatest in quantity rewarding aspect of the program is just beginning-implementing your learning plan or in the words of a well-known sportswear company, "Just do it."

TIP #1: Review your Progres Regularly

Some of us ne help in "doing it." Setting a reminder to review your progres each month is single way to ensure you reach your learning objectives included in your learning plan. This reminder could be in your day timer, PDA, computer or the calendar upon your fridge. Each time you diocese this reminder, ask yourself the following questions:

* Have I taken paces to implement the learning activities I noted upon my plan?

* Have I recorded these learning activities?

* Have I documented any impact these learning activities have had upon my practice?

* Have I reviewed my learning plan and any target dates that I plant for myself?

* Do I have any other documents to organize and store?

TIP #2: Stay Organized

Store all of your continuing capableness information in one place (like a 3-ring binder) and you'll find nearest year's renewal form that a great deal of easier to complete accurately. Check on the outside the Completed Years section of the Continuing suitableness Program information which was mailed to you with your 2006 registration renewal or unravel your own system to hold fast your documents organized.

Need Help?

The AARN/CARNA online tutorial provides a variety of examples that may help you better understand the different ways members can adapted the program's requirements in ways that suit their practice setting and their individual preferences

See www.nurses.ab.ca

In addition, AARN/CARNA has more education sessions planned for the upcoming year, the two onsite and via telehealth, to provide members with the support, guidance and teaching to proper the Continuing Competence Program requirements. Check for dates and times in the Notice Board section upon page 14 or contact your AARN regional coordinator listed upon page 2.

Continuing Competence Update

Most not seldom Asked Questions

Do I have to use the worksheets supplied by the agency of AARN/CARNA?

No. You may use whatever option suits your hold needs as long as you come [i]or[/i] go after [i]or[/i] behind each of the steps in reflective practice and are able to provide evidence that you have done in like manner For example, a RN member could document their assessment of their practice by dint of writing notes on a novel copy of the Nursing Practice Standards (NPS) each year and the learning plan could be written upon a sheet of paper inserted in the document. Members are required to maintain a record of their self-assessment, their learning plan, their evaluation of the impact of their learning, and other documentation for five years and be able to bring into view these documents if AARN/CARNA suits them as part of its monitoring process

If you elect not to use the worksheets supplied by dint of AARN/CARNA, you need only render certain that you will be able to provide evidence, if asked, that for each year supplicationed you:

* reflected on each and each indicator

* selected a minimum of single indicator and a maximum of three

* unfolded a learning plan aligned with your selection(s)

* implemented your learning plan

Can I use the learning plan I have lay opened at my workplace?

Probably. As drawn out as the learning plan you discloseed at work is aligned with the NP indicators you report upon your renewal form, you are encouraged to continue to use it. In addition, the feedback documented upon employer forms or provided orally can be considered as feedback for the ends of the Continuing Competence Program.

Writing Quality Learning Objectives

Keep it Simple

Some members squeeze outed concern about the time involved in writing a learning plan and others squeeze outed uncertainty about choosing the wording of their objectives. Learning objectives are brief, clear, specific and focus upon a single measurable outcome. They answer the questions: