Today, we discuss everything CPD; from legal requirements, through to top tips and ideas. Carry on reading for a refresher of the essentials.
What is continued professional development and why do I need it?
Continued professional development is designed to help professionals constantly improve on their skills and maintain the highest level of competence in their field. CPD can be in the form of a lecture, a shadowing activity, group training - anything that the individual will learn from and be able to put into practice at work. As a registered nurse, it is important to stay on top of the best practices in healthcare in order to ensure your patients are getting the safest and highest quality care.
What are the requirements?
In order to be a practising nurse in the UK, you need to have completed 35 hours of continued professional development relevant to your practice. Once you have joined the register/renewed your membership this requirement needs to be met within 3 years.
Participatory learning must make up at least 20 of the 35 hours of the CPD training. According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council, this includes “any learning activity in which you personally interacted with other people”.
Ideas for CPD
If you’re stuck on where to start, here are some ideas based on the NMC’s suggestions:
Group or practice meetings
Structured learning (direct or distance learning style)
Training/accredited higher education
Clinical audits
Workshops
Reading and reviewing publications
Job rotation
Shadowing
Mentoring
I’m not sure I'm going to meet CPD requirements - what should I do?
Sometimes life gets in the way of our plans - and that’s OK. If you don’t think you’re going to achieve the CPD requirements within the three years then make sure to flag it as soon as possible. This will make the whole process a lot less complicated for everyone involved.
If you have a genuine reason for not completing your CPD - such as illness, bereavement or pregnancy, for example, then you can apply to pause your CPD with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Be cautious that if you fail to meet the CPD training requirements then your registration will be cancelled and you will have to start again. This is a lengthy process which entails completing a return to practise course and a test of competence. Plus, you are expected to complete the 35 hours of CPD training before reapplying.
If you have any further questions about CPD training as a registered nurse then please contact our lovely team at info@mcmmedical.co.uk who will be more than happy to help!
Head over to our candidate support hub for further career advice and resources.