As a nurse, staying updated with the latest knowledge and skills in your field is crucial. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a vital part of this process, ensuring that you remain competent and confident in your practice. The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) plays a key role in supporting nurses through this journey by offering a range of CPD opportunities, resources, and guidance. In this article, we’ll explore what CPD is, what activities count towards it, how you can access free or funded CPD opportunities through ACN, the importance of recording your CPD, and other key information to help you navigate your professional development journey.
In this article:
- What is CPD?
- How many CPD hours do I need?
- What counts as CPD?
- Can I Include on-the-job learning as CPD?
- How do I choose the right CPD activities?
- How can I access free CPD or funding for CPD?
- How can I fit CPD into a busy schedule?
- Why is recording CPD important?
- What happens during a CPD audit?
- What happens If I don’t meet my CPD requirements?
1) What is CPD?
CPD refers to the ongoing process of learning and development that helps nurses maintain and enhance their professional skills. CPD is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s an essential part of nursing practice that ensures you can provide the highest standard of care to your patients. Engaging in CPD allows you to stay informed about the latest advancements in health care, adapt to changes in the industry, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
2) How many CPD hours do I need?
Understanding the specific CPD hour requirements is crucial for meeting regulatory standards and maintaining your nursing registration. In Australia, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) mandates that registered nurses must complete at least 20 hours of CPD each year. These hours should be relevant to your context of practice, meaning they should directly relate to the area in which you work. For example, if you’re a mental health nurse, your CPD activities should enhance your skills and knowledge in mental health care.
It’s important to note that CPD requirements may differ slightly depending on your role. For instance, nurse practitioners have additional requirements to maintain their endorsement. Always check the NMBA guidelines to ensure you’re fulfilling your obligations.
3) What counts as CPD?
CPD can take many forms, ranging from formal education to informal learning activities. Some examples of what counts as CPD include:
- Workshops and seminars
Attending courses or programs that provide learning on specific topics, such as ACN’s suite of CPD courses or Institute of Leadership programs. - Online courses
Participating in digital learning opportunities like ACN’s online CPD modules and webinars. - Conferences
Engaging in large-scale professional gatherings like the National Nursing Forum, which offer multiple sessions on various topics. - Research and publications
Contributing to the body of nursing knowledge by conducting research or publishing articles in academic journals like Collegian or professional magazines like The Hive. - Peer reviews and reflective practice
Analysing your own practice or that of others to identify areas for improvement.
The key is that these activities should be relevant to your practice and contribute to your professional development.
4) Can I Include on-the-job learning as CPD?
Many nurses wonder if their daily work experiences can be counted as CPD. The good news is that informal learning activities, including on-the-job experiences, can indeed be recorded as CPD. Activities such as participating in quality improvement projects, receiving or providing mentoring, attending in-service training, and engaging in reflective practice can all contribute to your CPD hours.
The key is to document these activities and reflect on how they have contributed to your professional development. For example, if you’ve been involved in a quality improvement project, consider what new skills or knowledge you gained and how this will improve your practice. Reflective practice is particularly valuable, as it allows you to critically analyse your experiences and identify areas for growth.
5) How do I choose the right CPD activities?
Engaging in CPD is not only about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s also a powerful tool for advancing your career. CPD can help you specialise in a particular area of nursing, move into leadership roles, or transition into advanced practice positions. Whether you’re aiming to become a nurse unit manager, a nurse educator, or a specialist in a particular field, CPD can provide the knowledge and skills you need to achieve your goals. Start by assessing your current skills and identifying gaps or areas for improvement. Then, set specific CPD goals that will help you address these gaps.
Consider your preferred learning style when selecting CPD activities. If you thrive in interactive environments, workshops and seminars might be ideal. If you prefer self-paced learning, online courses or webinars could be a better fit. By choosing CPD activities strategically, you can ensure that your learning is both relevant and impactful.
6) How can I access free CPD or funding for CPD?
Continuing your professional development doesn’t have to be costly. ACN offers a range of free online CPD modules for members, making it easier for you to meet your CPD requirements without additional financial strain. ACN also provides scholarships to help fund other CPD opportunities, allowing you to pursue further education or attend conferences without worrying about the cost.
Furthermore, ACN’s Regions and Faculties frequently run free webinars that are open to both members and non-members. These webinars cover a variety of relevant topics, and attendees can record CPD hours for participating.
7) How can I fit CPD into a busy schedule?
Balancing CPD with the demands of a busy nursing career can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you fit CPD into your schedule:
- Break it down
Instead of setting aside large blocks of time, break your CPD into smaller, manageable chunks. For example, you can spend 15-30 minutes each day reading a journal article or watching a short webinar. - Use online resources
Online courses and webinars offer flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your own time. You can access these resources whenever it’s convenient, making it easier to fit CPD into your schedule. - Integrate learning into daily tasks
Look for opportunities to learn while you work. Participate in case discussions, volunteer for projects that require new skills, or take advantage of in-service training sessions. - Set realistic goals
Don’t try to do everything at once. Prioritise your CPD activities based on your needs and goals, and focus on completing them gradually over the year.
By being proactive and organised, you can ensure that CPD becomes a natural part of your professional routine rather than an added burden.
8) Why is recording CPD important?
Keeping a detailed record of your CPD activities is crucial for both regulatory compliance and personal tracking. Maintaining accurate records ensures you can demonstrate your commitment to professional development if required by your employer or a regulatory body. Moreover, reflecting on your CPD activities can help you identify gaps in your knowledge and plan future learning.
Beyond regulatory requirements, tracking your CPD is also valuable for performance reviews, job applications, and career progression. Having a comprehensive record of your professional development allows you to clearly showcase your skills, knowledge, and ongoing learning to potential employers or during appraisals. This documentation can set you apart from others by highlighting your dedication to staying current in your field, making you a more attractive candidate for promotions, leadership roles, or new job opportunities.
As an ACN member, you gain access to a Professional Portfolio that simplifies the process of recording your CPD. This tool allows you to document your learning activities, track your progress, and ensure you’re meeting your CPD requirements efficiently.
9) What happens during a CPD audit?
The idea of being audited for your CPD can be daunting, but understanding the process can help you feel more prepared. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), conducts random audits to ensure that nurses are complying with their CPD requirements. If selected for an audit, you will be asked to provide evidence of the CPD activities you have completed over the past year.
To prepare for an audit, it’s important to keep detailed records of all your CPD activities, including certificates of completion, reflective notes, and any other relevant documentation. The ACN Professional Portfolio is a useful tool for organising these records. By keeping your portfolio up to date, you can ensure that you have all the evidence you need readily available if you are audited.
10) What happens If I don’t meet my CPD requirements?
Meeting your CPD requirements is not only important for your professional growth but also for maintaining your nursing registration. If you fail to meet the NMBA’s CPD requirements, you may face significant consequences. In the event of an audit by AHPRA, you will be required to provide evidence of your CPD activities. If you are found to be non-compliant, you could be subject to penalties, including the possibility of conditions being placed on your registration.
To avoid these risks, it’s crucial to consistently manage your CPD throughout the year by regularly updating your record to ensure you meet the required hours. Utilising tools like the ACN Professional Portfolio can help you keep track of your CPD activities and ensure you are prepared in case of an audit.
For more information on CPD requirements and opportunities, you can visit the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website or the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia website. These resources provide comprehensive guidelines and updates on CPD standards in Australia.
CPD is not just a requirement—it’s a pathway to excellence in nursing. By actively engaging in CPD, you are investing in your career, your patients, and the future of health care. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, CPD offers endless opportunities to grow, learn, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of nursing. Remember, ACN is here to support you every step of the way, offering resources, tools, and guidance to help you meet your CPD goals with confidence. Embrace the journey of lifelong learning, and let it empower you to reach new heights in your professional practice. If you have any questions or need additional support, don’t hesitate to contact us at cpd@acn.edu.au—we’re always here to help!
