Professional Experience Placement

Professional development (PD) and life long learning  is a process that is encouraged during  undergraduate nursing studies. It refers to the development or aquisition of  knowledge and skills for personal development and career advancement.  There are a number of  formal and informal approaches that can be undertaken that are recognised by AHPRA and detailed in the NMBA registration standards. Individual study, attendance at courses or conferences, participation in reflective supervision or communities or practice can attract PD points. The standards state the PD needs to be in the context of the practitioner and reflects a cycle to “improve and broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence, and develop the personal and professional qualities required throughout their professional lives” (ANMC 2009).

It is this process whereby clinical or professional experience facilitators can be role models for their students by assisting them to enquire about the practice context and linking their theory while in situ. The professional experience placement provides a rich learning experience, of mutual benefit to mentor and student, that can be rewarding as well. The award of CPD points to maintain registration is now mandatory. Supervision of students may be used as part of the development of a learning plan that will assist to meet the AHPRA requirements. It   may also attract potential mentors that have an interest in learning and teaching of students.  It may be useful to direct them to the AHPRA home page to explore the possibilities. It may assist you with developing your learning plan too, especially if you mentor other practising nurses and students. Have you developed your learning plan yet to demonstrate your  competence?