ABSTRACT
The process of lifelong learning The professional regulatory body for nursing, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), has stated within the Code of Professional Conduct (2002) that all registered nurses must maintain their professional knowledge and competence.1 The code states ‘you should take part regularly in learning activities that develop your competence and performance’. This means that learning should be lifelong and encompass continuing professional development (CPD). The formal requirements for nurses to re-register state that nurses must meet the post-registration education and practice standards (PREP). This includes completion of 750 hours in practice during the five years prior to renewal of registration, together with evidence that the nurse has met the professional standards for CPD. This standard comprises a minimum of five days’ (or 35 hours’) learning activity relevant to the nurse’s clinical practice in the three years prior to renewal of professional registration.2 This requirement is seen as minimal by many nurses who would profess to undertake much more CPD than this in order to keep themselves abreast of current changes in practice. However, many nurses pay little attention to the recording of their CPD activity. This chapter will help you to identify a suitable format for recording learning that occurs in both clinical and educational settings.
