LEARNING

PLAN

BScN

N I P I S S I N G U N I V E R I S T Y

Disclosure; This presentation is based on principles from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). The CNO is the regulatory body for RN's, RPN's, and NP's in Ontario.

WHAT IS A LEARNING PLAN?

It is a continual process.

(CNO, 2019)

How to kickstart your learning plan:

Reflect on your own practice: Determine strengths & learning needs.

Focus on your learning needs: these will help you develop

S.M.A.R.T. goals.

Ask for input from instructors, peers, or professors: this will increase your overall awareness of your strengths and learning needs.

(CNO, 2019)

While reflecting ask yourself...

1. Is this an accurate and detailed description of the situation or change?
2. Did this situation or change make me feel uncomfortable? If yes, why did I feel that way?
3. Why did I act the way I did?
4. Did I achieve the outcomes I wanted?
5. What knowledge did I base my actions on?
6. What values and attitudes did I base my actions on?
7. Did I have the knowledge I needed for this situation or change?
8. Do I need to expand my knowledge base? If yes, what additional knowledge do I need to handle similar situations or changes?
9. What are my strengths?
10. What can I improve on for next time?

(CNO, 2019)

Engage in Learning Activities

Why? Learning activities will help you to further enhance your learning based on a specific topic, and develop knowledge surronding your choosen goals.

Taking a specific course ex. eLearning courses, specific electives

Attending a specific in-service ex. workshops, conferences Reviewing specific organization policy

Being mentored ex. ask questions, use clinical time wisely Reviewing specific literature ex. Scholarly journals, library databases

Reviewing specific Best Practice guidelines Being supervised ex. clinical

Role playing ex. talk things through with an instructor

(CNO, 2019)

Create S.M.A.R.T. Goals

S.M.A.R.T. goals are structured so that anyone who reads your goal, can identify exactly what you want to learn.

(CNO, 2019)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=_FY4xrNW6gs

What is a S.M.A.R.T. goal?

(CNO, 2019)

How do I write a S.M.A.R.T. goal?

Identify what you want to learn

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Be specific, and write down in a structured sentence. Do not be vague, it will make it more difficult to reach the goal.

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Utilize action words such as:

identify develop plan design compare

Make sure the goal is realistic in correspondence with the resources you have. You do not want to set yourself up for failure or undermine your abilities.

The goal should be related to your practice. Identify a reasonable time-frame.

These words help create a measurable goal.

describe evaluate explain demonstrate

(CNO, 2019)

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Examples

(CNO, 2019)

Remember

Learning plans are continual: Review it on a regular basis

Update it when you complete a goal or activity Make adjustments as needed

Creating Learning Plans using Best Practice Guidelines

1. View/download a copy of the chosen best practice guideline at https://rnao.ca/bpg
2. Review the recommendations of the guidelines.
3. Identify your learning gaps and strengths- keep in mind some recommendations may not be applicable.
4. Develop goals around learning gaps, be specific.