While the pandemic continues to put a stop to any face-to-face events it doesn't mean that CPD can't continue to have numerous peripheral benefits for the veterinary profession as a whole. We have no option but to move with the times and learn to recognise that the perceived ‘limitations’ of virtual congresses can actually be advantages in disguise.
The world of veterinary nursing has a plethora of busy social media platforms; there are growing numbers of nurses with progressive social accounts looking to educate within the profession and directly to clients, both in the UK and worldwide. There is an ongoing shift to virtual knowledge sharing and networking to help support positive patient outcomes. This applies to virtual congresses too which are rapidly becoming the norm. The fact that we are losing out on face-to-face events doesn't mean we have to lose our wider network of colleagues, peers and friends — in fact social platforms and event chat rooms offer the chance to see people and engage in conversation very effectively.
Virtual events can also help us develop our career plans. At a face-to-face CPD led event it's easy to meet the right people to discuss the next career move, and a virtual event brings similar opportunities via virtual exhibition halls. Not only can you check out and discuss new resources, but you can also liaise with people across the sector to to sniff out new job prospects! Listening to and engaging with inspiring speakers may also encourage you to reach out to them to learn more about their workplace and the route they have taken, to help you decide on your next goal.
We have all had to make changes in policy and day-to-day practice to make things safe and accessible for colleagues, patients and clients. We need to show this same flexibility and adaptability to CPD. The pandemic doesn't have to stop us achieving our education and progression standpoints, nor should it block our personal achievements. The road may be bumpier, but we should still be able to reach our goals.
Florence Nightingale said: ‘Let us never consider ourselves finished nurses… we must be learning all of our lives’. All forms of CPD help to enhance job satisfaction, reinforcing the fact that we are always striving to do the best for our patients. The journey of learning allows us as nurses to play an active role in all aspects of the cases under our care; being able to apply your full knowledge in nursing a patient throughout their hospitalisation is the ultimate in job satisfaction, with the reassurance of knowing you have done the best you possibly can for that patient.
Shared CPD plays a role in mental wellbeing too. Having a debrief after a high pressured day, with like-minded people who can relate to your experiences, is cathartic and healthy. Sometimes we all need understanding, support and reassurance. We are all aware that the veterinary sector has high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue. Nurses and vets face a number of daily pressures and even more so in the current climate. In recognition, many congresses are acknowledging the importance of a healthy mindset — virtual yoga classes or a team building pub quiz all play their part. It is fun to catch up with old and new faces for some light-hearted activities, even if it's via a screen. Yes, we are all RVNs but we are all people too and we must always find a balance; it's a caring job and we have to make sure that we also care for ourselves and our colleagues.