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How I balance my learning and development as a registered nurse and registered manager

Itai Nyamatore, Registered Manager, GAIN Care Ltd - DERBY, and registered nurse discusses how she balances her continuing professional development across both roles.

In the realm of home care, the roles of registered manager and registered nurse play pivotal roles in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. However, the challenges surrounding the recognition of the distinct responsibilities of these roles often create a complex landscape for continuing professional development (CPD).

I’m a registered nurse and I work as a registered manager for a homecare company. Wearing these two hats in the same job at the same time is challenging. Each aspect of the job requires competency, and competency is born from continuous learning.

Continuous professional development for registered managers

Registered managers hold a key leadership position in home care settings, overseeing the daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

CPD is essential for registered managers to keep up with the evolving healthcare landscape and maintain effective leadership.

As a registered manager, key aspects of CPD in homecare could include regulatory compliance updates, leadership and management skills, and quality assurance and improvement.

It’s vital for registered managers to stay up-to-date with changes in regulations and policies. Regular training and updates on legal and regulatory frameworks ensure that registered managers can lead their teams effectively and maintain compliance.

Training on people management is also key - from effective communication to team building, and strategic planning. A focus on learning and development around quality assurance and improvement is also vital in implementing best practices, evaluating service delivery, and continuously improving the quality of care provided to clients.

Continuous professional development for registered nurses

Registered nurses in home care play a hands-on role in patient care, requiring a diverse skill set that evolves with advancements in healthcare. CPD for registered nurses in homecare may include clinical skills development, technology integration and patient-centred care.

Staying current with clinical skills and knowledge is vital for registered nurses. CPD opportunities in areas such as wound care, medication management, and disease-specific care help registered nurses provide the best possible care to clients.

As technology continues to play a significant role in healthcare, registered nurses must stay updated on electronic health records, telehealth tools, and other technological advancements that can enhance the delivery of care in a home setting. 

CPD programs focusing on cultural competence, communication skills, and understanding the unique needs of diverse populations contribute to registered nurses’ ability to provide compassionate and person-centred care.

Challenges

One of the challenges in the homecare setting is the potential for blurred lines between the roles of registered managers and registered nurses. Recognising the distinct responsibilities of each role is crucial for effective collaboration and efficient service delivery.

In some instances, the responsibilities of registered managers and registered nurses may overlap. Ensuring clarity and providing ongoing training can help address this challenge and promote a more efficient division of duties.

External stakeholders may not fully grasp the depth of responsibilities carried by registered nurses in home care. Educating clients, families, and the broader community on the role of registered nurses is essential for creating a supportive environment.

Wearing these two hats have been challenging. It's been a challenge to equally manage the CPD for both roles.

When COVID-19 spread in 2020 I had to learn as registered manager my responsibilities in managing the pandemic and as a nurse how to control the infection and train my staff. 

I sought Training in fit testing for masks and gained a qualification in that. Wearing my registered managers hat I had to ensure the service we provided was of high-quality while from a nurse perspective I was highly vigilant in infection control.

Navigating CPD in the context of maintaining a registered manager role and a registered nursing registration in homecare involves addressing the unique challenges faced by professionals in both positions. Continuous education, clear role definition, and effective communication are essential components of fostering a collaborative and successful homecare environment. As the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve, prioritising CPD ensures that both registered managers and registered nurses are equipped to provide the highest standard of care in the comfort of clients' homes.

Find more information about learning and development with our #KeepLearning spotlight.

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