As professionals we have many opportunities to share knowledge, expertise and leadership — the key is being able to find them. Last weekend I was invited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to participate in their Annual Consultant and Speaker Training. The meeting took place on Enchantment of the Seas during a four-day cruise that left from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on January 17. Sessions were scheduled each day from 8 to 10 a.m. and then from 4 to 7 p.m. to cover items on the agenda that dealt with professional and personal development. The rest of the time we were on our own to network and enjoy the sights of the western Caribbean. The group was made up of advanced practice nurses from diverse settings, such as chief nursing officers, research specialists, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners from areas throughout the United States. Half of the professionals were consultants for the Magnet designation program that ANCC offers, while others were professionals that teach review seminars for the various certification programs offered by ANCC. To learn more about the Magnet Program or the 26 certification programs offered by ANCC visit them online at www.nursecredentialing.org.
So how do you get involved? To be involved in such a group you need to be certified by ANCC and be willing to spend your personal time on projects that address your specific area of practice. I represented the practice of case management, as this is my area of expertise. Case management is one of the newer certification programs offered by ANCC, so they are building their bank of professionals to ensure the exam is current. They look for professionals who have an expertise in the practice and are willing to serve on various committees, such as item writers, focus groups to discuss trends in the industry and other groups that allow them to monitor the pulse of the practice. For those who decide to become involved in item writing (future test questions for the Nursing Case Management Exam), training is provided to ensure that you understand the process. The team on this project works closely with each participant to answer any questions.
Today there are a number of professional organizations, certification and accreditation organizations that depend on the expertise of those involved in the practice. Depending on your professional background you can choose the one best suited to you. Professional organizations, such as the Case Management Society of America, look to professionals from multiple disciplines to provide input on new programs, learning opportunities and other special projects to meet the demands of the practice. Individual organizations, such as American Hospital Case Management Association, the National Association of Social Work, Association of Occupational Health Professionals, and International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, are examples of the more focused professional associations that depend on the input of their members to ensure they are keeping their finger on the pulse of the industry. The Joint Commission, NCQA and URAC are examples of accreditation bodies that look to the practice of their respective markets for professionals to share insight and views during public comment periods when they are updating their standards or developing other projects. As you can see, there are a number of ways for you to get involved and to share your experiences, your expertise and your knowledge. Take some time to review the websites of the organizations with which you are aligned and see what opportunities exist. Doing so provides you with professional development, but also time for some well deserved fun!
See you next week
Anne Llewellyn, RN-BC, MS, BHSA, CCM, CRRN
Editor-in-Chief of Across My Desk, Case in Point magazine, and the Case Management Resource Guide
allewellyn@dorlandhealth.com
