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The Continuing Competency Program
The Continuing Competency Program (CCP) is a formal system mandated by the Health Professions Act (HPA) of assessing, monitoring, and reporting on the knowledge, skills, attitudes and critical judgments of a professional health care provider. In our evolving health care system, nurses must continually enhance and expand their knowledge and skills to maintain a level of competence commensurate with their role. The CCP promotes ongoing safe, ethical, competent, life-long practice, and offers nurses opportunities to pursue and achieve professional growth throughout their careers.
There are several documents available to support Licensed Practical Nurses in understanding and applying the principles of the CCP:
- Self-Assessment Tool - A systematic template for completion of the CCP process annually
- Guidelines - A step-by-step CCP guide with examples for the Self-Assessment process.
- Record of Professional Activities - A blank form to track what you learned and how you completed this learning including a summary of the learning.
Why does the CLPNA have a CCP?
The Health Professions Act (HPA) states that all health professions through their regulatory body, “must establish, by Regulation, a continuing competency program” and it “must provide for regulated members to maintain competence and to enhance the provision of professional services” Health Professions Act, Section 50 (1) (2a), 2000. Licensed Practical Nurses have been regulated under the HPA since 2003.
Is the CCP mandatory?
Yes, Licensed Practical Nurses are expected to assess, maintain, and/or enhance competence through life-long learning. Annual participation in the CCP demonstrates commitment by members of the profession to maintain and/or improve knowledge and skill.
What is the Competency Profile?
The Competency Profile for Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta, 2nd Edition, 2005 describes the Licensed Practical Nurse knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgments, ranging from novice to expert. The Competency Profile states which competencies are expected of the new graduate and the Licensed Practical Nurse who has advanced education and experience. The role of a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alberta varies depending on the setting, job description, and agency policy while the Competency Profile clearly defines all the competencies performed by Licensed Practical Nurses.
All the identified competencies are within the Alberta Regulations 2003, Health Professions Act, Licensed Practical Nurse Regulation and within the Licensed Practical Nurse scope of practice. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (2008) are congruent with the Competency Profile.
How is the Competency Profile for Licensed Practical Nurses in Alberta related to the CCP?
The Competency Profile is the foundation for the CCP and should be used annually as a key assessment tool. The Licensed Practical Nurse uses the Competency Profile to identify the specific competency or area of practice he/she wishes to further develop. The chosen competency then becomes the learning objective on the learning plan.
How is the CCP related to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice?
The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice describe the desirable and achievable level of performance expected of nurses, against which actual performance can be measured. Standards are necessary to demonstrate to the public, government, and other stakeholders, that a profession is dedicated to maintaining public trust and upholding the criteria of its professional practice. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice provide a framework for the CCP.
What is a Learning Plan?
A Learning Plan is an outline of how you will meet your learning goals. It should include:
- A minimum of two specific learning objectives, from the Competency Profile, to provide overall direction for learning
- Resources or strategies for meeting the objectives such as; books, videos, articles, workshops, in-services, conferences, courses, etc.
- A timeline for completing the learning plan.
- Success indicators outlining how you will know that you have met the learning objectives and how this learning has changed your practice.
When should I start the CCP process?
The CCP process is continuous and begins as soon as you obtain registration with the College, with learning completed throughout the year and goals revisited and assessed annually in conjunction with registration renewal. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the CCP before you begin your self-assessment and set your learning goals.
Is it important to maintain my CCP Records?
CLPNA recommends that you maintain education records for a minimum of three years; however, many keep education records for their entire career. CLPNA can request copies of verification of learning during the annual Continuing Competency Program Validation (CCPV) process.
What CCP Records are important to keep?
Licensed Practical Nurses should retain the Self-Assessment Tool and Guidelines and annual Learning Plan as part of his/her CCP Binder. Your CCP Binder, or another organized format, becomes your Professional Portfolio and can hold records of all professional education you have completed. Your Learning Plan should be reviewed regularly and used when establishing your next year’s Learning Plan. Employer learning records, education certificates, or transcripts should be saved for future reference. The Record of Professional Activities form can also be used to track what you learned and how you completed this learning including a summary of the learning. All of these records are necessary to complete annual registration renewal and the CCPV.
How do I complete the Record of Professional Activities form?
The Record of Professional Activities form is used to record your learning. If you do not have formal verification, such as a certificate or employer records, you can document your learning on the Record of Professional Activities form. To complete this form:
Fill in each column with:
- The date you completed your learning.
- The educational activity used to complete learning (including website addresses, magazine and journal names and issue numbers, etc.).
- Summarize how you changed your thinking or professional behavior.
How can I get more information regarding the CCP and the Assessment Process?
Contact the CLPNA at info@clpna.com, 780-484-8886 or 1-800-661-5877.