New courses at the INMO’s PDC can help nurses and midwives to focus their career plans writes, Charley Swords

‘Be the change you wish to see’ – Now more than ever, the words of Mahatma Gandhi apply in the current dynamic nursing, midwifery and healthcare environment. An environment that you can continue to shape and influence in terms of the quality, professionalism and caring delivery of both the existing and new healthcare services in Ireland. The healthcare industry’s great test is developing and reinforcing new behaviours that focus on value, wellness and integrated care.

We are delighted to work with the INMO Professional Development Centre in developing and delivering customised professional training programmes and workshops that are results oriented and which will support you in repositioning yourselves skills-wise for the greater challenges and responsibilities ahead. We bridge the reality gaps, knowledge gaps and skills gaps by challenging and guiding you in your development in specific focus areas, to drive improved personal and professional performance, patient focus and, ultimately, improved business results in the healthcare sector.

Our inaugural programmes are very much focused on you, your career, moving forward with purpose and clarity, and learning and refreshing key management and presentation skills. All four programmes are Category 1 approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland with individual continuing education units (CEUs).

Elizabeth Adams, INMO director of professional development, with Charley Swords, managing director of Peak Fifteen Consultancy, pictured at INMO HQ recent

How to own and manage your career October 30, 2014 – 6 CEUs
Your career is far too important to leave to the mercy of others or the prevailing weather. Life and career are intrinsically linked. Give yourself some invaluable space and time to think consciously and purposefully so that you remain in control of your career and realise your full potential personally and as a healthcare professional. In the modern world, very few people will have a ‘job for life’ so it is important that today’s nurses/midwives learn how to proactively manage their careers and be prepared for change.

Presentation skills November 5, 2014 – 6 CEUs
Presenting yourself and your ideas with confidence, impact and great conviction is the primary benefit of this course for nurses and midwives. The course provides you with strategies on how to make an effective presentation; how to speak interestingly while remaining professional in your tone and how to effectively put together presentations using great material. Developing the confidence and capability to give good presentations, and to stand up in front of an audience and speak well, are required competencies for professional development.

Management in practice November 27-28, 2014 – 13
CEUs Stimulate your thinking and be guided through a review and assessment of how you put your managerial skills into practice. Are you more people or process focused in understanding the changing role of management, through to coaching, motivating and developing yourself and others? An employee’s relationship with his or her direct manager is the most important single factor in employee engagement. Good managers come in all shapes and sizes and because there’s no widely agreed skillset for management there’s an assumption everyone knows how to do it. Today’s young managers are tomorrow’s leaders and respected, well-trained managers boost morale, and improved morale boosts staff retention, improved patient care and productivity.

End of year workshop – reflect and reignite December 9, 2014 – 6 CEUs
This workshop offers nurses and midwives the time and space to step back from their busy lives and reflect on the passing year. It also helps to gain clarity on goals and expectations for 2015 as well as learn about tools to help make the future more relaxed and enjoyable. Nurses and midwives have busy, stress-filled work lives which can also affect their home lives. Having an opportunity to relax and practice a day of self care, as offered by this workshop, gives those attending the chance to unwind, review and reflect thus re-invigorating and refocusing themselves for the future.

As nurses and midwives are caregivers in their professional lives, this workshop is aimed at encouraging self care which will be of benefit to attendees both professionally and privately.

We look forward to working with the INMO Professional Development Centre in the delivery of our people-focused programmes supporting the development of nurses and midwives to help to influence the creation and maintenance of a superior quality healthcare service in Ireland. We hope you will find our programmes of benefit to you both professionally and personally and we look forward to working with you.

Charley Swords is the managing director of Peak Fifteen Consultancy

For course booking information, contact the INMO Professional Development Centre at Tel: 01 664 0641/2

Career focus - Aim high and plan your route