The COVID-19 pandemic has made an impact on almost every aspect of our lives, including how we access evidence-based education, how we communicate with each other and how we care for patients. The health care field is changing rapidly, which is why it’s so important that you continue learning and improving in clinical practice. Developed by NPs for NPs, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) CE program provides exemplary educational experiences for NPs and NP students.
This year, AANP is pleased to present AANPconnect, an online conference experience that preserves many of the conference activities attendees have enjoyed from AANP’s national conferences and safely allows you to earn CE and develop personal connections while remaining socially distanced. That said, how can you ensure you are making the most of your distance learning and achieve a successful online educational experience?
First, you will want to set the scene for learning. If possible, set up a designated workspace, preferably somewhere quiet where distractions will be limited. In addition, uninstall disruptive mobile apps, turn off app notifications on your mobile devices or resist the temptation to play mobile games, check email, send a text or surf the internet during your study time. Be sure to consider your own comfort, as well, by adjusting your seating, keyboard, computer mouse or computer screen and by ensuring proper lighting to reduce eye strain.
Second, you will want to be sure to read and follow all the instructions for your CE activities and conference sessions. As we’ve shifted to online learning, please be aware that some processes may have changed, such as how to claim AANP CE credit. Set yourself up for success with AANPconnect by:
Third, you will want to manage your time effectively. Unlike AANP’s national conference each year, most AANPconnect sessions are available on demand, without a set presentation time. This offers incredible flexibility for you, particularly if you are juggling childcare, household duties, work requirements or other obligations. However, there is still what can be considered a “due date,” as the AANPconnect conference platform closes on December 31, 2020.
Set realistic expectations for yourself in terms of what you can accomplish. Factor in scheduling conflicts to allow enough time for you to view your sessions and earn CE credit. It may help for you to create a calendar alert to remind yourself of the live events and schedule time for on-demand sessions, to read posts in the Attendee Forum and to learn more about ongoing AANP initiatives and programs.
Lastly, you will want to get engaged and be an active attendee! There are several ways you can actively participate in AANPconnect:
Register today, and you can earn up to 72.84 contact hours of CE credit*, including 33.23 pharmacology — completely online. See the complete list of sessions and start planning your live events.
Are you already registered? See what else awaits you in the AANPconnect conference platform — including resources exclusively for NP students, posters showcasing the latest research, a celebration of 2020 as Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, recognition for award winners and information about AANP partner organizations and sponsors.
Following AANP on social media is a great way to connect with other NPs and industry professionals, to stay current with the latest health care news and to receive conference announcements — and to share how you are enjoying AANPconnect!
Are you earning CE from your hammock? Are you on a boat or by the pool? What are you enjoying most about your online conference experience? Post a photo on social media using #AANPconnect and tag @AANP_News on Twitter or Instagram to share your unique or interesting conference surroundings with colleagues.