Continuing education, we all need it, but what is the BEST way to get it?

Depending upon your level of education and or certification, an activity professional needs a certain number of continuing education hours each year or two years to maintain their credentials.

Thanks to the modern world of technology there are many ways in which to obtain it.

We can attend live webinars and workshops online, in our office without ever having to leave the facility. Some executive directors prefer this method for their activity professionals as it keeps them in the facility and with the residents and they do not need to be replaced by another employee while they are “at a workshop” for more than an hour or so. This method is usually also very cost effective, no huge conference fees, hotel rooms, mileage, or meals to expense. These are usually 1 to 2 hours in length and an activity professional may need to attend several times to equal the amount of ceu’s needed for the year. The activity professional may have the opportunity to “network” with peers and presenters via the chat box or listen and watch a vendor discuss their product at the end of the webinar.

We can watch recorded webinars in the comfort of our own home without incurring any extra expenses and on our own time, off the clock with no labor expenses to the facility. Also, a favorite to anyone watching expenses. The activity professional has no opportunity to network with peers as this is a recording. The vendor pitch is also recorded with a number or website flashing on the screen to contact with more information. There is no peer to peer interaction or networking opportunity.

We can attend live in person conferences or workshops with our local, state, or national activity professional associations. These usually require a larger conference or workshop fee, extended time away from the facility, usually two to three nights depending on the offerings, which incurs hotel fees, mileage, and meals, plus, most communities will pay the employee their regular salary and then have to also pay the employee who is covering the shifts for the activity professional away at conference. Most activity professionals are able to leave these larger conferences or workshops with all the ceu’s (and sometimes more) needed for the year. The activity professional has ample opportunity to network with peers at these in person events. They are also afforded the luxury of networking with vendors who are offering their time, product, and knowledge to the attendees throughout the workshop. What a great opportunity to see new products, find out what it is the “latest and greatest” in the field and be able to bring pertinent information, brochures, pricing, business cards, and sometimes samples back to their community to review with the executive director.

I know I mentioned networking with peers, but it is worth mentioning again. Nothing beats the in-person networking, the asking of questions with like-minded professionals who may or may not have had the same issues you have at work, who you can talk to and discover a new way or approach with. When do these opportunities present themselves? Before the conference begins, at breaks, during vendor socials, during meals, during evening socials. The opportunities are in abundance if one makes the leap of faith and puts themselves out there. The possible engagement level of in person networking with colleagues will never compare to a chat box of networking.

How does one begin to look for the needed continuing education opportunities? Reach out to your consultant, your local and state activity professionals associations and NAAP. Research when upcoming conferences are scheduled, most are planning a year in advance. Ask what the current fees and hotel prices are (most hotels discount for conference attendees when you book in their room block). Meet with your executive director armed with the dates, pricing information and time required to attend. If you do not have current prices, the previous year’s price is a great baseline to start with. Whether you ask for a special meeting at any time throughout the year or plan to discuss this at your annual review, make time to do it and plan for it. Planning is crucial in this endeavor, sometime these expenses need to be added to the next year’s budget. Once it is added, make sure to ensure it is added each year after that. If it falls off or is forgotten, you will have to go through the whole process again. Wanting to make these efforts reaffirms your commitment to your residents and employer.

Why should you advocate to attend in person workshops in your field? For the residents and clients that you serve and for yourself. They deserve to have skilled and trained staff with the latest education in their field and you deserve to have the opportunity to pursue that education, experiences, and networking. Although being away from home for several days can be a hardship at the moment for you, your family, and your employer. The permanent benefits of the opportunity far outweigh the temporary hardship. Your residents, your employer, your family, and yourself, YOU all deserve the very best YOU that you can be and attending the conferences and workshops to enhance your education, training and network circle is a great way to do it. YOU are worth the investment!

My own experiences of attending such in person workshops and conferences each year have always been far more positive than attending a webinar. I always return refreshed, renewed, and reenergized with a feeling of recommitment to my field and those I serve.

Kim Mead, NAAP Central Region Director