My Personal Learning Network (PLN)
The purpose of my PLN is to continuously expand my knowledge and skills by connecting with a diverse range of people and accessing information tailored to my learning goals. I aim to engage with experts in the field while also evolving personally over time, exploring new resources and building relationships with others in the process. I plan to use technology to facilitate these connections, allowing me to exchange insights with colleagues, mentors, educators, and professionals. One of the greatest advantages of a PLN is it’s flexibility-if a particular platform or resource does not work for me, I can branch out and try something new. It is an ever-evolving network that supports my growth in various areas of my practice.
I intend to use my PLN to advance my practice and support my ongoing education as I work towards obtaining my master’s degree and eventually becoming a nurse practitioner. This is my ultimate career goal, and by building a strong foundation of support from like-minded individuals, peers, and valuable resources across difference digital platforms, I believe I can achieve it.
The digital platforms that form my PLN include Zoom, Teams, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. While I regularly use the first few platforms, I am new to LinkedIn and just starting to explore this resource. These platforms have been easy for me to navigate, and I have had good success using them to connect with others. In the future, I hope to explore online tools for organizing and comparing journal articles.
In terms of peers, experts, and organizations, I frequently interact with classmates across various platforms to exchange ideas and gain feedback on differing areas of nursing. I also follow obstetrical experts in the United States on Instagram, which provides a great resource for my current obstetrical practice. Additionally, I rely on the BC Nurses Union (BCNU) website and the British Columbia College of Nursing and Midwives (BCCNM) site to stay informed about changes in professional practice and regulations. Since my nursing practice focuses on maternal, infant, child, and youth care, I also use resources like MoreOB, Perinatal Services BC (PSBC), and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC).
To build my PLN, I’ve focused on identifying my goals, being open to feedback, and reflecting on the skills I excel in and those that need more development. While it is not always easy to put yourself out there, once you establish a circle of trusted people who you can ask questions without fear of judgement, it makes a huge difference. For someone just tarting to build their PLN, I would recommend putting yourself out there, sharing your interests and goals, and connecting with people who align to you. Even if someone doesn’t share your exact goals, you can still have a great interaction that is mutually beneficial.
References:
BCCNM. (2024). British Columbia college of nurses and midwives. https://www.bccnm.ca/
BCNU. (2018). British Columbia nurses union. https://www.bcnu.org
Lalande, M.-A. [DevPro PD Flipped]. (2012, October 18). What is a PLN – Marc-André Lalande’s take [Video file]. Retrieved from from https://youtu.be/hLLpWqp-owo
MoreOB. (n.d.). Managing obstetrical risk efficiently program https://www.salusglobal.com/en_ca/solutions/#moreob
PSBC. (2024). Perinatal services British Columbia. https://www.perinatalservicesbc.ca/
SOGC. (n.d.). The society of obstetricians and gynaecologists of Canada. https://www.sogc.org
October 12, 2024 at 9:12 am
Hello Jamie,
After reading Christine’s post and now yours, I completely forgot about MoreOB as a PLN. I asked Christine the same question, but do you know if MoreOB has an accessible PLN for nurses to join to stay updated with practice and communicate about common issues?
Cheers,
Sarah Flynn
November 1, 2024 at 1:53 pm
Hi Jamie,
Lots of interesting info about the different ways you see your PLN branching as you progress with your career.
Are there any community bodies that might maintain open spaces for colleagues to interact or discuss within their professional fields. I think there is a lot of value in communities of 20 to 200 folks that can pose and respond to questions or participate in online discussions.
In a past life I was peripherally involved in seeking nurse practitioners to serve with cadet summer training centres. They were the exact fit for day-to-day training centre needs.