There are many changes happening in the workplace today. Remote and hybrid work environments have become the norm in many industries. In nursing, this is not the norm, but there is a growing opportunity for nursing professional development (NPD) practitioners, as organizations restructure NPD workflow. Teams that only functioned in person have now allotted some NPD positions to work hybrid or remotely. This shift has prompted an examination into how NPD practitioners are adapting to and thriving in a remote environment, what best practices can be shared to enhance work experience and how do the professional development needs of NPD practitioners differ when they work remotely?

To explore these questions, I have undertaken an environmental scan and a review of the existing literature. Unfortunately, while the literature offers a wealth of best practices for other disciplines, very little are specifically focused on NPD. This gap highlights an opportunity to investigate and establish best practices tailored to the unique needs of NPD practitioners working remotely.

Challenges and Opportunities in Remote Work for NPD Practitioners

One significant challenge for practitioners working remotely is maintaining effective communication and collaboration with colleagues and trainees. In traditional in-person settings, face-to-face interactions facilitate immediate feedback, relationship building, and nuanced understanding. Remote work, however, requires the adaptation to digital communication tools which may initially feel less personal and more fragmented.

Despite these challenges, remote work also presents unique opportunities. It allows for more flexible scheduling, reduced commuting times, and the potential to reach a broader audience through virtual training sessions. NPD practitioners can leverage these benefits to innovate their approaches to professional development and find new ways to engage and support nurses across various settings.

Best Practices for NPD Practitioners in Remote Work Environments

Given the scarcity of literature specific to NPD work in remote environments, best practices can be drawn from related disciplines and adapted to fit the unique needs of nursing professional development practitioners. Here are some strategies that could be beneficial:

1. Enhanced Digital Communication Skills: Investing in training for digital communication tools and platforms can help NPD practitioners feel more comfortable and proficient in virtual interactions. This includes mastering video conferencing software, digital collaboration tools, and learning management systems.
2. Regular Check-Ins and Feedback: Establishing regular check-ins and feedback sessions with colleagues can help maintain a connection and ensure that professional development goals are being met. This also provides an opportunity to address any issues promptly and adapt strategies as needed.
3. Self-Care and Work-Life Balance: Encouraging NPD practitioners to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance is crucial in a remote work setting. This can include setting clear boundaries, taking regular breaks, and engaging in activities that promote well-being.
4. Building Virtual Communities: Creating online forums, social media groups, or regular virtual events can foster a sense of community among remote NPDPs. These platforms can be used to share resources, discuss challenges, and offer mutual support.

Introducing "You're on Mute": An Online Community for NPDPs

As one way of supporting remote NPD practitioners, ANPD has unveiled a new community in our members-only platform The Neighborhood called “You’re on Mute.” In this community, remote and hybrid NPDPs can connect, participate in discussions, share best practices, and access resources.

In You're on Mute, you will find forums to discuss your experiences and share content designed to support your professional growth. Whether you're looking for advice on digital communication tools, ideas for interactive training sessions, or simply a community of like-minded professionals, You're on Mute is here to help.

While the current literature may lack specific best practices for NPDPs, there is a wealth of knowledge from related fields that can be adapted and applied. By embracing digital communication tools, participating in virtual communities like You're on Mute, creating engaging content, and addressing their unique needs, NPDPs can thrive in remote work settings. Further research and documentation of these practices will be essential to support the ongoing evolution of remote work for nursing professional development.

We invite you to join You're on Mute and become part of our growing online community. Together, we can share knowledge, support one another, and continue to advance the field of nurse professional development in this new remote era.