Noel Fitzpatrick, internationally acclaimed veterinary surgeon and pioneer of bionic development in animals has today launched an exciting new global learning platform for veterinary professionals.
The Fitzpatrick Learning Academy is an online learning facility which has been created to offer veterinary professionals a new spectrum of innovative, cutting edge learning, training and CPD opportunities.
As the veterinary nursing community kicks of a week of celebrations to mark 50 years of caring for the nation’s pets, part of BVNA National Veterinary Nursing Week, Dr Fitzpatrick launched the first Fitzpatrick Learning Academy product, Veterinary Nursing CPD this morning to over 40 nurses at the Fitzpatrick Referrals centre in Surrey.
The first of its kind anywhere in the world, Fitzpatrick Learning Academy Veterinary Nursing CPD offers users a compelling, engaging and interactive learning experience – a whole new world in which nurses can learn, share, empower one another through the development of new social networks and ultimately, equip themselves with the skills and the knowledge to deliver the ultimate in patient care.
Designed by veterinary nurses for veterinary nurses, the programme is built around a series of eLearning modules, each of which qualifies for three hours of CPD. Topics for the first year include ‘Anaesthetic Emergencies, Radiography, Wound Management, Physiotherapy, Nosicomial Infections and Pain Management.
Each module is followed by a ‘Vetinar’, a one hour webinar hosted by Josey Killner, Head Nurse (of Training) at Fitzpatrick Referrals which will consolidate learning outcomes and provide learners with the opportunity to interact. Nurses have the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences, post and answer questions and widen their networks within the veterinary profession via the Veterinary Nursing CPD forum.
Additional features of the programme include videos of operations performed by Noel Fitzpatrick and live Q & A sessions with the Fitzpatrick Learning Academy team. Learners have access to the Fitzpatrick Learning Library which includes resources such as video clips from the modules, templates for nursing documents, kit lists and links to further veterinary nursing material. Nurses will also have access to an online CPD record which can be updated with any other CPD and downloaded at any time.
Speaking about the launch, Noel Fitzpatrick said; “The Fitzpatrick Learning Academy is founded on the belief that by coming together and supporting each other through collaborative learning, each and every one of us can advance our profession, be as good as we would ever hope to be and ultimately, deliver the best possible care for our patients.”
He added; “We know that within the veterinary nursing profession, one of the issues is that nurses feel they don’t get the credit they deserve. We wanted to help change that and to empower veterinary nurses by creating a dedicated worldwide veterinary nursing community where nurses can come together, share in the pursuit of knowledge, support each other through the development of social networks and access the most innovative and exciting CPD available.”
The Fitzpatrick Learning Academy will develop and release a number of learning products in different formats for both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in the future.
Josey Killner, Head Nurse of Training at Fitzpatrick Referrals commented; “We recognised that there was not enough CPD for Veterinary Nurses out there and we know that it can be difficult taking time out of the practice to attend events, so we listened, thought and came up with a solution. The programme has been developed by veterinary nurses for veterinary nurses and learning has been designed to be faster than any other form of CPD. Nurses can learn when it suits them, meaning it doesn’t impact on their normal working day at their practice.”
Annual subscription to Veterinary Nursing CPD costs £600 + VAT with a £50 reduction for BVNA registered nurses. Veterinary Nurses who register before 30 September will also receive an introductory discount of £100.
For more information, please visit www.fitzpatricklearning.com.
