ABOUT

Background to the FoNS Developing Practice Subscribers' Area

What are the benefits of subscribing?

What will my responsibilities as a subscriber be?

How do I become a subscriber?

Can I subscribe if I live outside of the UK?

Background to the FoNS Developing Practice Subscribers' Area

The Foundation of Nursing Studies (FoNS) Developing Practice Subscribers' Area has grown out of a longstanding relationship between FoNS and the Developing Practice Network (DPN), previously the Practice Development Forum (PDF). FoNS has nurtured and supported this network for almost 15 years, during which time, the two organisations have worked together with the common purpose of supporting practitioners involved in developing practice to improve patient care. In more recent years, the challenges (both practical and financial) of supporting an active network has resulted in an over reliance on the good will of a few individuals with FoNS providing website development and support free of charge. Whilst not underestimating the commitment of the co-ordinating committee, it has been difficult to maintain an active network for members.

In recognition of the DPN's enduring committment to supporting practice development and to ensure that those involved in practice development continue to have access to dynamic networking opportunities, the two organisations (FoNS and DPN) have agreed that the DPN will become part of FoNS, integrating into its' networking and sharing activities. This decision has enabled the creation of this new and exciting subscription based service for individuals, teams and organisations which FoNS is committed to continuing to develop over the coming months and years.

Vision for the FoNS Developing Practice Subscribers' Area

Individuals, teams and organisations will have access to dynamic networking and development opportunities which will improve healthcare practice and the experience of care by developing and sharing knowledge and expertise through practice development.

Aim of the FoNS Developing Practice Subscribers' Area

To enable active networking between individuals, teams and organisations for the purpose of nuturing, developing and sharing knowledge and expertise about effective practice development.

Objectives of the FoNS Developing Practice Subscribers' Area

• Maintain a live database of subscribers to enable individuals, teams and organisations to network effectively
• Maintain a dynamic microsite (as part of the FoNS website) to enable individuals, teams and organisations to access resources and share knowledge and expertise
• Grow a community of practitioners who are interested and/or involved in practice development and develop a variety of opportunities to enable learning from and with others
• Provide regular information to subscribers relating to learning and development opportunities
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What are the benefits of becoming a subscriber?

• Opportunities to network with a community of practitioners who are intersted and/or involved in practice development by using:
  • the searchable database
  • the quick and easy network and share email facility
• Access to resources, expertise and new learning and development opportunities including:
  • themed teleconferences
  • facilitated telephone group clinical supervision
  • PD tools and publications to download
• Receiving regular news updates about events, support and development opportunities
• Having the opportunity to contribute to the future development of this new resource
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What will my responsibilities as a subscriber be?

• Keep your on-line subscribers' record up-to-date
• Be an active networker i.e. share your experiences, learning, knowledge and skills with others
• Actively participate in the learning and development opportunities that are offered (involvement in some of the activities available could contribute towards your PREP (CPD) requirements and your personal professional profiles see:http://www.nmc-uk.org/aFrameDisplay.aspx?DocumentID=1636 )
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the site by sharing resources, information etc. and offering constructive feedback on the site content, activities, ideas for future developments etc.
• Share information about the Developing Practice Subscribers' Area with others to encourage the community to grow as this will enhance the networking and sharing opportunities/experience for all
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How do I become a subscriber?

Becoming a subscriber to the FoNS Developing Practice Subscribers' Area is easy. Click here to go to the on-line subscription form. Subscription costs £40 per year and can be paid on-line using PayPal.

Can I subscribe if I live outside of the UK?

All healthcare practitioners working in any healthcare setting across the world who are interested in practice development are welcome to subscribe. If you are subscribing from outside of the UK, please be aware that payment will have to be made on-line in pounds sterling, and you may not be able to benefit from all the resources in the first instance as telephone group supervision and teleconferences are likely to take place at times convenient to subscribers within the UK. However, this will depend on demand as international conferences, for example, could be arranged subject to interest.