| dc.description.abstract | In Canada, there has been little progress in the
development and advancement of continuing nursing
education since World War II. The recent release of
national and provincial documents, the trend toward
specialization and the need for increased knowledge based
on technological changes in practice, supports the
importance of continuing nursing education and its vital
role in maintaining the credibility of the profession.
The purpose of this study was to investigate and
describe the continuing education needs of registered
nurses in Northwestern Ontario. A Needs Assessment‘s
Framework for Continuing Nursing Education was developed
to answer the research questions. The research design
involved mailing a questionnaire to 800 registered nurses
in Northwestern Ontario and personal interviews with ten
participants. Data was analyzed using descriptive and
correlation statistics.
Continuing education needs were defined, as well as
the factors which influence these needs. The findings
indicated that nurses in Northwestern Ontario were
interested in pursuing continuing education. However, the
majority were not currently participating in continuing education. The results suggest that geographical
location, educational preparation, area of employment and
motivational considerations affect continuing education
needs and are predictors of participation. Other
variables, such as; "valuing" of continuing education,
the need for professional upgrading, accessible
educational offerings, educational delivery methods, the
variety of educational needs and the busy lifestyles of
the nurses surveyed, suggest trends or influences which
may impact the continuing education needs of registered
nurses in Northwestern Ontario.
The present study also has several implications for
continuing nursing education in Northwestern Ontario. The
findings indicate that continuing education must be
recognized and valued by nurses, employers and the
profession as a whole. Educational offerings could then
be planned and offered in a collaborative approach to
meet the nurses needs. The results of this study also
indicate that further research is required to explore
motivational orientations, appropriate learning methods,
barriers to participation, and to investigate the
effectiveness of the voluntary model for continuing
education. | |
