Problems in the outcomes of nursing education create challenges for continuing education.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges for continuing education by evaluating nurses' perceptions of quality of learning outcomes among graduates of nursing programs in Finland. The evaluation occurred 5 years after graduation from a bachelor's program, which means that learning outcomes can be weighed against the practice of nursing.


METHODS
The data were collected in 1996 by postal questionnaires, which were divided into four main domains--basic nursing skills, interactive skills, counseling skills, and collaborative skills. The sample consisted of 522 graduating nursing students. The response rate was 68% (n = 354).


RESULTS
The respondents felt most confident with their basic nursing, collaborative, and counseling skills. They felt least confident with their interactive skills, particularly with patients with alcohol or drug addiction problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The results highlight some of the strengths and weaknesses of the nurse education system and provide insights for continuing education.
Leino-Kilpi
H
H
Department of Nursing, University of Turku, Finland.
Solante
S
S
Katajisto
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003376:Counseling / Q000592:standards; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000592:standards*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000592:standards*; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000592:standards; D020377:Self Efficacy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000451:nursing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires