Professional development needs of registered nurses practicing at a military community hospital.
BACKGROUND
Focus groups were used to determine what factors need to be considered when designing a professional development program for RNs practicing at a military community hospital.


METHODS
Six focus groups were formed with RNs from multiple directorates and settings within various specialties.


RESULTS
Five thematic groupings were identified: 1) specific professional development needs for leadership, clinical/specialty practice, competence development, and maintenance, 2) methods for providing continuing education, 3) methods for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of continuing education, 4) barriers to professional development, and 5) professional development issues impacting retention of military nurses.


CONCLUSIONS
The professional development needs of RNs practicing in military hospitals are complex and multifaceted. The thematic groupings identified guided the design of a professional development program for RNs.
Bibb
Sandra C
SC
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, California 92055, USA.
Malebranche
Mark
M
Crowell
Debra
D
Altman
Colleen
C
Lyon
Sylvia
S
Carlson
Ariel
A
Miller
Steven
S
Miller
Teresa
T
Rybarczyk
Jeanine
J
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002140:California; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000592:standards*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006772:Hospitals, Military; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008888:Military Nursing / Q000193:education*; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D016730:Program Development; D013192:Staff Development / Q000592:standards*