Methods of continuing professional education preferred by Irish pediatric nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the continuing professional education (CPE) of pediatric nurses in Ireland and establish if and in what ways pediatric nurses are taking part in CPE as well as factors that might assist or hinder pediatric nurses in undertaking CPE.


METHODS
A stratified random sample of 205 registered children's nurses (RCNs) completed a questionnaire.


RESULTS
RCNs in Ireland use a variety of methods of CPE, the most popular being journal reading, while the least popular method is the use of computerized journal databases and the internet. Many RCNs appear to lack the computer skills necessary to utilize these methods of CPE.


CONCLUSIONS
The favored methods of CPE by RCNs need to be utilized and promoted in the practice setting in order to ensure RCNs are up to date in the provision of quality care to pediatric patients.
Doyle
Carmel
C
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. carmel.doyle@tcd.ie
D000328:Adult; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*