Continuing professional development: investment or expectation?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to explore the reason for nurses' participation in postregistration education.


BACKGROUND
The study was located in one third level institution in Ireland and prospective candidates who applied to undertake a programme of studies were invited to complete the postal questionnaire and return it to the college anonymously in advance of commencing their studies.


METHODS
A descriptive survey research design was adopted with the use of a questionnaire for data collection. The respondents had an opportunity to make additional comments in a questionnaire, which generated some qualitative data.


RESULTS
A total of 243 questionnaires were returned which represented a 46.7% response rate. The major reasons for participating in postregistration education were 'to obtain promotion to a higher grade/position' (99%) and 'to enable me extend my clinical role' (98%).


CONCLUSIONS
Investment in nursing education should take into account the reasons for participation in continuing education and professional development as identified in this study and in other studies so as to focus efforts that improve planning for long-term continuing education and professional development. The adoption of such a strategic approach by employers will ensure more precise targeting of scarce continuing education and professional development resources. Equally, expectation without adequate investment is not realistic if the profession wants to move forward in this era of rapid change in the delivery of health care.
Joyce
Pauline
P
School of Healthcare Management, Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. pjoyce@rcsi.ie
Cowman
Seamus
S
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002322:Career Mobility; D002568:Certification / Q000458:organization & administration; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004518:Education, Professional, Retraining / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D009042:Motivation; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D013041:Specialties, Nursing / Q000193:education; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014146:Training Support / Q000458:organization & administration